Last week, I was very excited to be part of an inspiring TEDx event at Stormont, in Belfast.
Probably the most exciting thing was seeing the politicians Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness in a photo together. When I was a child that photo would have been unthinkable – McGuinness was routinely described as a terrorist – and here they were before me. I know there are still significant difficulties in Northern Ireland, but to see this was to be reminded how much really has improved.
I simply couldn’t miss the opportunity to get myself photographed with them – after all, I was a speaker too! A week later, I still can’t quite get over it.
And now my talk has gone online. It’s a lot more personal than my last TEDx.
I’m very grateful to my schoolteacher, the late Ivor Cutler, and people in journalism, impro and coaching who gave me ideas and inspiration.