An Austrian, a Dutchie and a Scot!

One of the great joys of life is the friendships we make along the way. Some friendships have a lovely habit of popping up in different corners of the world!

On Saturday, it was an absolute delight to catch up with our dear friend Signe from Austria, who was enjoying her first visit to Edinburgh.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside Signe in voluntary public affairs and communications assignments for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across Europe.

It’s been such fun as we’ve crossed paths in Preston, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna and goodness knows where else! Monic got to know Signe when she joined us in Vienna, so it was lovely for all three of us to catch up again.

This time, it was Scotland’s turn to play host and as always, there was lots to talk about!

We share so much in common. From our professional backgrounds in sales to our current involvement in the Light the World Donation Machines initiative, there’s never a shortage of experiences, ideas or stories to exchange.

And perhaps that’s one of the things I enjoy most about friendships like this. We learn from each other, laugh together, compare notes and invariably come away a little wiser.

Saturday’s gathering was quite the international affair! Signe, our Austrian, Monic, the Dutchie, and of course one resident Scot!

There we were, enjoying Vietnamese food in Edinburgh, on Halloween, before posing for a photograph in front of Christmas decorations, with me wearing my poppy for Remembrance too!

Three nationalities, several cultures and a few seasons all rolled into one afternoon!

To round things off, Signe was heading off on a Halloween Ghost Tour of Edinburgh that evening. Hopefully, the only spirits she encountered were the friendly Scottish variety!

There’s a little leadership lesson in all of this, too.

So much of leadership is about relationships. Not simply building networks or exchanging business cards, but developing genuine friendships, staying curious about others and taking time to listen and learn.

The best connections aren’t necessarily the ones we make in meeting rooms. They’re often strengthened over a meal, through shared experiences, and in those special moments when we simply make time for one another.

After all, leadership may bring people together, but it’s friendship that keeps them connected.

Thank you, Signe, for another lovely catch-up. Here’s to many more adventures, wherever in the world our paths cross next!

When was the last time you made time to reconnect with someone whose friendship has enriched your life?