Yesterday, I went to hear a CEO speak at the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Every morning that I see this ahead on my calendar, I groan a little to myself that I have to wear a traditional dark suit that day. Even a skirt. Now I dress often more casually, more comfortably. Some days, I wear jeans to the office.
Each time I walk into one of these event, I am swept away by the sea of black. Almost all men. I feel I've jumped back in time. After 15 years in Corporate America I often wondered why we bothered with all the formality that gets in the way of real conversation. White linen table cloths, china, a lot of forks and spoons all around your plate. And sometimes I wished I was in a simple bar drinking a beer with friends.
Happily, this event usually serves a good purpose. Carsten Schloter, Swisscom CEO, proved intensive and focused as I imagined him from my reading. In fact, we often hear someone interesting and see them talk up-close and personal. I would rarely have this opportunity in another larger city than Zurich. Such events in London or New York would be huge and difficult to even commute to...I walk 5 mins!
I have nearly always enjoyed an interesting conversation at my table. This time with a Reuters reporter (not wearing a suit) and an ex-Pat American consultant.
Maybe I've learned to be myself, even when dressed like a man...or as a friend calls it "a penguin." Anyway, it's not so often now; no sacrifice of my personal life required.
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