One of the pandemic activities that’s been going on in our house over the past 18 months has been Friday pizza and movie nights. The pizza is cooked on our balcony in the “smoker” while the movie starts on our big TV.

My husband and I have been choosing movies from our childhood and teenage years that we think our boys, 12 and 9 years old will like, to “educate” them on good movies from the 80’s and 90’s.

Several months ago, maybe 6, I found myself at lunch with two female colleagues. After much delicious food and equally delicious wine we were lamenting the demise of the business trip. You see while we love our families, the business trip was an opportunity to be alone.

Last year, in the height of the pandemic I remember hearing that we are in the same storm but different boats. The analogy being that we were all experiencing the same situation, the pandemic, but our experiences were different depending on where we were located and our personal situations.

I once had this weird experience upon joining a new company. On day one, when my manager showed me around the office (you remember offices don’t you?) a number of the leaders she introduced me to, made unusual comments.

Comments like “did you hire your twin?” and “Wow, are you sisters?” We both looked at each other in surprise, but not for long.

If there’s one thing that can be guaranteed during the Olympics, its drama. From what I can see, this games drama seems to centre on women’s outfits and mental health. Let’s start with the fashion.

We have the women’s outfits being too skimpy. Just before the Olympics, the Norwegian women’s beach handball team were fined for wearing shorts rather than the approved skimpy bikini bottoms. And then the German artistic gymnastic team completed in full length unitards and faced criticism for being too covered. What the?

On Sunday afternoon I found myself in front of the TV, watching the Tokyo Olympics artistic gymnastics competition. I competed in gymnastics growing up so I’m one of those super painful people who judges all the performances as an “armchair expert” while eating salty-fatty snacks.

I was reflecting on how useful it was to have a background in gymnastics. Aside from becoming an expert level* Olympic games commentator, it helped my coordination and flexibility well into adulthood.

Last week we sent our very first newsletter launching The Culture Club, a network of experienced people working in diversity and inclusion (and those that want to work there). We also detailed the other good stuff you receive as a member including free access to this event with Brooke Black on how she created a flexible work culture.

You are probably wondering why you are receiving this email. It could be because you attended one of my events. Maybe the Wine O’clock series during lockdown in 2020? Or Face Forward, or a webinar on diversity and inclusion with Volt International? Or maybe you are one of my friends? (yay! Love friends)