President's Update - January 2021

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

If you had one word to live by this year, what would it be?

"Intention" would be mine.

You see, every decision we make takes us on a different path. And as leaders, these decisions can significantly shift the needle on the compass for our people and our business.

Settling into the new year, we can find ourselves swept away into the day-to-day activities, being pulled into meetings and called upon to fight fires.

This year, I seek to sit with intention each morning and have the clarity to make decisions that serve the future. I must remind myself that long-term thinking will improve my short-term decision making.

To help you on your journey of growth and learning, we have sent you all an exclusively branded EO Melbourne OAK Journal. This tool was created by an EO member in Colorado who has tied in some of the most life-changing techniques from books such as Mastering the Rockefeller Habits and Scaling Up in the one journal.

2021, I am ready for you.

Warmest regards, 

Sheryl Thai 
President 2020/2021

President's Update - December

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

A year that simultaneously feels as if it’s been the fastest yet longest 366 days.

A year that has pushed all of us into realms of discomfort and growth.

A year that will go down in history for all the right and wrong reasons.

There’s something comforting about starting a new year fresh, even if it’s only a clock’s hand tick away from the year before. The significance of being able to turn to a new page on a brand new year can bring a sense of relief and a spark of optimism.

We’ve all been dealt with some nice curveballs this year, and as we arrive at the tail end of 2020, there’s only one last thing left to do.

To celebrate.

Celebrate with those, such as our team, that stood by us.

Celebrate with those that supported us and inspired us.

Celebrate with those we love most.

On that note, it was wonderful to have celebrated with so many of you at our Christmas lunch. Even though we may have broken a few rules (bound to happen with 100 entrepreneurs in one room!) it didn’t dull the fact that we were finally able to clink glasses and share laughs.

We’ve got a full schedule of events planned for early 2021 so rest up, recharge and we’ll see you in the new year.

Keep the celebrations going until then!

Warmest regards, 

Sheryl Thai 
President 2020/2021

EO Melbourne events during the first half of 2020-2021

It is halfway through the 2020-2021 term, and amidst all the challenges of lockdown and other restrictions, EO Melbourne has endeavoured to provide various avenues for its community of entrepreneurs, as well as their families, to grow in their journey.

A well-attended Mentorship Program Launch and Online Training.

Despite events taking place virtually, it didn’t stop the chapter from coming up with interesting, informational and enjoyable activities that are beneficial to its members. Here are some of the online events that have happened for the last six months:

Learning events

Committed to providing opportunities for personal and professional growth and development to its members, EO Melbourne has lined up several learning events online that could equip them with tools and additional knowledge.

This included webinars and Zoom calls with experts and business leaders who shared their experiences, lessons learned and insights to the EO community. These virtual talks featured the following speakers: Jeffrey Cole (The Coronavirus Disruption Project), Dr Emma Fulu and Hannah Kassay (Diversity and Inclusion), Austin McChord (his entrepreneurial journey), Joe Pane and Katerina Papamarkou (Readjusting to life after lockdown), Adam Ross (Launching a VC-backed startup during the pandemic), and Adam Bennett (In conversation with a “White Hat Hacker”).

There were also member-led virtual events such as the “Building Brands that Last” with Andrew McKinnon and the “Influencer Marketing” with Hannah Vasicek. There were also various online sessions with the chapter’s Strategic Alliance Partners like Airwallex, BlueRock, EOS, and Evans & Partners.

Moreover, it was a successful Mentorship Program launch and online training that saw the participation of 27 pairs of mentors and mentees.

Socials and family events

Apart from the learning events, EO also organised social events to provide fun and light moments for the members and even their families.

There were virtual wine tasting nights where participants and their partners enjoyed a thing or two about winemaking while exchanging stories over bottles of wine. It was an entertaining and magical day for parents and kids as they learned new tricks from Australia’s greatest magician, Cosentino, during the EO Academy of Magic.

With the absence of physical gatherings, EO came up with catch-up events, such as the Chat Roulette and Needs & Leads, that allowed members to get to know one another and lend support to each other.

APAC events

The EO Asia-Pacific region has also put together several webinars and special interest virtual events for chapters within the area. The APAC Celebrity Webinars featured the likes of Marc Randolph of Netflix, Jack Daly, Dr Angus Hervey and Tane Hunter of Future Crunch, Bhutan's former Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Starbucks Coffee Company International’s former president Howard Behar.

Meanwhile, the EO APAC Inspiring CEO Series took participants through the entrepreneurial journeys of Globe CEO Ernest Cu, Jindal Steel & Power Limited Chairman Naveen Jindal, Taylor's Education Group CEO Dato' Loy Teik Ngan, and Flight Centre Travel Group co-founder and CEO Graham “Skroo” Turner.

Apart from these activities, forums within the chapter continued to meet-up online. As restrictions are now easing after lockdown, some activities and events move towards the physical space. Although there is a face-to-face interface, safety measures and protocols are still strictly observed.

The calendar year 2020 is almost coming to an end and a new chapter in 2021 is about to unfold. Despite the challenges, EO Melbourne remains true to its mission of supporting entrepreneurial education by supporting the needs of the 360° entrepreneur through business, family, community & personal experiences and offering world-class learning events, skills-specific workshops and a venue to exchange business stories that can help its members learn and grow.

---------

Do you need this kind of support in your entrepreneurial journey? Check out here on how you can join and be part of EO Melbourne.

President's Update - November

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

Finally, we’ve reached the light at the end of the tunnel.

Businesses are opening up again. We’re able to socialise and connect in the flesh.

It feels like a huge weight has been lifted, doesn’t it?

It’s because humans are social creatures. We seek belonging and we seek understanding.

And it’s why we’ve all been pulled to join EO and be part of this community.

As much as it has been great to connect online, the time has come for us to come together and spend time face to face (socially distanced, of course).

So enjoy reconnecting with your forum buddies in person. Make an effort to grab a coffee or lunch with other EO members.

