What can I say about Bruce that won't sound like a sterilized "professional respect" post?! Well, let me lean into a more personal perspective.
I've known Bruce for a long time. I can't even remember when we met, but I know he's MC'd, facilitated and hosted more conference sessions and events I've attended than I can count. He's always been one of the most skilled, smooth and most at ease in the role, front-of-house personalities I've worked with. ...and that voice is like butter! 😅 He's a real pro.
None of these many experiences really speak to why I'm so fond of him, however, that's best captured in a 2 part, more recent story.
When I was going through the hiring process for my role at the South Island Prosperity Partnership Bruce was part of the team that I presented to as the last step. As a bit of context, when I walked into the room to do my presentation, I was a bit taken aback by the size of the group, and particularly that Bruce was there. Presenting to a group is never easy, even for someone like me who has done it so many times... and the additional pressure of this being the final step of an interview, for a leadership role, THE leadership role, at an organization and with a team I'd fallen hard for through the (lengthy) hiring process, and realizing that my slide show was on a different computer than the one I came with, and without my slide notes, and now Bruce is there?! Gah! Nerves.
The presentation went well - I suppose, I got the job right?! Even though it wasn't a banger by my high standards, it was pretty solid. Phew! I survived the anxiety and I know I usually shine brightest in a free flowing discussion. Time for the post presentation Q&A session. All going well, I'm killing it... and then it comes to Bruce's turn to ask a question. He says, "Explain SIPP to a 6th grade class". Uhhh... errrr... I reframed the question into an answer about tailoring your message to your audience and deked my way through a stilted, if not completely clumsy answer... but I felt good about it and he seemed to accept it as satisfactory. Sidenote, I thought about it all the way home after, and texted him a more thoughtful response about neighbours from all professions and walks of life coming together to build a better neighbourhood together. That felt better. Phew! ...but that's not the story here, just some colour and context.
The story here is how he's treated me since I arrived south of the Malahat. ...away from the place and people who have been my home for over 2 decades, where I'm well known and respected for my work, commitment to, and investment into my community and region. It's not easy to uproot your life, personal and professional to take on a new challenge, especially when you don't know who's who in the zoo, and don't have your supporting network of friends, confidants, mentors, or family to fall back on. All the things, places and people you know... (out of characters! Story continues in comments 😉)...
We wish you the best Bruce Williams! It’s been a pleasure working with you at the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and at SIPP over the years. We look forward to seeing what exciting things are next for you!
https://lnkd.in/gGwRGdAK
![Bruce Williams stepping down as Greater Victoria chamber CEO in June]()
Bruce Williams stepping down as Greater Victoria chamber CEO in June
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16hCongratz! And I love the pop of orange that employees are wearing to support the Zeal org. Bravo!