Hello!
I wanted to share this incredible experience in order to say that when we have focus, motivation, vision, and fortitude, dreams can come true!
Most people do not know this about me so if you are reading this, you will get a small glimpse into where I came from. There were times when I was homeless, had no food, and did not know how I was going to survive, let alone make a life like this for myself and my family. I am sharing more about my journey in my book and film “Lost and Found,” streaming series “Captain,” and guidebook “Welcome Aboard, A Passenger’s Guide to Stress Free Air Travel.” I hope you will join me there too!
When I am able experience things like these events and appearances, and am able to wear fancy clothes, makeup, and hair while eating top of the line food, I feel sometimes uneasy. It is not imposter syndrome but instead more about wanting to share the entire experience with you so that you too can have the joy and gratitude with me.
Nashville, The Ole Opryland:
I was selected near the end of 2023 by the IAOTP for this coveted award of “Top 50 Fearless Leaders” after I was selected as “Empowered Woman of 2023.” An ensuing time being displayed and photographed on the New York Times Square Billboard and the award gala at The Plaza Hotel were magic moments I will never forget! Now we were off to the Ole Opry!
My son Erik was excited to accompany me and I had to get him a nice, fitted suit. At university, he went to Men’s Warehouse following my instructions to get pro support. Of course, they sold him on a high end suit, shoes, shirts, and ties, he looked like the new 007!
I flew from LAX to pick him up in SFO and fly across to BNA. Once arriving, we just had to go see the holiday lights all around! Knowing the gala was the next day and I wanted to be svelte as possible in my dress, I really wanted to resist the yummy southern food but I just couldn’t! Off to Caney’s for BBQ ribs, steak, pulled pork, alligator tail, hush puppies, collard greens, and we even had table-side S’mores! They had taxidermy everywhere which my daughter would love so I took lots of pictures. Hmm, which now in retrospect… lol
The Gala:
We were all decked out and ready to have fun! We got to join up with a few other award winner friends as we arrived for the appetizers and drinks at 6:00, the dinner and award ceremony at 7:00. Award pictures were taken and we got to mingle.
The tables were beautifully elaborate with large floral displays, rhinestone boots, lovely dish and glassware. When I was young, one of my many jobs I worked to help pay for my initial flying lessons was caterer. My heart is always warmed being on the receiving end now of the wonderful service of these hard working people. About 300 of us were assigned seating and the ceremony opened with the amazing creator of IAOTP, Stephanie Cirami with her lovely family and staff.
Exquisite dinner was served as each awardee’s short bio and honor was read. We were cheered on by fellow award winning industry leaders as we received our beautiful statues. As I hugged the presenters and stood on stage in front of the crowd, I just thought, “I am so lucky and so blessed, I wish everyone could feel what this is like for their achievements.”
There were so many amazing moments of support, the kindness and enthusiasm that flowed for one another. I simply felt elevated by everyone else with the encouragement and goodwill all around the room. There is truly nothing else like it. After contemplating for a moment within that realm, I realized how much mutual respect there was for each other as professionals taking their skill sets and helping make the world a better place. This group is not competitive with each other, it is instead reality of admiration and in some cases awe.
I tried hard to really be in every moment, every minute, taking it all in for both myself and my son. I was so proud of him as he stood confidently, holding his own in connection and conversation amongst the super powers.
Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with me!
Wishing you Blue Skies and Smooth Flights!
Love,
Laura