And of course, we hope you’ve RSVP’d to one of our most anticipated events for the year - our EO Melbourne Christmas Lunch. It’ll be the perfect way to cap off the year with great chats with good company and there’s sure to be some good laughs!

Warmest regards, 

Sheryl Thai 
President 2020/2021

President's Update - October

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

As we roll into the last quarter of 2020, these last few months can easily become a haze. In a blink of an eye, we’ll be welcoming a brand new year.

So how do we become more intentional about how we end the year? How do we muster up the motivation to make it truly memorable?

Here’s a start, ask yourself this question: “What are you most proud of this year?”

This year has been wild, and amidst all the uncertainty we’ve had to deal with, perhaps we haven’t given ourselves the space to recognise the accomplishments we’re truly proud of.

Invoking pride in ourselves is uplifting. It builds confidence and it brings joy. Revel in it.

Invoke pride in others by taking the time to ask your closest friends and forum buddies this powerful question next time you’re able to connect (hopefully in real life).

If you’re wondering - I’m most proud of being able to create boundaries that keep me mentally and emotionally strong. This quote was my inspiration.

“In order to lead others, you must first lead yourself.”

I'm also proud of what our chapter has achieved in the first quarter -- our high renewal rate of 87.41% (globally, we have renewed more members this year than any year in EO’s history; South Pacific Area achieved the highest renewal rate on record at 90.75%), 17 EO Melbourne events since July 2020 with Event Median Score of 9.19, and the high interest received for the Mentorship Program that we're launching next week with 27 pairs (thanks to our Mentorship Chair James Murray for driving this initiative).

Thank you to everyone who contributed to these milestones. Be proud of what you have done and look forward to the rest of the year with hope and determination.

Warmest regards, 

Sheryl Thai 
President 2020/2021

The Coronavirus Disruption Project: a webinar with Jeffrey Cole

"Daily life is far more disrupted by the pandemic than after 9/11 or the beginning of World War II, and anxiety is at levels only seen after Pearl Harbor and the Great Depression," said Jeffrey Cole, Director of the Center for the Digital Future in the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. The Center conducted a study titled "The Coronavirus Disruption Project: How We are Living and Coping During the Pandemic," which found rapid life changes and concerns as to how Americans confront the pandemic.

Jeffrey recently held a webinar with EO Melbourne on The Coronavirus Disruption Project and shared the findings of this study, which provided insights that helped better understand the thoughts of people who go through similar life experiences, anxieties and coping mechanisms.

Jeffrey has been at the forefront of media and communication technology issues both in the United States and internationally for the past three decades. An expert in the field of technology and emerging media, he serves as an adviser to governments and leading companies around the world as they craft digital strategies. In 2016, Jeffrey was one of the founders of the Global Disruption Fund (GDF), a technology investment fund based in Australia. He is one of the members of the Investment Committee identifying innovative companies and those about to be disrupted, making investments based on his work.

Veering from the Center's traditional work in annually examining digital change since the year 2000 in 35 countries, The Coronavirus Disruption Project took an extended look at life during the pandemic. As people are living through the greatest social science experiment of all time without warning or preparation, millions have had to suddenly move their work, learning, buying and everything else online. To see how everything has changed and will continue to change, Jeffrey gave a detailed look at how people have lived and coped during the crisis.

It was an insightful webinar for the attendees as Jeffrey elaborated on the data they gathered last April and June. People revealed what they missed most when isolated due to the pandemic. He also tackled people’s hobbies, habits, and sources of information with the new lifestyle that COVID-19 has brought to people's lives. With the shift of activities to the online and virtual space, the study revealed how people are navigating through the changes and how they perceive the transformations in their lives. Following his presentation was a healthy discussion as Jeffrey answered questions from the webinar participants related to the topic.

EO Melbourne continues to hold online learning events like this that allow its members and community to acquire additional knowledge and deeper understanding not only of the business environment and the entrepreneurial journey but also of the adjustments and modifications entrepreneurs can employ to adapt to the present environment.

Check out EO Melbourne’s past events in this page and its 2020-2021 Q1 events through the video at the homepage. Are you interested to be part of EO Melbourne? Read here on how to join.

President's Update - September

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

How are you doing? Are you okay?

As a fellow Melburnian & Victorian, I know better to bring up yet another reminder of the unique situation we’re finding ourselves in.

What I do want to remind you about is that, as the leaders in our companies, the amount of responsibility and pressure we have on our shoulders is incredibly unique. We have to deal with making tough decisions on a daily basis. We have to constantly think about the future and how we can survive & thrive. We have to come up with a plan C, D, E and F. 

Our businesses are very much like ships at sea. We are the captains that have to navigate the rough stormy seas and ensure our vessels reach its destination, whilst keeping our crew safe.

After almost 6 months on choppy waters, it’s been our responsibility to solve problems, restore productivity within our teams, keep the team morale up and keep this ship afloat. 

This is no small feat. 

As captains, we’ve also had to display strength and instil confidence in our crew. It is not often that we get asked if we are okay, ourselves. 

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had several fellow EOers reach out to see how I’m going. I love that in this community; we’re able to be completely honest and dive deep instantly. There’s no need to sugar coat it. There is no judgement. Just understanding.

Last Thursday was R U OK? Day, and with the lack of social interaction, it’s more important now than previous years to open up a conversation and to seek support or give support.

I want to take this opportunity to ask you, R U OK? Email me, let me know. 

Book in a session with our Resident Psychologist, Katerina, for a chat. (Her contact details are found below at the Resources Section.)

Check-in on your forum buddies individually. Reach out, open up, lend an ear.

Warmest regards, 

Sheryl Thai 
President 2020/2021

President's Update - August

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

Are you a hedgehog or a fox? 

The fox, a cunning creature, is able to devise multiple complex strategies for sneak attacks on the hedgehog. The fox eagerly waits for the hedgehog to wander on its path each day to be able to pounce and say, “Ahah, I’ve got you!” 

The hedgehog rolls its eyes and says, “Here we go again, will the fox ever learn?” and rolls into a ball with its sharp spikes flaring out. The fox, midway through pouncing, sees the hedgehogs defence and calls off the attack. 

