The defining moment 20 years ago - when I decided to start my own business

September 15th, 2000.  This exact moment 20 years ago today was one of the most defining of my entire professional life.

One I'll never forget, one that shaped my professional future.

The Opening of the Sydney Olympic Games. 

I was a fresh and ambitious 26-year-old General Manager of an International Sports + Event Marketing Agency - with enormous responsibility way beyond my tender years.

I hosted some of the biggest names on the world sporting scene on a luxury cruise liner parked opposite the Sydney Opera House.

Wining and dining with celebrities, ambassadors, sports superstars and industry leaders.

3 big years running projects for the German Olympic Committee, Olympic Broadcasters, Sports Federations & Sponsors.

    

Definitely the dream job. I seriously couldn't have imagined something more extraordinary and exciting in my wildest dreams.

Yet with huge responsibility came enormous problems that fell at my feet to solve. And solve them I did. 

But it was so hard, I had so much emotional "growing up" to do and having to make some of the decisions I did at that age stretched me so hard.

I had so many invitation and opportunities from big names following.

But the lure of a life on my own terms was too strong.

So I decided to start my own business. Just me, on my own.

So this time 20 years ago, I made myself a promise.

As glamourous as it was to create these experiences for others, I decided that I wanted to be the guest, not the host.

And not a guest on behalf of someone else, I wanted to represent my own company and make all of my own decisions.

That's where it started, and it's been a hellava crazy ride but honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

15 September 2000. Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony.

A day I'll always celebrate, and a season I'll never forget.