Creating a Powerful Image, Charismatic Personality, and Executive Presence!
Ever walked into a room and are taken aback by the finishing touches of the interior design which are simply breathtaking?
From the high ceiling to the elegant styling, the golden chandeliers, the radiant light and ultimately the beautiful display on a table full of a man’s wardrobe consisting of: classic suits, shirts, ties, belts and shoes right there before your eyes. You would almost imagine you had taken a flight to Dubai. This is what we ( both myself and William Dekker, a fellow AfricaTalentbank.com (ATB) Brand Ambassador) , thought when we attended an event at the InterContinental Hotel on Friday 29th May 2015, dubbed: ‘A Gentleman’s Evening’.
As you settle in and begin to get accustomed to the ambience, you are then welcomed by a series of well mannered gentlemen walking into the arena with a sense of purpose who are quick to invite you to the dinner table and immediately you know you are in the right place. Truly, Manners maketh a man.
Each gentleman is elegant and stylish, displaying the best version of himself, seemingly content, no one jealous about the other and in fact, some even congratulating one other for the improvements since they last met then it hit me; True Nobility is being superior to your former self.
After around 70 persons from diverse organizations eg Toyota, Liberty Life, AKAD Africa, Bo Concept, Vivo Africa, EABL to mention settle down in the magnificent room, Mr. Derek Bbanga (MD, Public Image Africa), takes to the floor and the evening’s agenda begins to unfold. Together with Robert Burale (Image Consultant), we are taken through various topics including: the psychology of colour, professional dresscode, how to treat your woman like a lady, how to be a better man among and more. These topical issues are discussed by a lively audience with some audience members occassionally receiving rewards i.e. Dinner for two, nights out for two at different resorts and more.
A wine expert from Diageo also took to the floor and began to demystify different brands ie. American from Scottish Whisky, white from red wine, aged vs new wine, and this was complemented further by tips on which of the glasses on the table to use with what drink ensuring you do not confuse your beer mug with your wine glass ,for example.
With hard work, determination and perseverance, we can all make areas such as InterContinental hotel, a regular joint for us to meet and catch up with our colleagues & clients and perhaps redeem the pride of East African men who seem to face looming threats from our West African brothers as far as their women go.
To get a glimpse of some of the lessons we took home see Straight talk by William Dekker on Thursday and Manners Maketh a Gentleman by me on Saturday.
Until we meet again. All the best. From Mitchell Odhiambo.