Each day, this game of fox and hedgehog continues, but despite every calculated attack, the hedgehog always wins. 

Last month, we saw 75 of us from EO Melbourne join in a stellar exclusive event with Jim Collins. As I trawled through my list of learnings, one key learning rolled out at me... the hedgehog concept.

“The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.”

Understanding what you can be the best at is incredibly powerful. As Jim mentions, this requires piercing insight and egoless clarity. And to dive deep into the core of what you believe your company is the best at -- takes effort, honesty and awareness. 

I’ve read the book Good To Great before. I understood the concepts, but it wasn’t until I leaned on EO was I able to really put this into practice. This goes with much of the ongoing leadership learning, I find ways to intentionally integrate it into my life through EO. 

• Forum - being my first and foremost go-to for accountability and experience share.

• Secondly, being active in the wider EO community, whether it be our private WhatsApp group, Facebook group or finding new members to connect with on our Member’s Directory.

We all know by now that knowledge is not enough. We really must “do” to reap the benefits. Otherwise, we just continue to consume and become knowledge chubby.

What you’re part of here is much more than just a bunch of interesting events where people come together. 

EO is a whole entire ecosystem of valuable connections, a support network to help you stay on course, a gateway to a life without limits. Use it. 

Warmest regards, 

Sheryl Thai 
President 2020/2021

President's Update - July

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

Apocalypse!

If you tuned into our End-of-Year Gala celebration a month ago, you would have heard me start my welcome speech with this bizarre word. In all honesty, I knew I had a tough job on my hands to grab your attention as the celebration was held virtually for the first time in EO Melbourne history. I hoped it worked.

The point I wanted to get across was that, yes, 2020 has been a challenging year for many of us. Every month that goes by feels as though we’ve graduated to the next level of Jumanji. 

The usual problems that get thrown our way have morphed into something we never imagined we would ever have to deal with. 

This is where the magic of EO presents itself. As a global community, we have the power at our fingertips to connect with another member and resources to figure out how to overcome them. We can also take some solace in knowing that we are not alone in this.

It’s been one hell of a rollercoaster, and as we are now in our second lockdown, what the future holds continues to be clear as mud. But in times of adversity, we all know that this is the time that we, as entrepreneurs, need to demonstrate resilience and rise to lead our teams forward. 

We need to remind ourselves that our businesses were founded on hope. We all started with a seedling of an idea, and it was through our optimism, hard work, creativity and hope that it was able to grow into something bigger than ourselves.

On that note, I leave you with our theme for the year, Lead with Hope.

It is with great honour and privilege that I serve as President for EO Melbourne 2020/21. Standing alongside my fellow Board Members, I’m excited about the ideas that we’re working on to make the EO year ahead into a memorable one - for the right reasons! Our chapter is strong, the engagement (the only giant WhatsApp group I have unmuted) and solidarity are out of this world.

Reach out to any of us on the Board at any time, we’re here for you.

Warmest regards, 

Sheryl Thai 
President 2020/2021

President's Update - June

From the President

"We've aged a generation in the past [120 days]. What matters has sharply come into focus. Family matters. Love matters. Kindness matters. Health matters. Generosity matters. People matter. Community matters. The rest is just noise.

Aside from physical distancing, the biggest thing you can do right now is to choose to see the best in each other. Be kind. Be patient. Be tolerant.

Be quick to help out in any way that you can. Be forgiving when you would otherwise be upset. See things through the eyes of others and try to understand where they are coming from.

Seek out opportunities for generosity. Reconnect with your community. Reconnect with yourself. Reconnect with your priorities. Live them." - Anonymous

Dear EO Melbourne,

Your Board and I have the awesome responsibility to leave the Chapter better and stronger than how we found it. The phrase “better and stronger” is our north star, and this north star forms every single decision that we make.

Earlier this week as I reflected on the achievements of our Chapter and our Board, I quickly realised that far greater than the progress we have made as a Chapter, there is something more important that I need to write to and I do a disservice to this Chapter and its Members by not focusing on what truly matters. In spite of the crisis that we find ourselves living through, we have become more human. We have become kinder, more gracious, and more patient.

Who can forget March when our world and our lives turned upside down?

Collectively, we have lost much, but I’d like to challenge this narrative and suggest that we have also gained much, too.

We have gained time to slow down, the opportunity to strip out the nonessential and examine — really examine — what’s most important in our lives: (1) time to spend with those we love and whom in turn love us; and (2) the chance to rediscover our own humanity so that we grow into becoming kinder, more gracious, more compassionate, more patient, and more human.

We have no certainty on when this global pandemic will end, but the one thing that we can do is to lean into relationships that we have with one another, to lean further into our values (the same values that unite so many of us), to come together as a community and a family, and to celebrate each and every victory no matter how small or inconsequential they may seem.

For all of us, the last 120 days have been difficult, unsettling, destabilising and, at times, heartbreaking. Sometimes, all at once. However, I know that it is during times of crisis that great leaders and acts of great leadership emerge and that during this crisis, we as a Chapter chose the path that brings us closer together and not the path that forces us apart.

I have witnessed Members reaching out their hand in genuine care and support. Simple acts such as picking up the phone, making a call—even if just to check in—can mean the world. It can be that small boost that provides the courage for others to just hold on a little bit longer. And the Board, it has the core belief put into action that “no Member will be left behind”, which symbolises that we have decided we are better together.

It is in times like these that our humanity shines through. It shows that we are not alone; and that we are better and stronger together.

To you all, to our Board…this is what I am most proud of.

And so it is with immense pride and satisfaction, as I write my final letter that signals the end of my tenure as President, that the Board and I leave this Chapter better, stronger and, above all, more connected.

It has been an incredible honour to serve as your President, and I hope that I have earned the privilege of your trust.

I wish you and your families the very best of health and success in the months to come.

Thank you.

