international.three.eight.day

well, what i mean is international women's day.  just the name itself makes me feel special, a day dedicated to all women in the world.  my company in tokyo organized a special event for all female co-workers at ana intercontinental hotel, akasaka.  after my morning con-call that i took from home, i decided to walk my way there which is just merely over 10 minutes.  i love discovery new alley on my way and walking on the streets that i never set my footprint on.

ana intercontinental hotel tokyo, akasaka

today i also decided to declare a "semi-holiday" or rather working from home day as the event last until 3pm and it just doesn't make sense to go in to the office, i worked long and hard hours, i deserve some "off" times.

the key speaker is the executive vice president of the renowned japanese skin care and cosmetic company, let's called it the big "S" company. she is a nice and elegant middle age lady who shared with us the inspiring message about her career in the early days at the government where she launched the gender equal opportunity law and before she moved to "S". i am seated on the table with just a handful non japanese speakers and listen to the simultaneous translation.  i met a dutch executive, and a few other non japanese executives all a the same table.  we had a good session in exchanging experiences, i was quite nervous to share my thoughts with all these executives but their opinions are  motivational and inspiring!

the ballroom

although it is a women's event, we do have a lot of male executives and senior managers joining us as facilitators. i think in total there are 600 of us present here with more than 500 female co-workers.

my bento caters by ana intercontinental hotel

at lunch time, we have to switched to different tables for networking, here is my bento lunch and i continue to have great conversation with different people. i have to make it clear that i am not japanese and if they are comfortable to chat in english. 

 A rather unexcited panel session starts after lunch where five selected women shared their career turning points, challenges and how to overcome themselves in such situations.  it's not boring but i was struggling whole time to keep awake.  the highlight of the day is the make up demonstration session by the lead make up artiest from "S", sharing us the tips for business make up and the tricks for a good and refreshing look after a long night work. and of course the new products. 

door gifts

not to mentioned, some door gifts courtesy of  big "S".

have i reinvent opportunity? have i now looking through a new lens? well, i certainly do and in fact just last night along i have made a big decision.