Have you ever had a day when you barely start sipping your morning coffee, and a friend or colleague calls and asks for a favor? And not just any favor, but one that calls for first-time-in-your-life action items?
“Good morning, Theo. I have a big favor to ask you.”
“Sure, Indy, let me hear it,” I said as I stirred the sugar in my steamy black coffee.
“I’m out of town, and so is the rest of my team. We are nominees at the Seminole Business Awards, and I need you to represent us.”
“What is it I need to do again? Do I just go to the venue and pick up the tag that reads CCI Group and wear it proudly?”
“Ha-ha! Not quite. There’s a tiny chance we win an award since the Seminole County Chamber nominated us in two categories: Small Business and Minority-owned Company of the year.”
“That sounds great, congratulations! So does it mean I’ll have to go on stage?” I asked, already at a loss of words.
“Well, yes. And you’ll be sharing the stage with Jason Brodeur, the senator, and you may have to give a short speech in front of a few hundred—but I know you can handle it. You got this, Theo.”
A few hours later, I found myself at the Marriott Lake Mary. It was my first time at that venue and in the quaint city of Lake Mary. A few minutes later, I walked into the event’s spacious conference room, dotted with many round tables and white table tops.
Sharply dressed members had already arrived, occupying about two-thirds of the meeting room. Everyone was a perfect stranger, the non-threatening type.
My contact, whom I had just met, ushered me to the assigned table, where I met with a lively mix of chamber members. Two gentlemen represented the Orlando City Soccer Club, and the young man sitting on my right was an event promoter from the Orlando Magic. The women across the table participated in the UCF Incubator program for entrepreneurs.
After lunch, the Chamber executives officially announced the award nominees.The latter represented several sectors, from non-profits and health services to construction and business services. Enthralled by the variety of small businesses under one roof, I forgot I had not prepared any speech. Fortunately, my concern was short- lived. I saw how the first winner received her award and simply smiled and posed for a
picture. “Good, I can do that.”
Mr. Brodeur announced the CCI Group as an award winner. My heart wasn’t racing, but my mind was. So many memories rushed along, from Indy’s first weeks of training in professional interpreting to her humble beginnings as a freelancer and now the owner of a business gaining traction and recognition.
When I put down the award at the table and positioned it to snap a picture, I realized how fitting its design was: transparent, unassuming, and steady—some, but not all, of the qualities one finds in Indy and her inspired team.
The event concluded, and I paraded my way out, carefully holding the glass-crafted award with both hands. Some of the attendees congratulated me, and others simply smiled and nodded. On the shiny surface, it was a vicarious win. And yet, taking on a string of first-time activities can come along with a streak of rewarding experiences.
So I’ve learned.
