Going Global Above Eleven And Beyond

This week celebrated International Women’s Day. I love this day, It is a chance to celebrate Womanhood and there’s no better way to do this than to introduce you to some awesome women here in Bangkok for the 10th Annual Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Conference.

We were gathered at the Above Eleven bar and restaurant. It’s an inspired international choice of venue. It’s billed as a New York City bar meets a Peruvian – Japanese restuarant. What a way to start a Thai trip. Life in Bangkok is never, ever dull!

When the invitation first came to offer a warm Sawadee to the ladies of MAFE (Michigan Association of Female Entrepreneurs), I did wonder whether I was entirely qualified for such a high-powered Global Business Networking evening…

This is how the invitation went:

You are invited to meet and network with a Leadership Institute delegation of 15 women who will be attending the 3-day 10th annual Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Conference in Bangkok. The MAFE Leadership Institute was developed to help cultivate the leadership potential of women entrepreneurs and to promote women’s economic empowerment in Michigan and globally.

Intrigued? So was I.

I RSVP’ed to attend with others from American Women’s Group, Thailand as Chief Explorer for Little Wandering Wren, frocked up with my best Thai silk dress and went for it!

There is a dress code, no flip flops and no sandals or sleeveless shirts for men, we are a smart looking bunch, looking for the ladies from Detroit.

The Above Eleven rooftop bar and restaurant is found on the 33rd and 34th floors of Soi Sukhumvit 11. It’s an elegant affair. Amidst the lively bars of Bangkok’s trendy Soi 11 and round the back of Insanity Nightclub we form an orderly queue with some hip youngsters waiting for the secretive lift – this is either a really popular venue or the whole town’s on the guest list.

The view of twinkling city lights from the 33rd floor is stunning, it is even better from the 34th floor, where we are directed. I’m impressed these American’s entrepreneurs certainly know how to throw a good party.

Have you ever had Peruvian – Japanese inspired food? Well neither have I? The menu was different and delicious.

The setting is awesome, we are way above the trees but amidst five lifesize metal structural trees. All inspired by New York’s Central Park. Above Eleven describes it as ‘an abstract art installation of a park experience with a captivating bird’s eye view of Bangkok”

How perfect is this for a Little Wren who offers a Birds-eye view of the world from her blog?!

I had my speech all sorted, as long gone are the days when I can talk of any personal high flying business achievements…

Do you know that line from The Wife movie?  The movie with the tagline

Behind any great man, there’s always a greater woman

… And what do you do?  Joan Castleman (Glenn Close) replies ‘I’m a Kingmaker!’

Haha, I love this film!!! I always thought that would be a brilliant quote to bring out at some point when the need arose.

Well, guess what? I never needed it.

The women of Michigan were warm, they were funny, they were strong and totally awesome in their own achievements. They were genuinely interested in each of us and our lives in Thailand. Not only that, they had amassed quite a party of interesting business and professional women in Thailand too.

In return we were impressed. My collection of business cards introduces me to motivational speakers, Vice Presidents, Entrepreneurs, CEO’s, Doctors and several with Dr before their names, Vice Chancellors, Leadership Coaches, Co-Presidents, Authors, Creative Directors. I was the only Chief Explorer.

The motivational speaker Jim Rohn says:

“You are the average of the five people you spend most time with” 

Well, we could have achieved anything that evening.

photo credit www.shestrongintl.org

Not only was it fun meeting the MAFE tribe, but they were also involved in leading some really interesting organisations such as #SheStrong International, A not for profit organisation which aims to enlighten, encourage and empower woman of all ages, during all stages, through all phases of womanhood to be bold, brave beautiful, brilliant and balanced.

Thank you to the Michigan Association of Female Entrepreneurs, and the staff at Above Eleven for a wonderful night of networking, sharing and inspiring each other.

And from me in Bangkok in celebration of women all over the world – wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Above Eleven:โรงแรมเฟรเซอร์สวีทสุขุมวิท Soi Sukhumvit 11, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110     Open from 18:00 until 02:00 daily Review and more photos: Bankok.com magazine

More details on WLEC2019 here: Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Conference, Bangkok, Thailand 

More details on MAFE here: Michigan Asociation of Female Entrepreneurs

More details on AWC Thailand here:  American Women’s Group

Linking with thanks to Beverly at Pink Saturday, Angie at Mosaic Monday,  All the hosts at Our World Tuesday and Create with Joy link up for Friendship Friday