July 2008 -
Kay Gregory
Write up from the events held in July:
Having taken a months break for the inaugural Bloom Conference, we were ready to set the benchmark of speakers again, enticing Kay Gregory to the region – And what a pleasure to host such a charismatic and inspirational lady…..with a love for wine!! (….and it wasn’t a pre-requisite, I promise!!)
No high maintenance kinda lady, Kay only had two requests: 1) For it to be sunny and 2) for it to be 26 degrees!!!......So as we entered one of the wettest and most miserable weeks of the regions history, I’m pleased to announce that it was Mother Nature that let her down, and not me!!
Kay spoke candidly about her career to date; the highs and the lows, and delivered her key messages with zest: Get busy; Speed Up and Drop the Guilt!!! In a light hearted and honest speech to over 165 women in total, Kay shared advice from both her working, and personal life; advising us to be busy with passion and to not feel guilty about it. And wrapping up the two events I applauded Kay as a blueprint of success and realism, wrapped up in beautiful authenticity.
The Rutherford Hotel (Nelson), and Marlborough Vintners Hotel (in the heart of Marlborough) were the ideal venue and accommodation choices for our celebrity guest speaker – Their sponsorship greatly appreciated, with excellent service and friendly, helpful staff.
Bowled over by the generosity of local sponsors – Bedelias, Optimise, Perfect Day and not to mention Marlborough Day Spa who not only treated Kay to a deluxe pedicure but also donated one of the two top prizes on offer for our charitable draw; raising over $400 in total for both Dress for Success and also a local charitable initiative to support the building of a school in Fiji.
Testimonials:
"Absolutely Wonderful Kate – Kay was great to hear; very inspiring. Well Done Kate – You are organising this brilliantly"Sophie Greer, Bayleys Real Estate, Member
"Well Done Kate!! Thoroughly enjoyable first Her Business Network for me!!"
Liz Salvador
"Kay Gregory has a 'Great' sense of humour! Could relate what Kay was saying easily to my life – Very Relevant." Katherine Walker, Kids Kaper, Member
"I attended the launch last year, having been recommended by a friend, and its SO great to see the numbers increasing for Nelson. Fantastic evening Thank you!"
Jo Thelin, GoToGirl Concierge, Her Business Network Member
"Thanks Kay for being so open! Great event and venue was great"
Rebecca Madill, All About Assistance" Her Business Network Member
Kay as a speaker was nice and normal!! Not TOO wonderful J Sound system was good too! Great Kate!! Thank You." Marion Edwinn, Optimise Her Business Network Member
“Excellent networking opportunities” Anne Michelle, Member
"Could have listened to Kay for longer!" Cheryl Keene, Zeald (HBN Member)
"Kay Gregory was great, friendly and natural" Pauline Wallace, Business Care
" The evening exceeded my expectations – Great opportunity for networking."
Anonymous
"It was great – I ALWAYS love these events!" Gileen Caughey, PC Media
"FABULOUS! Thanks as always for organising it" Rachel Rodger, Made to Order Limited
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"You do a wonderful job co-ordinating these meetings – Congratulate Yourself! I have found all the speakers so far varied, and interesting. Well Done!!"
Jill Alexander, Designer (Mad Cat, Puss Puss and Alexander Interiors)"
Short Biography on Kay Gregory:
Kay's television career started in 1994 when she became a newsreader and current affairs host for regional channel Coast to Coast in Hamilton.
In 1996 she joined TV ONE News and hasn't looked back. During her time with ONE News she has reported from the Solomon Islands, from Fiji post-coup and has spent a large amount of time standing talking to cameras from various floodwaters around the country! Nobody likes the weather but Kay became a very popular edition to the weather team.
Kay's says her role as weather presenter was the ideal job as it combined her love of journalism and presenting. Getting it technically correct is something that Kay is passionate about.
She was a natural and obvious choice for the highly sought after Breakfast slot. Kay brought experience and enthusiasm to the breakfast host role, and became one of the most popular and energetic journalists and presenters on television.
Kay left TVNZ in August 2007 to focus on her family and other work commitments. Since 1997 Kay has balanced her family life and television career between her home base in the Waikato and TVNZ's studio in Auckland.
"I would also like to be able to do more public speaking and freelance writing without the tiredness that comes from getting up at 3.30 in the mornings five days a week."
Kay will continue her involvement with various charities, including the Parkinsons Society and Breast Cancer Foundation, and as an Ambassador for Dress for Success, a charitable trust aimed at helping women back into the workforce.
In her spare time, Kay just keeps on talking! She's a member of International Training in Communication which involves giving speaking seminars, and is also a Marriage and Funeral Celebrant.