Pride, Gratitude and Education in Lisbon

June 3, 2009 in My Journey | What's On My Mind · Written by Tara Joyce · Follow Me on Twitter

I should have told you before I left. I just got back from speaking at an entrepreneurship conference in Lisbon held by Gesentrepreneur, a companyvcit2009tarajoycepresenting dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship in Portugal. I was invited to speak on Innerpreneurs. The video is coming soon. You can check out the slides here.

I should have said something before

But I didn’t. I need to learn to be more proud. It doesn’t have to be an ugly word. Which it is…to me. I just looked up the definition of it…the meaning is…actually quite nice.

vcit2009tarajoyce

I am proud of myself. I was proud to be invited and proud of my presentation. And I should be. When I began writing about being an innerpreneur one year ago it was because I felt passionate, lonely and scared. I had found something to believe in, bigger than myself and I needed to share it. What has followed has been the greatest adventure.

My evolution continues

To speak about innerpreneuring, to connect with people around the world, I couldn’t imagine anything more I’d rather do…except write a book on it. Those two dreams, right there, are my truth. I am forever grateful to Joana Nobrega (she found me on Twitter @elleniccoc) and Gesentrepreneur for giving me the opportunity to realize it.

vcit2009tarajoycejoananobrega

My new friend, Joana Nobrega

So now it seems that my path is shifting. The puzzle pieces are fitting together in a pattern that is familiar yet so unexpected.

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  • http://www.openthedoor.ca/ jamie

    How beautiful! What a joy to see the trip from passionate, scared and lonely to speaking internationally about what you are passionate! What a joy! And definitely something to be proud of :)

    The pictures are gorgeous. You look focused and happy. I can't wait to see the video.

  • http://www.elasticmind.ca/innerpreneur Tara Joyce

    Thank you, Jamie. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your
    inspiration and support. Your coaching has been invaluable to me.

    It truly was such a joy to speak. And to meet new and wonderful people.

  • http://www.anandaleeke.com/ Ananda Leeke

    Congratulations. I am so happy for you. I am excited about the video. Looking forward to listening to you. You are amazing. You inspired me to walk the path of an innerpreneur!

  • http://AuthenticOrganizations.com/ CV

    Tara- isn't it great to get a professional photo of yourself giving a presentation? Makes you look like you're doing a TED talk… if not now, then soon! I had an experience similar to yours, with an international conference last week. It barely occurred to me to mention it on my blog beforehand (false modesty? spaciness? embarrassment?). I almost forgot to put my URL on my slides! All because I'd forgotten how interested other people might be in my work, and in my perspectives, and in sharing theirs with me. Then BAM at the conference it all became clear(er). Was it that way for you?
    The slides look great; I bet the talk will be even better. Hooray for you!

  • http://www.gesventure.pt/vcit2009 Luis Galveias

    Hi Tara,
    It was great to meet you!
    Thank you for coming to Lisbon. We always want to share new trends and concepts at Venture Capital IT and your vision just matched what we were looking for. Keep thinking big. Keep thinking in returning to Lisbon!
    regards,
    Luis

  • Pedro Almeida

    Tara,

    I had the opportunity to be in the entrepreneurship conference in Lisbon, and i have to say that you should be more than proud about yourself, your presentation was brilliant! truly inspiring!, and in my opinion, the best one of all!

    I'm also a entrepreneur, i presented my project on the elevator pitch just a few minutes after you, and your presentation made me be sure o myself, that i'm on the right path, so thank you!

    i wish you all that i wish for myself :)
    Pedro Almeida

  • http://www.elasticmind.ca/innerpreneur Tara Joyce

    Ananda, thank you so much. It is so nice to know that I have your
    support and love.

  • http://www.elasticmind.ca/innerpreneur Tara Joyce

    CV, it was exactly that way. At first I couldn't understand why anyone
    would invite me to speak but once I did, I was like 'wow', this is
    really cool. I couldn't believe how my thoughts were connecting with
    people. It was pure joy.

    As for the pics, I know, I feel so legit now. Like a real
    professional, instead of some kid;)

    Thanks for the support, CV.

  • http://www.elasticmind.ca/innerpreneur Tara Joyce

    Luis,

    It was a true pleasure to meet you. Thank you for your kindness and
    hospitality. I had such a wonderful time in Lisbon. Thank you for
    helping to make it possible. I do hope we see each other again soon.

    Tara

  • http://www.elasticmind.ca/innerpreneur Tara Joyce

    Pedro,

    Wow. Thank you. I am overjoyed to know I helped inspire you. I was
    very impressed with your idea to improve the voting process and I wish
    you the best of luck in growing your business.

    Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words with me.

    Tara

  • http://AuthenticOrganizations.com/ CV

    Tara, reflecting on your experience again–
    Isn't this just what happens when people go from 'doing jobs' to being intrapreneurs? Are you/were you just walking your own talk (in a good way)?

  • HERO

    W0W! Tara,
    You look so lovely and irresistible on these marvelous pictures when giving your most inspiring presentation in Lisbon. What can I say? I am also proud for all that you achieved
    for such a short time – becoming a true citizen of the world. You are on the right path and holding your step in the middle! I have seen, as well as Confucius, that many drop out from
    the golden middle after the first month on their way. However “OUR” Tara is steadily moving ahead under the sheltering sky. Good for her. Good for us. The Future belongs as President Obama states to the :Young;Educated and Innovative Minds of our Planet.Hooray for you!

  • http://www.elasticmind.ca/innerpreneur Tara Joyce

    Absolutely, CV. I am a living testament to the power of pursuing your
    passions, of challenging the status-quo, of moving away from who you
    'should' be to being simply who you are. The power of authenticity and
    consciousness is amazing.

  • http://elasticmind.ca Tara Joyce

    Mike, thank you. I found speaking to be incredibly uplifting and I am excited to experience it again. It was an amazing feeling to connect with people. Pure joy.

    I appreciate your continued support, Mike. You have taught me so much.

  • http://www.elasticmind.ca/innerpreneur Tara Joyce

    Thank you for your continued support (and now flattery), Mike. You have been an important factor in my development and growth.