Aloha Fest and Aloha Leadership; It's a Small World!

Emceeing Aloha Fest in Boulder this past week was a fantastic experience! Not only were the thousands of people who attended treated to amazing Polynesian food and culture, but the spirit of Ohana was everywhere. Perhaps this is true in every small community, but whenever I attend a Hawaiian event I meet people that I instantly bond with. And sometimes, it happens after the event.

I left my briefcase next to the stage on Saturday night and didn't realize my mistake until I pulled into our driveway. A not-so-convenient 90 minute commute from Boulder. A call to the event organizer produced no results, so I fretted a bit about my misfortune and forgetfulness.

Three days later, I attended an ISES event (http://isesdenver.com/) to hear one of America's networking and networthing experts speak, my friend Sarah Michel CSP(http://www.perfectingconnecting.com/) I was fortunate to sit next to "Alyson", a complete stranger. We chatted after lunch, and as we talked it became apparent that we both had been at Aloha Fest that weekend. Further conversation revealed that Alyson's husband had helped me on stage. Another minute, and Alyson exclaimed "Mark has your briefcase!"

It truly is a small world, when you take the time to talk to strangers. And in Hawaii, no-one is a stranger. Check out some great video of Polynesian dancers at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6haG_7pDsE

Aloha Leadership and Amazing Tales of Hawai'i

Missionaries arrived in what were then called the "Sandwich Islands" in the mid-nineteenth century. Like zealots everywhere, they quickly tried to mold native customs and practices into something more becoming a "God Fearing" nation. In the tropical heat, the Haole (Anglos) wore layers of black, woolen clothing. I can't find any references to how often these settlers bathed, but I imagine it wasn't enough!

Among the practices that the new arrivals looked down on were hula (too sexy), topless women (see #1!) and surfing. For a while, surfing was actually banned in Hawai'i. The Beach Boys never would have made a career of surf music if they'd been born 100 years too early.

Leaders in Hawai'i fought running battles in both the legislature and the streets for many decades. Often, these fights were centered on the clash between "new" world thinking and closely held tradition. Also at play were diverse financial interests from both home and overseas, pitted against a native population that realized their power lay in their land, culture and strategic location between Asia and the Americas.

Balancing heritage and new thinking are constant challenges for the "Aloha Leader", whether your office is on Oahu, Molokai or in land-locked Toledo, Ohio. How leaders work to "Honor Your Culture" is a key component of Mike Faber's "Aloha Leadership" presentation. To inquire about booking Mike, please call 720.851.5208 or email mike@mikefaber.com