A room full of energy, goodwill and interesting, generous people
“The energy in the room and genuine goodwill,” was Jenny Britt’s answer to the 2023 Alumni Dinner feedback form question, ‘what stood out for you?’.
For Pieta Shakes it was “the calibre of the people in attendance”. For Briar Stevens, the “opportunity to meet and talk to some really interesting people”. For Margaret Burdeu, “the range of women and the generosity of people at the event”.
The venue was lovely. The food was terrific. Although year after year, what matters most when it comes to the annual Alumni Dinner is being able to connect with a bunch of great women and gender diverse people who met through my KickStarter and Accelerator programs.
Building energy with a bonding group shot
After the prebooked headshots were lined up and taken before the dinner’s 6.30pm start time on Wednesday 4 October 2023, photographer Shaney ushered the group towards the garden outside of University House.
Around 50 of the 200-stong Take on Board alumni jostled and joked as Shaney took a group shot from the venue’s second-floor window. It was a great meet-and-greet kick-off.
As for the headshots, we limited the number to 20 this year to make sure dinner kicked off at the 7.15pm start time. Sensational Shaney did her usual thing of shifting people to the right spot, fixing people’s hair, rearranging outfits. She takes only one minute per headshot. Someone said that Shaney feels like part of the community. True!
The venue was lovely. The food was terrific.
The Welcome to Country is a popular and important part of the night. It was even more “profound and moving” this year, in the lead up to The Voice referendum.
This year I booked Wurundjeri Elder Julieanne Axford through the Wurundjeri Corporation, who spoke about the history of the Wurundjei Woi Wurrung.
Then dinner was served, starting with the incredible entrée of Meredith dairy pepperberry chevre tartlet, balsamic glazed beetroot, orange and roquette salad. There were two delicious main meals to choose from. All dietary requirements were catered for.
Everyone was happy to get up and move around
Then it was time for ‘table switcheroo’! After the first course I moved from table to table and shuffled people around so everyone got the chance to meet and chat to someone new.
“I really liked the ‘forced’ table swap,” Pieta Shakes said in her feedback form. “This was a great idea as I am typically prone to ending up chatting to the same safe person or hiding in a corner by myself, so this little change again highlighted the focus being on meeting people and forming connections.”
Wrapping up with board marketplace
Board marketplace is an important part of any Take on Board event, whether it be the dinner or other events such as the Take on Board breakfasts (check the events calendar). Many have discovered their next board role through a Take on Board event!
“Anyone have a board role they’d like to advertise?” I had called out to the room. “Or does anyone want to advertise themselves for a board role?”
Tonya Scibilia kicked off board marketplace by talking about a board opportunity with CERES. Susan Slattery spoke on behalf of Australian Marist Solidarity. Julie Ken from Gender Equity Victoria talked about a treasurer role. Kate Badgery-Parker on how The Onemda Association is also looking for a treasurer. Conor Costella for Environment Victoria. Leigh Svendsen for Amicus Community Services. Caroline Pilot for Mambourin. Fiona Wahr for Melbourne Polytechnic and the vocational education sector overall. Pieta Shakes for Through the Unexpected.
I love board marketplace. Not only do we get to hear about new board roles, we also get to find out about each other’s board roles and boardroom expectations and changes.
Heartfelt tears and gratitude
Just as we were getting ready to grab our bags and coats and say our farewells, the fabulous Margaret Burdeu took the mic and addressed the room.
“I think all of us have experienced the wonderment that is Helga,” Margaret said on the night, “and I think we should give her a great big clap and say ‘thank you’. It’s not just the community you bring together, but what you do for each of us.”
Yes, I had a little bit of a weep. The gratitude goes both ways. The community has evolved into something bigger and more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. I love every moment of it. Thank you for getting involved. And thanks to everyone who joined us for dinner.
Continue to meet, connect and have fun…
There are a number of ways you can maintain connections. Use the phone numbers and email addresses exchanged on the night (they’re also in the dinner booklet).
The alumni have access to the very active wider Take on Board community through:
These groups play a big role in supporting our boardroom journeys.
The Take on Board podcast sits at the core of this community. It’s where I explore topics suggested by community members. I announce events and special opportunities. You can subscribe through your favourite podcast app. I would love it if you would share an episode with a friend who might be interested. Ratings and reviews are also welcome.
