Meeting Barack Obama

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” ~ Barack Obama

Barack Obama visited Australia in March for a series of speaking engagements where he discussed issues such as global challenges, strength in leadership and exploring techniques for navigating an unpredictable future. Having led America through a recession, the final days of the Iraq War, and the country's first attempt at comprehensive health care, there's no doubt Obama had some valuable nuggets of wisdom to share. 

I, along with 600 of my closest friends, were invited to hear him speak. Held at the ICC Sydney, our day started early with networking, canapes, and champagne. Lunch was an opulent affair with tables of 10 set up around the room. Everyone had a really good view of the stage and there was a mix of ‘who’s who’; successful businessmen and women and those that just wanted to be in his presence. They say you become who you surround yourself with! I had lived in the US just before Barack was elected and have always admired him so was very much looking forward to hearing him speak. 

The moderator was Tim Reed, President of the Business Council of Australia, and Managing Director of Potentia Capital. He was a gracious and accommodating host who allowed Barack to speak openly and honestly, prompting him in relevant directions throughout the discussion. 

You could have heard a pin drop in the room as everyone just soaked in every word from Barack’s mouth. I was a little starstruck to be honest and even more so later in the afternoon when I had the opportunity to meet the delightful Julie Bishop – in person, eeekkkk! Photo above for proof!

So, what resonated with me on this grey and blistery Sydney afternoon? I wrote down a few key comments that aligned with my own personal values.

1. Maintain integrity by following your values;
2. Don’t be a Jerk!;
3. Humans (we) are profoundly imperfect, accept that;
4. People can make things better;

He talked through his time in office and what was a sombre moment, admitting that his failure to overcome the United States’ powerful gun lobby was the lowest point in his presidency, especially after another shooting in the US the day before. He admitted that even though after Sandy Hook there were children who came from a wealthy, white suburb, but it didn’t matter, they couldn’t budge congress. The sadness in his eyes was clear.

China, Rupert Murdoch, and Russia’s war in Ukraine were also addressed and he was quick to remind us that issues plaguing global politics would not go away with the defeat of Russia. He said, “What Putin represents - his politics and authoritarianism and dissembling and lying and cruelty and manipulation and repression – what he represents is everywhere, including my own country,” he said.

He talked about his first visit to Australia as a young boy traveling back to Hawaii alone after visiting family in Indonesia. He had a Qantas flight attendant taking care of him and he had a ‘big crush’ on her!

All in all, President Barack Obama was, and is, a pioneer. His journey is one of resilience, perseverance and triumph, the result of exceptional determination and true tenacity. No wonder I’m in awe of him.

Eva Grabner

Managing Director

Elite Executive Pty Ltd

www.eliteexecutive.com.au

Cairns | Brisbane

Eva has been working in the executive and professional recruitment industry for over 15 years and is the founder and lead recruiter at Elite Executive, a successful QLD based executive recruitment firm. She is a highly professional and driven Managing Director and Principal Recruiter with a wealth of recruitment experience across a multitude of industries. Her previous experience includes executive leadership and senior management-level operational roles throughout the world.