Thought Leader???

A couple of weeks ago I attended TEDx Sydney. I wasn’t impressed, as were other attendees. I found out that the organizer of this event, was Matt Church, the founder of Thought Leaders. I have heard a lot about Matt, and his great work, so I had great expectations when I contacted him after the event via email, with “constructive Critism”.

Here is the original email I sent on the 29th of May, a day after TEDx Sydney:

Matt,

(… some introductory words…)…to be honest, I was bitterly disappointed last night’s display…

I’ve heard last night about 3 C’s : Communication, Collaboration, and Commitment.

I’d like to add another C – CONGRUENCE!  When people walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

I had enough of fat “well being” experts, poor “financial advisers” , real estate agents living in a rented apartments, etc..

If you talk about collaboration, how can you give a speech? Have an interactive workshop, or Skype conversation, or something – don’t give speeches, with no Q&A session, with no opportunity to have a say, and collaborate thoughts. This is not congruent with what you talk about.

If you’re interested in some constructive criticism, check out my blog www.razchorev.com.  I’d love to start a conversation there, and to share it with my readers (I’ll tweet about it and everything ;))

I talk about being responsive, and walk the walk. Try me (as others have) – send me an email, give me a call, contact me however you want – see how long it takes for a response.  (make sure there is a question though – I don’t respond to statements).

A day later came this well thought through and well articulated response:

Thanks Raz

Read your Blog.

All great thoughts.

To explain my role with TED.  I am the custodian for TEDx Sydney No one owns it.

Mate I live most of my  life live infront of rooms and the like. So I dont do email a lot. I say this just FYI in case you feel an online chat coming on.

Dont need any response from you but I appreciate your thinking.

All the best.

I blog a lot.

mattchurchblog.com

WIll reply to yours when next infront of my MAC

M@

I’m not going to help you form an opinion on this reply. I DO want you to tell me what you think of it. (comment below).

This isn’t where it ended, though. I sent Matt a tweet a week later, encouraging him to to reply to my email, as per his last sentence. Today, he replied this:

Is it me? Can someone please explain what I’m missing here!  I thought my message was clear:

“I’m disappointed, I expected (THIS), and I’ve received (THAT). What are you gonna do about it?”

And what’s with the “mate”? I choose my “mates” carefully (as they reflect on me). I’m not sure I want to be associated with people like that. Thought Leader? L-O-L!!