Mike Riversdale

Thank you ❤ I was sat in the Welsh Dragon Bar garden stressed to the max an hour or so before the event. This was all on my shoulders, this was about me, this was my event, me me me. And then people turned up to set-up, Nat and Kristen came out to wrap their arms around me and headed back in to sort out their recording position, Ryan arrived and moved equipment around, Hannah gave me a pint and a smile. I was not alone - and that was the point of Aroha Wellington, none of us are alone! I then remembered Anna's line at the previous week's unconference about each session, "Don't forget, those that are there are those that are meant to be there." It was a small gathering and everyone has since told me they all had a great time - that is all that matters. So to each and everyone one of you that turned up, thank you. To all those that supported the event in so many ways, thank you. So now, what? Take your ex-colleague out for a local lunch Stay in touch with those you ...

I've started using these with my family when we have our weekly video catch-up and it changes the conversation from one of "reporting in", to one of smiles and actually how we're going. I don't know what you call them, "Grid of 9", "meeting ice breaker", or even, "Which one are you right now", but I do know they're a great, quick, and easy way to check-in with a bunch of people, particularly if you're online. 3 current faves follow, but the whole lot are available here .

The Aroha Wellington event is happening because amazing Wellingtonians have stepped up to support it, both financially and in kind, and I am indebted to the following, but first a sto ry about Anna from nil. Creating and facilitating an event is a stressful thing, especially when doing it alone (not all, but a lot). There's been some stressful times worrying about ticket sales, will anyone even bother turning up, how on earth do you book a comedian, and all the other details that are constantly crowding for attention in one's mind. Monday this week I received an email from Anna at nil. totally out of the blue, subject: Sponsor Hi Mike Would love to sponsor your amazing event for $500. See attached our logo. Happy to promote through our channels today etc. Anna I cried. Stress fell down my cheeks. (and then someone awesome bought a stack of tickets to give away. More happy tears) Anna's action represents everyone who has supported the event by buying tickets, coming along...

Wellingtonians are pulling together in so many ways to show love, support, and connections to those that are doing it tough at the moment. One of the ways some individuals and organisations are showing the aroha is to buy YOU a ticket to next week's Aroha Wellington event ... yes, YOU, you have a FREE ticket to the event. All you need to do is saying you're coming by popping your name into the form and turn up for the entertainment, connections , AND free food and a free drink, all generously supplied by awesome Wellington organisations (more on that to come, OMG it's so cool). Loading…

NZRise , a determined Aotearoa New Zealand focused tech advocacy organisation, has long sought to raise up all of Kiwi tech organisations discussing "support local" issues with Ministers, connecting tech firms, and creating a space for all to raise their voices. The time has come to pass the baton as NZRise farewells everyone with an evening of reflection, connection, and celebration (and yes, I'm proud of those three -tions ;) With a free and open invite to all current and past NZRise members together with everyone of the Wellington tech community they would love to see you at the FREE evening on Wednesday 4th December, 5pm+ (let's also think of it as a free wellington tech Christmas party, you know you'll have fun and we all need that in these tough Wellington times) In a nutshell: What:  NZRise Farewell When:  Wednesday 4th December, 5pm+ Where:  Welsh Dragon Bar , Wellington Cost:  $0 Why:  To celebrate, reflect, and (re)connect with free drinks & nibbl...

Two tickets needed for event to send aroha , thanks to Julian and everyone at Stuff / The Post that helped make it happen, most appreciated. Wellington-based business coach Mike Riversdale wants to bring some light to those who may be struggling with a special event - Aroha Wellington. The November 28 event at the Welsh Dragon Bar in central Wellington will feature comedy, live music, a podcast recording, prizes and even professional networking opportunities, with representatives from recruitment agencies and industry associations attending. To attend you need to buy two tickets, one for yourself and one for someone who may be struggling. “Struggling” has a broad definition in his books. It could be a colleague who was recently made redundant, a hospitality worker hunting for a job or just someone “you know needs a night out”. Comedians Ryan McGhee and Patch Lambert will be taking the two comedy slots. Former investment executives Kristen Lunman and Natalie Ferguson of Powrsuit, a glob...