Well , day one was fabulous.
It started off with an impromptu breakfast group discussing careers in art v engineering. My favourite comment was from one of our Nigerian cohort, who told us his personal view that interest in anything qualifies you to try it. A deep discussion ensued (technical expertise? The impact of rejection on your wellbeing? ). Quite an intense personal discussion for a group of strangers at 6.30 am without decent coffee.
A minder/wrangler met us at the hotel to walk us to the campus in a straggling crocodile, much like a school excursion. The group is diverse, engaged and interesting. Class topics today covered world mega-trends, digital currency, climate finance and capital allocation. We questioned, we challenged, we ate (food was excellent) and we connected. The break conversations ranged from values to global warming and everything in between.
In an affirming moment, despite my lack of technical knowledge, I won the global bank trivia competition with a complete correct score at the fastest answer rate for every question. The prize was a book I may never read but the glory was real. In a 100% brag, nothing humble about it, I’ve included the email from the lecturer: “congratulations on being top of the league throughout the quiz (I have never seen that before) !” You can see my rainbow unicorn avatar in the photo.
We finished off the day with a “bbq” dinner. It was a sad, UK interpretation of a BBQ. Firstly, it was indoors. More importantly, there was not a single bbq’d item of food. The curry and salad were good though and the wine options were varied and free flowing.
I’m exhausted, slightly overstimulated and not sleeping well, but this is really fun. I also managed to score a loaned Nespresso machine for my hotel room. My basic room doesn’t have one but the reception crew are very accommodating. At 4am coffee option is less of a luxury and more survival equipment.
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