With warmth and gratitude,

Kym Huynh

President 2019/2020

President's Update - May

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

Reflecting on what I most want to share with everyone this month, an idea my mind turns back to is that of service. From the contribution I have witnessed Member-to-Member as we collectively lean on each other (“we are stronger together”), to being witness to our Board ideate, plan and execute our 90-day Member Support Plan and thinking beyond, to watching our Chapter management team learn how to navigate the technologies of webinars and think outside-the-box, to Past Presidents and tenured Members appearing out of the woodwork to support, guide and lead, one word that encapsulates the entirety of the above is “service”.

It is heartening to see that our Resident Psychologist (Chapter-supported and funded) has been timely and valuable to Members, which we have rallied around the idea that if a Member wishes to engage with EO next year EO will find a way to make that happen, that we come to the end of our 12-week webinar series on navigating COVID-19 and preparing for the world post-COVID-19, and that we dedicate time and energy to the preparation of our incoming Board to continue and elevate the good work of our current Board.

And so it is with immense pride and joy, as I consider the coming end of my tenure as President, that the Board and I will leave this Chapter stronger and more connected than how we found it. I firmly believe that as a leader, no higher compliment can be given than the knowledge that you are no longer needed and that your contribution has been both vital and mattered. As such, in the words of Walter Gropius, “If your contribution has been vital there will always be somebody to pick up where you left off, and that will be your claim to immortality.”

With that, I look forward to seeing everyone online on 19 June for our Virtual End-of-Year Gala and Board Handover as we celebrate our individual and collective efforts in making us stronger and more connected with each other. Similarly, let us show our support to the incoming Board as they usher to a new era for our chapter.

As we close this month’s update, I invite you to join me in reflecting on how we can make this year ”Our Best Year Yet!” As we enter into a world post-COVID-19 and find our feet again, I encourage everyone to think of that one thing that if you achieve it, will make you want to jump up on the table, pop open a bottle of champagne, and start dancing. So that when the end of June comes, we can look forward to carrying forward our greatest learnings so that this year, in spite of its challenges and heartache, will be one that was “Our Best Year Yet!”

With warmth and gratitude,

Kym Huynh

President 2019/2020

President's Update - April

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

EO is here for you. As we approach renewals, if a Member wants to stay in EO, EO will find a way to make that happen by combining 3 support packages: (1) Global; (2) Local; and (3) Scholarship Fund (to provide renewal relief for those severely impacted by COVID-19).

On Friday, 8 May, we will announce the Local Support Package and information on how to access the Scholarship Fund if your business has been impacted.

As a Board, we have unanimously adopted the idea that “No Member Will Be Left Behind”, and I am both honoured and proud to see our Board adopt and run with this idea.

Global’s support package for Members can be surmised as follows:

• Financial Support: All Members to receive a USD $600 credit applied to renewal fees

• Delaying Renewal Payment(s): Members won't need to pay renewal fees until 30 September

• Payment Flexibility: Pay in full or divide into 2 payments

• Extraordinary Financial Hardship: Members who have been severely impacted can request for additional help by contacting EO directly

• Waiver of Re-Qualification/Re-Certification Requirements: No re-qualification requirements for FY 2020/2021 and 2021/2022

• No Re-Join Fee for 5-Years: Members can leave and re-join within 5 years without re-join fees. (6 months minimum period away.)

• Free Training, Free Strategic Summits for Chapter Board Members and Moderator Training Program for Forum Moderators

• Accelerator Support Package, USD $400 credit applied to renewal fees. Payment instalment options. Scholarship for Members severely impacted. Waiver of re-qualification for FY 2021/2022. There is no re-join fee if rejoining prior to July 2022.

It has been inspiring to see Members band together and support one another over the last 90 days. From the special Forum One2One pairings that make sure we stay connected to the Board-to-Member phone calls that are in progress, from the use of our Resident Psychologist that is completely confidential and supported and funded by our Chapter to our Members sharing their knowledge and stories on our weekly webinar series, sometimes all it takes is a phone call to check in on one another.

As we sign off for April, I wish to acknowledge and give thanks to (in order of appearance) fellow Members who appeared as guests on our weekly webinar series to support and uplift others: David Kelly, Ken Matthews, Jeni Clift, Rob Rankin, Ryan Magdiarz, Jason Bertalli, James Murray, Arosh Fernando, William Du, Aaron Smith, Gary Tramer, Rory Boyle.

It would also be remiss of me to not express my gratitude and appreciation for our Past President Carlo Santoro who has religiously appeared beside me every week to support, host and moderate our Members-only weekly webinars.

Finally, as always, I invite you to join me in reflecting on how we can make this year ”Our Best Year Yet!” With the recent crisis, the lens at which I look at this statement has changed, and as I close off this month’s update, I consider that it is during times of crisis that great leaders emerge. Within our Chapter, I have seen great leadership on every level.

We are all in this together and we will get through this together.

With warmth, gratitude and hope,

Kym Huynh

President 2019/2020

President’s Special Update on FY 20/21 Renewals

From the President

To all EO Melbourne Members,

At 9:00 PM this evening, EO Global will be releasing details of a global support package addressing the current challenging circumstances. We too, in the EO Melbourne Chapter, will be providing a local support package to sit alongside EO Global's support.

As your Chapter President, I will convene our Chapter Board of Directors following tonight’s announcement so we can define these local measures in addition to Global’s contribution. This is to demonstrate our commitment to enabling every member to continue engaging with EO for the next fiscal year. We will be issuing the local support package information to all members by 8 May 2020.

With our fiscal year coming to a close, the EO Melbourne Board of Directors has unanimously adopted the idea that “no member will be left behind”. Please note that our intent is, and will always be, to wholeheartedly support our members and our chapter.

As I reflect on my own experience over the past 90 days, what stays front-of-mind is the overwhelming pace of change that occurs day-to-day. In times of uncertainty and instability, I have found comfort and constancy by leaning further into my forum and further into EO. I hope that this has been the same for you. As always, I am available should you wish to talk.


