Last night I attended St Catherine’s Sports Auxiliary’s Father Daughter Dinner in the famous Long Room at the MCC.  

The event was organised by our wonderful parents in the Sports Auxiliary and was a beautiful community occasion and a wonderful opportunity for dads to spend an evening with their daughters. 

The highlight of the evening was the Guest Speaker, Mr Ben Crowe. In a world crying out for authenticity, connection, and confidence, Ben is an in-demand and inspiring speaker. Ben was Nike’s former International Director of Sports Marketing and has worked with some of the world’s most famous individuals, including Andre Agassi, Nike CEO Phil Knight, and high-performance Australian athletes including tennis legends Ash Barty, and Dylan Alcott, surfing icon Stephanie Gilmore, and Richmond Football Club stars Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin. 

Ben’s presentation last night resonated with all of us in the room. We all took away valuable insights. A central theme of his talk was how he works with people to develop a deep focus on authenticity, vulnerability, connection, and storytelling to then create for people not only an amazing culture and competitive advantage – but also a life that balances achievement with fulfilment. 

Ben put to the audience, that in life and in work, family, and all the other things we do, there are two questions we should ask ourselves – ‘Who am I?’ and ‘’What do I want?’  

Both are remarkably hard questions to answer. The second question was most interesting. It wasn’t, Ben said, “more money, a better house, a promotion, a high ATAR or a gold medal” we really need. Although important in themselves, these things are not what will give us fulfilment.  

Ben told us that “our greatest growth comes from our most difficult times.” In today’s fast-paced and digitally connected world, learning to deal with and respond to daily challenges means big challenges can take a back seat. “The reason why our greatest failures can lead to our greatest successes is because it unlocks humility, and humanity, and learning.” Ben went on to say “In terms of how powerful acceptance is in these times, acceptance is the gateway of perspective, and it is one of the greatest pillars that human beings have access to today. We actually don’t understand as humans, how powerful acceptance is.” 

A comment he made, which is also a strong belief I hold, is knowing that it is how you respond to life that really matters. Accepting that life can be difficult actually makes life no longer difficult. One of the strong messages Ben provided, especially directed at parents, was to adjust one’s perspective. Instead of thinking about things like “I have got to take my daughter to sport, I have got to watch my daughter’s concert, or I have got to cook for the kids tonight, Ben suggested replacing got with get! It then becomes “I get to take my daughter to sport, I get to watch my daughter’s concert, or I get to cook for the kids tonight.” It really changes your perspective, doesn’t it?

Ben spoke for nearly an hour, so it is impossible to convey all of the important messages given to us.  Talking to the dads and girls afterward, there is no doubting the impact of the evening. While Ben’s talk was inspiring and full of deep and powerful messages, my takeaway on the night was how important it is for us to connect. Having dinner together, sharing stories and being part of our wonderful St Catherine’s community. 

For more information about Ben Crowe use this LINK.