'Be bold and brave' - Dubai Braver Conference 2018

“Bravo, my baby!” words I say to my 2-year old everyday, who is excited to wake up, test limits, try options, find smarter ways to play and play some more, ask WHY every five minutes and in the process, learn and find happiness every step of the way.

I worry that this bravery will be restricted as he navigates and grows in the system. I am part of the system. And so, I introduce him to superheroes, princes and princesses, witches and wizards, scientists and warriors, athletes and world leaders to keep that light burning.

I have never introduced him to a marketeer. I have never introduced him to a brave marketeer. And I can change that now.

Omar Nour told us that if dreams don’t scare you, you are not dreaming enough. Hiding behind failures and excuses, not learning from them, is contagious and all around us. However, it is our responsibility to find that inspiration, that moment, hold on to it to turn it around, make it work, make it better, live with passion.

Chaica Al Qassimi, a superwoman, athlete and motivational speaker, reinforced the Special Olympics athlete's oath, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”.

Essa Al Ansari’s weight-loss journey and the transformation will remain in our minds for a long time. And the 11-year-old cancer fighter’s goal to become a speaker will remain in our hearts forever.

DJ Van’s humility in the face of international fandom and recognition is so palpable, you come out feeling there is still good in the world.

With so many awards and recognitions, one of the most prominent entrepreneurs in the Middle East, Mona Ataya is a force to recon with. She claims she is lucky because she is brave. She is brave because she is constantly challenging the status quo, not getting comfortable, not accepting average performances from herself or others.

The Nissan story forced us to think again. Bravery begets bravery. If you are brave, I will be brave. We have to be brave in life, in work, so that others can be brave in theirs.

I thus take back stories of marketeers, of these super human individuals and teams, stories of bravery and passion, stories of innovation, stories of challenging the system, stories of pushing boundaries, stories of responding to mundane day-to-day asks into extra-ordinary efforts. I am taking back the inspiration to be bold and brave.

Written by Apeksha Ghosh Market Development & Insights Leader at IBM Middle East and Africa​