How I Missed the Plane but Got the Deal

First, I want to stress that I don't blame anyone but myself for this. Frankly, three weeks of living out of a suitcase, midnight meetings and strange surroundings have taken their toll. To the point where I didn't realize that I had gotten one numeric day behind with my computer still showing the date in the US. I was sure I was leaving on the 31st, so I had plenty of time to spend a day in a resort. The Maldivians were sure I could even squeeze in one more meeting before going to the airport on Sunday.
Just when I was feeling like the luckiest person on the planet, my dream had a rude awakening when I went online to check in for my flight. It was ALREADY the 31st and the plane was already leaving. Worse, a sudden torrential rainstorm destroyed any thoughts of a mad dhoni dash to the airport island. What to do?
I hit the panic button when the Maldivians and the British Airways help desk in the UK had never heard of Face to Face and weren't sure they could rebook my ticket. Fortunately, BA came through in a huge way, rebooking me on their next flight two days later. There was also the problem of losing the prepaid room I had booked for the overnight jaunt from Gatwick to Heathrow to catch my final flight to Los Angeles. I'll have to pay for another one at last-minute prices, plus two extra days back in Male.
Going back to Male meant another chance to work with the dean of the college to put the finishing touches on the application for a Fulbright grant from the United States to continue the mid-career media training program here. If it's approved, I'll be returning in May and June to focus on improving the relationship between government public relations and working journalists, as well as specialized training for TV stations and others. I also was able to connect with some of the colleagues I hope to work with at the College of Higher Education to help implement their new journalism certificate program.
But this time I'm not taking any chances. I've already checked in and plan to be there early for the flight tomorrow. It's been an awesome trip, but it's time to go HOME.

Ticket to Ride

At the final Face to Face breakfast, I had a moment to chat with Simon Talling Smith, The British Airways America Exec. VP who is as witty and charming one-on-one as he is at the podium, and would be a brilliant host if this enterprise is ever made into a reality show. I'd like to help make that happen. The Amazing Race meets The Apprentice meets Deal or No Deal. Then, it was time to leave the comfy cocoon of British Airways hospitality and head out on my own. The first thing I learned is that if a Londoner tells you something will only take 15 minutes, triple it, then triple it again. First, the hotel shuttle bus was delayed by an accident. Then, I split a cab with some of my fellow Face to Face contestants. The cab driver dropped us off at the wrong Heathrow terminal, but with heavy luggage in tow we doggedly marched on until we found the Heathrow Express. Using our free tickets from the Face to Face program, we zoomed into London. As promised, there were cabs available right outside Paddington station, but no one mentioned the gigantic waiting line. Add another hour, plus the actual cab ride to my hotel. But the transport troubles had an unexpected dividend: meeting some amazing women I might otherwise have missed. We learned in the business forum that entreprenuers are overwhelmingly men (90%) and among the women, few break the million dollar mark in annual sales, due to the juggling act most women perform and their fear of growing their business so much that they wouldn't have time for their families.


Spring Opara could very well break the mold. The military vet and working mom has designed premium greeting cards for the gay/lesbian (LGBT) market and she has been networking with the US Commerce Department to develop overseas markets.
The wacky train ride was also an opportunity to chat with real estate expert and her associate, who works with kids on the autistic spectrum. Those familiar with my reporting will know this is a subject close to my heart. I wish them all the best as they continue on to Spain.

Face to Face Time

Another benefit of the trip is the opportunity to promote my business, and the group's every move is documented by photographers and a video crew. Everyone has been asked to tell his or her story, and tonight it was my turn to talk about my wish to return to Maldives to look for a way to continue training broadcasters there. The trip has already paid off in terms of the invitation from the US Embassy in Sri Lanka to do a workshop for TV reporters in Colombo. But before I hit the road... three days in London! Stay tuned.