I’ve heard that you always make three speeches: the one you prepare, the one you deliver, and the one you give in your head on your way home when it’s all done.
This week, I had the honour of speaking on behalf of my MA Leadership Class of 2012 at the University of Guelph. I prepared a reflection on the program, on my amazing classmates and on leadership in general. The speech was very well received by its intended audience but I do wish I had made one important addition.
Towards the 12-minute mark, I made a point to thank the “supporting cast” – the staff of the College of Management and Economics and I mention quite a bit how classmates supported one another; however, I neglected to mention my family and my classmates’ families. Spouses and extended family who did double duty for two years. Kids who were told “Mom has homework” or “Dad has an assignment due” more times than they care to remember.
Since I have a platform where I can make this edit, I want to thank my indefatigable editor, my husband Mike. He encouraged me when I was completely drowning in my topic and stressed by outlines and deadlines. As immersed as I was, he always provided a fresh perspective and warm encouragement. My children, Robbie and Elise, were also amazing cheerleaders – drawing happy faces in the margins of journal articles; giving a little hug, a word of encouragement or a little trinket; and steering clear when timelines were tight (with Dad’s help, of course). My Dad was a safe place to land; and; friends also, no doubt, heard more than they perhaps wanted to about courses, professors and APA formatting.
No leader achieves success alone and I wanted to thank the entire supporting cast, including those who have been my biggest fans.
Accolade Communications 
Congrats!
Thanks Sharon. It was quite an experience!
Fantastic edit Dominique!!! i know that i could not have done this without the support of my husband who took on almost all of the household tasks, made meals that i would eat and then disapper from too study and made sure that the kids had clean clothes!! The kids all missed our time but i think we also provided wonderful examples of how important education and lifelong learning is!
I couldn’t agree more, Susan!
Dominique, what a beautiful addition to an already outstanding speech. In some ways, this worked out better as this provides an opportunity to shine a light on your family our our families in a way that it stands out as it should as the most important “light” in our MA Leadership journey.
Thanks Karen – they do deserve a speech all their own!