With warmth, gratitude and hope,

Kym Huynh
President 2019/2020

President’s Special Update on Sustaining EO Melbourne Through the Crisis #2

From the President

A single hand can easily break a lone stick, but if the same hand, or even both hands, gather many sticks into a bunch and then attempts to break them, the task becomes more difficult. Similarly, when we stand together, we become ever stronger, collectively smarter and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. One thing I know with certainty is that we never need to navigate life’s challenges alone.

Weekly Webinars by the Chapter

Consistent with the above idea, our Board has convened to devise a strategy to help Members navigate the next 90 days together. As part of this, today we announce a 12-week series of online learning events focused on not just navigating the current crisis but also preparing ourselves for navigating what happens post-crisis. I am particularly interested in how we rise again post-crisis because COVID-19 will pass, but its impact on our businesses and lives will linger for a lot longer, and it is important that we are prepared.

These learning events are Member-to-Member only so Members will see familiar faces they know and trust. These are learning events with granular stories, and its goals are to share relevant experiences, wisdom and insight so that Members walk away with 3 things: (1) information with examples of how they are applied; (2) a sense of community and connection; and (3) perspective; something so important when one is drowning.

Resident psychologist

A mentor of mine recently said to me, "Kym, you must ensure you effectively lead yourself first, before you can lead others." As we navigate the impact of COVID-19 on our businesses, one thing we must also navigate is its impact on ourselves and make sure that we are in the right frame of mind to make good decisions.

In my many one-on-one conversations with Members, what I have seen is how much our Members are in pain, yet they put that aside so that they can focus on the task at hand.

Today, we are enormously proud to announce the launch of our Resident Psychologist; someone our Members can call and talk to, anytime. This is a resource that is provided and completely funded by our Chapter exclusively for our Members. Any day. Any time.

At a time when so many of our people are hurting, I, and our Board, believe that this is the least we can do. And if this resource can make the difference for 1 person, then for us, it has been worth it.

EO Melbourne Members can access our Resident Psychologist, Katerina Papamarkou, MAPS, CEO of Ariston Consulting Solutions at 0438 117 137 or email her at katerina@ariston.net.au. You can view her services at https://ariston.net.au/about/.

Virtual Forum Training

With our Forum meetings moving online, it is important that our Forums are equipped with the right tools, agendas, processes and procedures so that Members stay connected, and derive as much value from Forum as possible.

Past President Carlo Santoro will facilitate a Virtual Forum Training this Thursday. His training will uncover the following questions:

• What changes can we expect from a physical face-to-face Forum meeting vs virtual Forum meeting?

• What does a sample agenda look like?

• What if we want to run weekly check-ins?

• Tips and tricks for running effective virtual Forum meetings

I like to plan for the worst and hope for the best, and if our upcoming Forum meetings are to be run virtually, it is important to make sure that we do them efficiently so that we can navigate the upcoming months together.

Don't miss our Virtual Forum Meeting Training on 2 April 2020, Thursday, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM at  https://zoom.us/j/545443443. Register through this link.

Past webinars

A big thank-you to Past President Carlo Santoro who has facilitated our first 2 online learning events with Members David Kelly presenting on HR, and Ken Matthews presenting on getting the financial house in order, our Chapter Manager Kirsten Yokoyama, and our Events Manager Olivia Poynton who have together worked tirelessly to bring this to life. You can review the recording of our learning events at these links: Webinar 1 and Webinar 2.

Over the next few days, we will be sending out further announcements, and as always I will make myself available to any Member who wishes to get in contact. Reach out to me anytime.

With Warmth and Gratitude,

Kym Huynh
President 2019/2020

Webinar topics for the EO Melbourne series: Navigating Now and Preparing Post Crisis

Because we are all in this together, the chapter has come up with a 12-week plan on how we can navigate through this crisis and better prepare for post-crisis hurdles. We are setting up weekly webinars for our EO Melbourne family conducted via Zoom. It will have member-to-member sharings and expert topics covered.

Below is the schedule of the online learning event series. Note that starting Webinar #4, we will be shifting our schedule to Wednesdays, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM. We have also provided the topics that will be discussed in every session. Please be advised that these are subject to change depending on the environment.

Please keep an eye on your inbox as we will be sending individual announcements per webinar where we will specify registration details as well as a brief overview of the topic and background of the resource speakers. We will also be posting them on our WhatsApp and Facebook groups so you won't miss them.

President's Update - March

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

For all our Members, the last month has been difficult, unsettling, destabilising and heartbreaking. However, I am also cognizant that it is during times of crisis that great leaders – and feats of great leadership – emerge.

It is during times like these that people turn to us as leaders, and one message has been clear in my conversations with leaders whom I deeply respect and admire: Leadership requires us to make fast (and well-informed) decisions, leadership requires us to be present, leadership requires us to increase our pace of communication, and leadership requires us to accept that we make decisions knowing what we know at the time and with the resources that we have available to us.

Further to the above, Warren Rustand’s summarises in his recent message to EOers globally the 3 key things that leaders must do during times of crisis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlFhLat4kW0

1. Establish our priorities and have clarity of vision

2. Act on the things we can control

3. Be calm, rational, and the voice of reason

It has been incredibly uplifting for me to see Members pick up the phone and reach out to other Members even if to check-in. Sometimes, you can give a lot by giving a little, and your phone call can make all the difference for another person. As we navigate the uncertainty that lies ahead, I encourage everyone to lean on each other because what I know with certainty is that we do not have to experience this alone and that we are better and stronger together.

I include Melbourne-specific updates below and updates from Regional and Global. Please be mindful that our landscape changes every 24 hours, and so we will be increasing our pace of communication so that Members are kept informed. Please keep an eye on our Facebook group, WhatsApp group and your inbox for updates.

Melbourne updates

• Events cancelled until the end of Mar to date, and we will inform Members of further cancellations and changes. Given recent announcements, further communication pieces will be sent outlining our plan for the next 3 months.

