This is my take on the words from a song, “The Life of Riley” by the Lightning Seeds (released in 1994 and written by Ian Zachary Broudie).  The song, the tune and the words never fail to make me smile.  Perhaps that’s because it was the theme tune to a series of successful corporate communications events that I attended not quite 20 years ago.  Well, maybe that’s me being too modest.  I performed (excerpts from a change story I’d created) on stage, in the round, and after significant coaching from an RSC actor and an amazing production team.

Seeing myself live on the huge screens around the perimeter of the different conference venues was both daunting and liberating.  I’m not a natural in front of a camera, although I do like storytelling and encouraging others to create stories which bring their talents to life.  And then there’s the performance.  I’ve cherished the memories of practicing my lines out loud to an almost empty auditorium and valued rehearsal ever since.  I wasn’t perfect but I learned to own the stage and even managed a smile for the audience.  These were learned skills.  Momentarily I was the hero of my story.

In the intervening years I’ve used what I learned from my performance coach, although I still feel a little uneasy about raising my hands and revealing my armpits.  Performance is everywhere right now.  The power of social media is undisputed.  Friendships have been sustained, families have been updated and clients have been retained.  Video calls have been keeping colleagues and businesses connected, although we all miss the office kitchen and its magical qualities.

I’m a longstanding fan of film when I’m not in the frame.  But there is nowhere to hide.  A confident and effective interviewer undeterred by the medium, as well as an impactful coach and workshop facilitator, it is my time to conquer the camera.  My video interview skills are strong, building rapport and remote coaching comes naturally.  Stepping outside my comfort zone, it was time to take a great big dollop of my own advice, “Remember to ask for help”.

And that’s how I met the brilliant Clare Jones of Bright Light Film.  We chatted about what I wanted to do, simplifying my message and how it could work.  With enthusiastic (and behind the scenes) encouragement from Rob Watt, I created my script.  Clare understood my apprehension, helped me to relax and reminded me to smile for her camera.  Once again, I wasn’t perfect, but neither was my first interview or my stage debut.  I’m celebrating that there’s opportunity for improvement.

I may be a little late to the party, although I’m delighted that this old dog has learned a few new tricks.  There are a million opportunities out there and I’d love to hear your story – let’s talk.