#CMEdi Speaker Catch-up: Maryam Ghaffari of Got Soul Choir
Last month, we had the phenomenal Maryam Ghaffari as our guest, speaking on the month’s theme of #CMCommitment. Not only were we all moved by her talk, but the conversations afterwards were pretty awesome, too!
We loved seeing you all so fired-up, engaged, and inspired… so, we caught up with Maryam a short while afterwards, getting a little more insight into her experience of joining the CMEdi community!
Read on, and check out our interview with Maryam!
Photography by Wilfred Magnussen 📸
What was the preparation for your talk like?
Preparing for the talk makes you see who you are, what you do and stand for from a new and fresh perspective. I was really grateful that Briana was there to support. Although we sailed very close to the wind having missed each other’s’ emails etc. So it was a bit of an 11th hour state!
But hey nothing new there for me!! As Briana and I were going through ‘my story’ I realised that perhaps I should have enquired about the possibility of doing my talk in June rather than May - since May is one of the busiest times of the year with concerts and performances. Particularly this year!! But it’s all good and I’m so glad we did it.
In reality, when you are out the on the court busy with the boom boom boom of the heart, that’s how things can be like shot after shot after shot and you just got to take the shot right?
Briana is a young woman with a wise old soul and I really enjoyed working on the talk with her. She recognises the value of experience when the ‘story teller’ may view them as just another day in the life of!
How did you feel up on the stage, in front of our CMEdi community? Did you find yourself easing into it once you got going?
I felt very privileged to have been asked to share my story. There was a mixture of excitement and nerves and like you say it all started to feel good once I got going.
Photography by Wilfred Magnussen 📸
Were there any special responses and/or interactions before, during, or after your talk which stood out in your memory?
I was really overwhelmed by the number of people who had identified with what I had shared and got something from it. In the conversations generated after the talk the common threads were fearing the unknown and self-doubt.
We shared that taking a leap of faith and stepping outside of our comfort zone takes a great deal of courage - but that because the rewards are so great one feels compelled to jump!
Would you recommend taking part in the CMEdi community and events, as a speaker and/or attendee?
Oh definitely no matter which side you’re on it’s a fantastic experience! I had no previous knowledge of The CMEdi prior to being asked to share my story. I found it an extraordinary community brimming with vitality, energy and commitment.
The event was ‘tastefully’ presented and super organised. The team were warm, welcoming, dynamic and enterprising professionals clearly keeping the core engines well-oiled and running smooth. Why would anyone want to miss out on being part of such a vibrant, fiery AND global community.
Photography by Wilfred Magnussen 📸
If, like us, you found yourself looking for more of that soulful inspiration that Maryam shared, don’t miss out on getting involved with the Got Soul Choir! Founded by Maryam, this initiative has grown into a musical community - where EVERYONE has been, and always will be, truly welcome!
FREE Taster Sessions at the start of Got Soul Choir’s Autumn Term 2018:
Edinburgh Tuesday 3rd Sept 6:30pm Venue: Edinburgh Academy 42 Henderson Row, Edinburgh EH3 5BL
Glasgow Wednesday 4th Sept 6:30pm Venue Russell House, 81 Hyndland Rd, Glasgow G12 9JE
Dundee Thursday 5th Sept 6:30pm Venue Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1DA
Fife Monday 2nd Sept 6:30pm Venue East Port, Dunfermline KY12 7JA
For more information, head on over to the official website at http://www.gotsoul.org.uk/