• COVID-19-related learning events being scheduled (with 2 runs over the last 2 weeks) to help Members plan and prepare

• Coordination with Chapters globally regarding access to virtual learning events, and sharing of virtual learning events; particularly concerning COVID-19-related learning

• Creation of “EO Melbourne - Together” WhatsApp group for fast dissemination of information amongst Melbourne EOers - https://chat.whatsapp.com/BrXX5w9pabPFzzL3iaBAD0

• An APAC-specific central repository of information for COVID-10-19 with links to EO Members sharing their experiences around the world, webinars, virtual learning, medical news, ideas and stories

• Forum support, move to virtual and we encourage each Member to self-determine if they will attend Forum over the coming 4 weeks without penalty. Check Forum Best Practices Guide Link here.

• The Board will convene this week to discuss further strategies, resources and support that we will provide for Members, with communication pieces sent shortly after

Regional and Global updates

• Paid Zoom accounts for Chapters running learning events

• APAC Business Conference will be held virtually and will be free of charge

• Contents that are focused on how to survive 2020 physically, mentally and financially

• Global virtual tours planned for speakers from the cancelled Global Leadership Conference

• Pending updates on financial leniency on renewals and re-qualification

• All APAC meetings to go virtual

Finally, as always, I invite you to join me in reflecting on how we can make this year ”Our Best Year Yet!” With the recent crisis, the lens at which I look at this statement has changed, and as I close off this month’s update, I consider that it is during times of crisis that great leaders emerge. I hope that this provides an opportunity for us to transform into great leaders.

With Warmth and Gratitude,

Kym Huynh

President 2019/2020

President’s Special Update on Sustaining EO Melbourne Through the Crisis #1

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne Members,

For so many of us, the last few weeks have been incredibly difficult and trying, and we are grateful for the outpouring of support and solidarity that have shown from this powerful community. It has been nothing short of amazing.

During times of crisis, we have the opportunity to decide whether we are brought closer together or torn further apart. What I have witnessed, from the numerous phone calls, to Members reaching out personally to each other, and to Past President Carlo Santoro facilitating a well-attended emergency event this week to discuss the impacts of this pandemic, proves to me that for us, it is the former. It is in times like these that our humanity shines through and shows that we are all in this together.

Whilst none of us are certain about the short, medium and long-term impacts or outcomes at the moment, we as a Board and Chapter are doing everything we can to support our fellow Members. Please see below a few updates on what we are working on, and we will be communicating regularly so you are abreast of updates.

Let's all work together to minimise the impacts of this pandemic. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to pick up the phone and reach out to another Member. Sometimes, you can give a lot by giving a little, and your phone call can make all the difference for another person.

With warmth and gratitude,

Kym Huynh
President 2019/2020

IMPORTANT UPDATES

EO event cancellations

With the growing effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on countries, businesses, communities and individuals, the EO Melbourne board has discussed certain measures to assist our Members while taking precautionary steps for the upcoming events and activities of our chapter.

In the meantime, all EO Melbourne events are cancelled until the end of March, and we will continue to re-evaluate our position and keep our Members informed.

COVID-19 crisis support

Your health and well-being are of utmost importance. If you are feeling unwell, such as having a dry cough, fever or respiratory difficulties you should be tested and/or self-isolate until the virus can be ruled out.

• You can refer to this self-assessment test from the Victoria Department of Health and Human Services.

• The Department of Health has also set some guidelines on social distancing to avoid contracting the Coronavirus.

Should you require emergency crisis support, please reach out to a fellow Member. Below are also some further resources/support services that you can draw upon should you need it:

• Lifeline 13 11 14

• Crisis Support Chat https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/online-services/crisis-chat

There is also a page with all the translated health resources about COVID-19, which is essential for non-English speakers.

EO resources

Here are EO links if you're trying to navigate your business through this current situation.

• The EO COVID-19 Communications Centre has links to timely information on the spread of the virus, updates on the pandemic’s potential effect on scheduled EO events, and announcements for those who wish to volunteer their support for areas in need.

• Verne Harnish, on his Scaling Up, presents the 5 Practical Cs for leading in a crisis/downturn.

Forum support

We will respect that different Members have different risk tolerances and different situations that lead them to take alternative views on exposure, and we will provide an environment where the views of all, especially the most risk-averse are respected. Having said that, it is up to your Forum to choose how you would like to meet, respecting everyone's needs. If you do wish to meet face-to-face, please remember those in our community who have venues and spaces you can utilise.

We encourage each Member to self-determine if they will attend Forum over the coming 4 weeks, or not, and without any penalty. In other words, it should not be considered an absence. We believe that common sense should prevail and that each Moderator can manage this and determine if Zoom is a viable methodology to use for Members, who may prefer to not attend the physical Forum. This is your decision either way and your Moderator should govern the suggestions and planning.

• The EO Virtual forum guide lays down the basic format and some best practices in holding a virtual EO Forum.

EO Melbourne social media support

As a community, we want to keep you up to speed, so we have set up a WhatsApp group for more updates and exchange of information. There are also related posts in our Facebook group.

If you haven't yet filled out the EO APAC all member survey, please fill it up now. It will only take you five minutes to complete it.

EO Raleigh Durham COVID-19 webinar series

EO Raleigh Durham has graciously opened their COVID-19 webinar series to all EO Members. Please see the below invite from EO Raleigh President Todd Atlas, along with the series listing.

“In these challenging times, we have gathered a few experts for remote online learning and info-sharing to help your businesses combat the realities of Covid-19. Please join us for these virtual meetings "COVID-19 and Your Business." Rather than just making these meetings available for members of our chapter, we have worked with EO global to make these available to all EO members."  - Todd Atlas, EO Raleigh Durham President.

For questions about these events please contact Chapter Staff, Amy Henning at admin@eoraleigh.com. Full description of the webinars is found here.

