Having just returned from a week in Singapore, I take a moment to pause and reflect.
As per usual, like a lot of work trips, they tend to be a big week with my IBM family but we got thru it together. There were lots of learning moments, networking, and teaming.
Even though we may only be 8 people from 4 countries supporting our sales communities across Asia Pacific in CRM Platforms, and we usually talk a lot over video conferences, we have each other’s back when needed, and have worked as a team for a very long time, with many years collectively of experience, these get togethers definitely do help. They are an opportunity for a re-set, it is where the magic happens, the glue is made which helps us all to get thru another year ahead to help support our clients the best way we can!
People may see the fun fotos, and yes there was fun, but these fotos represents moments of teaming, an important and essential part of a successful team. What you don’t see, is the hard work and many hours that each of us dedicate. We use these trips to learn, to network with stakeholders, to experiment and practice new skills and knowledge in a safe environment so that things can be replicated.
So I finish the week off with letting anything that does not serve go as we learn and rise above it, take the learnings, the friendship, the partnerships and be gracious for it all. And to share some information on our beloved Singapore, our second home, a place that welcomes us no matter the time in between visits!
Some fotos taken of the week
Signs are everywhere …
Enjoying refreshments as we get ready for the week ahead
AI in our hotel, meet Aura. She can get into a lift and deliver room service
Monday morning and we begin the week with an activity, a train ride and walk
A ferry ride down the river, passing thru Clarke, Boat, and Robertson Quays
Marina Bay
Marina Bay
Merlion …The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore, depicted as a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of a fish.
The body symbolises Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, meaning ‘sea town’ in Old Javanese.
Its head represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, or ‘lion city’ in Malay.
Breakfast at Toby’s Estate, Robertson Quay. If you are a Eggs Benedict fan, then this is a must do visit.
Back at the office, we are all set up. We bump into Gerald and Warren, colleagues and friends based in Singapore, and a meeting with Ayse, one of our key stakeholders.
Team dinner Tuesday night, with a difference. At the Da Miao Hotpot where you can enjoy the Sichuan Changing Faces Opera performance. Here I am posing with the performer before he starts.
12 different soup bases to choose from to cook whatever you have selected. My favourite was the mushroom soup!
Pullman Bakery .. a Japanese bakery that we stumbled upon on our walk earlier in the week. As the very few knows, one of my favourite food in Singapore is Kaya toast, well that was until Monday when I discovered Nut and Kaya Bun .. mmmmmmm .. I had everyone hooked. Filled with kaya and chopped walnuts, and topped off with almond slices on a crispy-soft outside. For those who have never tried it before, kaya is a common food spread in Southeast Asia, made from coconut milk, eggs and sugar.
The team got to meet Dwayne, from the US, whom was attending a IBM sales event with Susan and Inn during the week.
And anyone recognise this beautiful soul .. I was very lucky to meet with Hong Jing, one of my CSC Family whom happen to be in Singapore this week as well. It was so good to meet and catch up, and to reminisce over our time in San Francisco. A beautiful catch up!
Our last team lunch get together
Time to say farewell, safe travels home!
All in all, a crazy hectic week, connections made, lots of action items, take aways, follow ups over the coming weeks to do. A team gathering which has set us up, helped us to reconnect, pumped us up for what 2019 will throw at us.
Sharon Tunley 