3. Three lessons from meeting the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau
In May 2023, my husband and I had a truly special opportunity to attend a closed meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and St. Thomas Mayor, Joe Preston. When we received the meeting invitation, we had no idea who we would be meeting with. All we knew was that it was a highly-ranked government official. You can imagine the surprise when I discovered it was the Prime Minister, and I would be seated right beside him!
Reflecting on this unforgettable experience, I want to share three key lessons that I learned:
The Impact of Small Actions: As I look back on the journey that led me to that meeting, I realized that every small step I took since moving to St. Thomas, Ontario in Fall 2022 played a significant role. Whether it was attending local community events, reaching out to business and community leaders for coffee chats, or co-founding the Young Entrepreneurs' Initiative for business owners under 40, each seemingly insignificant action helped build the social capital that eventually led to my invitation. It reminded me that every effort, no matter how small, matters when driven by purpose and a genuine desire to serve others.
Prepare for Opportunities Before They Exist: This meeting taught me the importance of being proactive and prepared for opportunities even before they exist. Weeks before the invitation, I had immersed myself in the trends and upcoming developments for the city. I had brainstormed challenges and opportunities on the horizon and discussed potential ways to navigate them within my close circle. Little did I know that these efforts would position me to make the most of this rare opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister. It reinforced the notion that success is not solely a result of luck but a product of active preparation and readiness.
Continue to Invest in Yourself: I was amazed by the unusual level of calm I felt during the meeting. Just three years ago, I would have been trembling, stuttering, or sweating profusely in such situations. Instead, I shared my story and recommendations with unwavering conviction and confidence. This transformation was not a mere accident but the result of a gradual and consistent investment in my mindset and skills.
In conclusion, this experience has served as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within us and the opportunities that can arise from the seemingly small actions we take both in private and in public.
Take a moment to reflect on your own journey and how these lessons can shape your path, opening doors to incredible opportunities. Let us embrace the possibilities that lie ahead and continue making a meaningful impact in the world together.
A special shoutout to Elle Crevits for extending the meeting invitation! Stay tuned for future articles on how Elle, my husband, and I co-founded the St Thomas Young Entrepreneurs Initiative.
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About Amarachi Kejeh
Amarachi Kejeh (MBA, FP&A) is an IAP2 award-winning strategic planning consultant and educator with a wealth of experience serving organizations across North America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Based out of St. Thomas, Ontario, Amarachi primarily caters to clients across London and Southwestern Ontario, while also delivering her expertise to clients across Canada and internationally upon request. With her passion for creating positive change and her extensive knowledge in strategic planning, Amarachi is committed to empowering organizations and communities to thrive and make a lasting impact.
Interested in how she can serve you? Visit www.amarachikejeh.com/contact.