1. Coronavirus and your business response, rationale and Q&A - Monday, 16 March, 2:00 PM-2:45 PM EST - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qjD9IBG9QPSjfiw_HpqPyg

2. Work at home best practices round table - Wednesday, 18 March, 8:30 AM-9:15 AM EST
   (Option 1) - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BIiXeOhzRVmGflp9aUnXew

3. Work at home best practices round table - Wednesday, 18 March, 3:00 PM-3:45 PM
   EST(Option 2) - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xRFZmulhT3e2dz-zkCCqkA

4. Disaster Loans and the SBA - Thursday, 19 March, 2:30 PM-3:15 PM EST - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_roCGY2evQgico8H-uiqdtQ

5. Contingency Planning with Randy Nelson - Wednesday, 25 March, 2:00 PM-2:45 PM EST - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JcWiiF3eSFyZuoFauK5mZQ

President's Update - February

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

As I reflected on what I would share with everyone this month, one thought that remained constant for me is that of challenge and hardship. We dedicate and spend so much of our lives to finding balance and building systems, processes, structures and relationships that make us feel safe and secure. But often, things happen outside of our control that quickly reminds us that perhaps there are too many unknowns that can destabilise us. Whether it be a personal or familial tragedy, such as the passing of someone we love or a global disaster like the recent Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak, perchance what we really seek is a feeling of safety. Whilst achieving it may be tenuous or temporary at best, we still have the innate desire to rebuild and strengthen each time a tragedy or disaster strikes.

Similarly, this month has a theme of strengthening our EO Melbourne. A strong Chapter is comprised of strong Forums, and strong Forums create strong Members. That’s why we invested in EO Forum Next Level training for our Chapter Members with Past President Carlo Santoro, an EO Melbourne original who is keeping it in the family. My Forum Moderator recently circulated our upcoming Forum agenda. Tabled in the agenda is time to discuss key learnings from EO Forum Next Level. If your Forum hasn’t included this in the agenda, I encourage you to flag this during housekeeping to make sure that you and your Forum benefit from best practices and keep alive your commitment to learning and growing.

As part of strengthening our Chapter, our Strategic Alliance Partnerships Chair Carolyn Wong has reworked our partnership agreements so that they provide significantly improved financial and in-kind support for our Members. It means enhanced resourcing to (1) increase our ability to provide more value back to Members; and (2) provide breathing space to the Board to make sure we identify and invite the best and brightest entrepreneurial minds into our Chapter. Carolyn Wong has also led the charge in revamping our entire partnership approach with our strategic alliance partners by creating a buddy system – pairing EO Members with each strategic alliance partner as a main point of contact so that there are greater understanding and opportunities for building deeper and more meaningful relationships inside the entire EO family. Finally, with our latest strategic alliance partner EOS coming on board imminently, we look forward to collaborating with them to deliver EOS workshops 4x per year.

A great deal of recognition is also due to our Key Executive Chair Shan Manickham. Ever passionate about the education of our 2iCs, Shan has driven this program’s growth. Under his leadership, our Key Executive Program welcomed 13 new Key Executives. If you’re tired of your team using your books as doorstops and would much rather prefer having a 2iC that can bounce your ideas back and forth with, reach out to Shan or Kirsten for more information about our Key Executive Program at administrator@eomelbourne.org.

By now, our first Melbourne Quantum Leap Forum would have started their first steps towards organising their first Forum meetup. Under the guidance of our accept-no-prisoners MyEO Chair James Murray, qualifying Members from Melbourne were connected and invited to craft their own Forum experience. One of the challenges of a growing Chapter with 140+ Members, where Membership diversity and needs also expand, is to provide better values for the Members. Hosting Melbourne Quantum Leap Forums will ensure the survival of legacy in the Chapter.

For a more lighthearted touch, fellow Chapter Member Jeremy Chen is championing a MyEO cycling group in the Chapter. If you’re a keen cyclist and want to cycle with likeminded individuals, reach out to Jeremy Chen or our Chapter Manager Kirsten Yokoyama for further details at administrator@eomelbourne.org.

Finally, as always, I invite you to join me in reflecting on how we can make this year ”Our Best Year Yet!” With four months remaining, think of that one thing that if you achieve it, will make you want to jump up on the table, pop open a bottle of champagne, and start dancing. And when the end of June comes, we can all toast and give ourselves a pat on the back with loud cheers because we have made this year “Our Best Year Yet!”

With Warmth,

Kym Huynh

President 2019/2020

President's Update - January

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

With the festive season behind us, it is my hope that everyone experienced a joyous and safe holiday filled with genuine happiness, laugh-until-your-cheeks-hurt moments, conversations of substance, and joyful memories that will be treasured forever.

And in the midst of the above, it is also my hope that there was time to pause and reflect. In my experience, I find that these moments of reflection provide the opportunity for our genius to apparate. Every year, I like to sit in private at my local park with pen and paper and ask myself the following questions: (1) What worked this past year that I want to continue doing?; (2) What didn’t work this past year that I want to stop doing?; and (3) What is something that I didn’t try this past year that I want to start doing?

With 6 months left to go for myself and our 2019/2020 Board, 1 question that repeatedly came to mind was the following: What will we do together to leave the Chapter better and stronger than how we found it?

One piece of work that is launching 12th February under the leadership of our hold-no-prisoners MyEO Chair James Murray is Melbourne’s first 2 Quantum Leap Forums; an initiative that started during our Past President Dean Cherny’s year. A quarterly Forum program for Members with businesses of more than AUD $10M in annual revenue, this is a Forum experience for Members who are looking towards the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey, whether it be further growth, or turning their minds towards succession planning.

Our clever Strategic Alliance Partners Chair Carolyn Wong has also been busy behind the scenes, bringing on board 2 new Strategic Alliance Partners that will be announced in due course. Carolyn has invested significant time and energy into reworking how we partner with and engage with our Strategic Alliance Partners, and I am proud of her work to date. This piece of work will yield long-term stability for and future-proof EO Melbourne.

Finally, a lot of recognition is given to the team-up of our smooth-talking Communications Chair Francesco Nazzari and affable Integration Chair Aaron Wallis, who collectively are upgrading our internal communications systems and processes so that things run like clockwork. As a past Communications Chair for our Chapter, I can attest to the sheer volume of input and effort required to keep the communications engine running, and Francesco’s keen eye for systems and processes, combined with Aaron’s expertise in automation software, are making the background processes for EO significantly easier for this Board and future Boards.

Whilst I have only listed 3 key pieces of work in January’s President’s Update, there are many more things underway which will be revealed in due course. For now, I wish you a warm welcome back and look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event whether it be our: (1) Welcome Back Intimate Dinner With Past President Carlo Santoro; (2) Family Bark in the Park event; and/or (3) Surprise activity prior to the Welcome Back Intimate Dinner. Spaces are limited so make sure you visit https://eonetwork.org/ or use our Chapter smartphone application to register. Download the app now in the App Store or Google Play.

Finally, as I do every month, I sign off with inviting you to think back to our theme this year “Our Best Year Yet!” and to think about that 1 thing that if you achieve it, will make you want to jump up on the table, pop open a bottle of champagne, and start dancing. With 6 months left to go, let’s make sure we take that next step so that we will journey closer to making this year “Our Best Year Yet!”

With Warmth,

Kym Huynh

President 2019/2020

President's Update - December

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

With Christmas’ imminent arrival at our doorsteps and today being the last operating business day for many, I hope that each and every one of us get moments and space to slow down, reflect on the 2019 calendar year that has come to pass, and spend quality time with those we cherish and love.

Whether it be breaking bread over Christmas lunch, sharing treasured memories during Christmas eve, or opening/watching our loved ones open their Christmas gifts with anticipation and excitement on Christmas Day while we snack on leftovers from the night prior, the upcoming holiday season is an opportunity for us to slow down, hit the pause button, and be amongst those we hold near and dear to us.

I’m pleased to report that the first 2 quarters of the 2019/2020 term has brought with it the achievement of many milestones for our Chapter. However, as I drafted this letter at my desk, I found myself self-editing entire paragraphs. Finally, I decided that these details are better served in our next update and for today, it is best to keep the message simple and concise: I, and our 2019/2020 Board, wish each and everyone a joyous and safe holiday filled with much genuine happiness, laugh-until-your-cheeks-hurt moments, the opportunity for many deep and meaningful conversations (maybe even ones that we have been putting off for a while), conversations of substance, and joyful memories that we’ll treasure forever.

As we wind down the year, and as I do every month, I sign off with inviting you to think back to our theme this year “Our Best Year Yet!” and to think about that 1 thing that if you achieve it, will make you want to jump up on the table, pop open a bottle of champagne, and start dancing.

With Warmth,

Kym Huynh

President 2019/2020

President's Update - November

From the President

Dear EO Melbourne,

Can you believe it’s almost Christmas, and that it is less than 4 weeks away? As I pause and reflect on the 2019 calendar year to date, I am amazed at the passage and progression of time. Christmas will soon be upon us, and as we turn our minds to spending quality time with our friends, family and loved ones, I hope that this year is one that has been deeply enriching, infinitely rewarding, and filled with learning and growth for yourself, your friendships, your family and the communities you serve.

First and foremost, a king-size nod of acknowledgement and congratulations to our Past Presidents Andrew Mackinnon and Dean Cherny who, alongside their organisation committee, planned, curated and executed EO Ignite Melbourne from Wed, 30 Oct to Fri, 1 Nov. A roving event that spanned 6 well-known Melbourne locations, Melbourne played host to Members from all over APAC and around the globe; and rumour has it that this was quite possibly the best EO Ignite conference ever held. If having 2 Past Presidents lead the charge on the DJ booths during the closing ceremony doesn’t confirm this, then I don’t know what will. It is my hope that EO Ignite provided ample opportunities for you to create relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime.

By now, you will have received an email with your own individual pairing for Forum One2One. Under the leadership of our affable Integration Chair Aaron Wallis, Forum One2One is now alive in EO Melbourne and is a quarterly matching of 2 EO Members so that they can catch up over a coffee or a meal. If you have not yet received your Forum One2One pairing, please contact our Integration Chair Aaron Wallis or our Chapter Manager Kirsten Yokoyama.

Our Key Executive Program also deserves a mention this month. Under the care of our Key Executive Chair Shan Manickham, our program has seen the introduction of new multiple key executives this month, and will soon launch a second Forum. Are you interested in your key executive having access to the quarterly Scaling Up learning days, participating in a Forum experience for key executives only, and having access to some learning events? Please contact our Key Executive Chair Shan Manickam or our Chapter Manager Kirsten Yokoyama for more information.

As a Chapter, we are also now 55% enrolled in the MyEO Matrix. If you haven’t completed your MyEO Matrix yet, please ensure you do so that you start receiving information, events and resources for your area of interest and/or passion, whether it be how to raise impactful families or EOers passionate about wine. If you have yet to complete your MyEO Matrix, our determined MyEO Chair James Murray will be reaching out to you personally to help walk you through the process (and to say hello as well!). Alternatively, take action and complete your MyEO Matrix at https://www.eonetwork.org/member/myeo.

Governance-wise, our Chapter is looking healthy, with the nominations for the 2020/2021 Board complete, and the confirmation of a President-Elect, President Elect-Elect, and President Elect-Elect-Elect. Our upcoming Annual General Meeting (21 Nov) will announce who these candidates are and will ensure that we safeguard and nurture the future of our Chapter.

As we approach Christmas, let’s close off the year festively and in style at our all-white affair “Christmas Long Lunch en Blanc”. Remember that the dress code is white attire, and we will be handing out the cone of shame for anyone who displays subversive ideas by bucking the dress code. Register for our Christmas Long Lunch en Blanc at https://www.eonetwork.org/member/events-and-learning/event-details?eventid=dc95841d-bf9b-e911-9450-005056aa3141.

Finally, as I do every month, I sign off with inviting you to think back to our theme this year “Our Best Year Yet!” and to think about that 1 thing that if you achieve it will make you want to jump up on the table, pop open a bottle of champagne, and start dancing. Let’s make a promise to take that next step so that we will journey closer to making this year “Our Best Year Yet!”

With Warmth,

Kym Huynh

President 2019/2020