On staying curious, making connections, and why saying ‘yes’ has become my favourite word this year
Yes at 84: Christine’s Journey
There are evenings that stay with you long after they’ve ended. Saturday night at the Houses of Parliament was one of those evenings.
When Liz Perkins, night editor of The Daily Telegraph invited me to the Global Business Leaders Festive Drinks Reception at the Terrace Pavilion, I didn’t hesitate. This year, I’ve made a conscious decision to say ‘yes’ more often – to invitations, to conversations, to experiences that take me out into the world and into the company of interesting people. And my goodness, what a decision that’s turned out to be.
The Power of Being Present
As I walked through Westminster Hall, past the magnificent Christmas trees twinkling against those ancient stone walls, I felt that familiar flutter of anticipation. You never quite know who you’ll meet or what conversations will unfold at these gatherings. That’s the beauty of saying yes – you open yourself up to serendipity.
The Terrace Pavilion was transformed into something magical that evening. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, the Thames glittered beyond the windows, and everywhere you looked, fascinating people were deep in conversation. Lord Griffiths of Burry Port had sponsored this beautiful gathering, bringing together an extraordinary mix of diplomats, business leaders, media professionals, and the wonderful Saïd Business School alumni community.
Royal Grace and Global Perspectives
Meeting Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia was a true highlight. There’s something about royalty that brings a sense of occasion, but what struck me most was her warmth and genuine interest in the conversations around her. Grace isn’t just about titles – it’s about how you make others feel, and she was remarkable.
But perhaps my most meaningful conversation of the evening was with Tia, a talented fashion designer from Indonesia. We talked about her work, her vision, the intersection of traditional craft and contemporary design. By the time we’d finished chatting, Indonesia had moved from somewhere on my travel bucket list to the very top! There’s something wonderfully energising about connecting with someone whose passion is so palpable, whose perspective opens up new worlds.
At 85, people sometimes assume the world gets smaller. I’ve found exactly the opposite to be true. The world only gets smaller if you let it. Say yes, stay curious, and suddenly the world is full of Indonesian fashion designers, tech innovators, social entrepreneurs, and possibilities you hadn’t even imagined.
Music and Magic
Then Elizabeth Sillo sang.
When someone has a true gift and shares it generously, it transforms the atmosphere entirely. Her Christmas carols didn’t just entertain us – they moved us. I found myself with goosebumps, transported by the pure beauty of her voice. In that moment, in that historic setting, with those incredible people around me, I felt profoundly grateful.
Music has this way of cutting through all the small talk and getting right to the heart of what matters, doesn’t it? Connection. Beauty. Shared experience. The simple joy of being alive and present in a moment.
Conversations That Matter
Throughout the evening, I found myself in fascinating discussions about everything from female-led technologies to investment in women’s health, from AI for wellbeing to international trade opportunities. This wasn’t just networking – these were conversations with purpose and depth.
I was particularly moved to discover the work of ‘Your Sanctuary’, who do such vital work supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Events like these remind us that business success and social responsibility aren’t separate pursuits – they’re deeply intertwined. The most interesting people I meet are those who understand this, who see their work as part of a larger purpose.
The Gift of This Year
As I stood on the terrace later that evening, looking out at the London Eye lit up in purple and blue, the Thames reflecting all that light and colour, I thought about what a year this has been.
I made a decision at the start of this year to say yes more often. Yes to invitations. Yes to new experiences. Yes to conversations with people half my age (or even a third of my age!). Yes to staying engaged, staying curious, staying in the world rather than retreating from it.
And what has that given me? Evenings like this one. Conversations with Indonesian fashion designers, royalty and global business leaders. The sound of Elizabeth’s voice singing carols in Westminster. The warmth of friendships and the excitement of new ones. The constant reminder that there are fascinating people everywhere, doing remarkable things, and all you have to do is show up and be genuinely interested.
The Lessons I’m Taking Forward
Here’s what I’ve learned from saying yes this year:
Connection is everything. We’re not meant to do life alone, especially as we get older. The richest experiences come from engaging deeply with others – their stories, their work, their dreams.
Curiosity is the antidote to aging. You stay young by staying interested. Ask questions. Learn about things you know nothing about. Let a fashion designer inspire you to visit Indonesia at 85.
Purpose doesn’t retire. Whether it’s Your Sanctuary supporting abuse survivors or business leaders thinking about AI for good, the most energising conversations happen when people are connected to something larger than themselves.
Beauty matters. Elizabeth’s voice, those Christmas trees in Westminster Hall, the Thames at night – these moments of beauty aren’t frivolous. They’re essential. They remind us why we’re here.
Say yes. Just say yes. You never know which invitation will lead to the conversation that changes your perspective, or the connection that becomes a treasured friendship, or the evening you’ll remember for years to come.
Gratitude
My deepest thanks to Liz Perkins for creating such a special evening and for bringing together this incredible group of global leaders. Thanks to Lord Griffiths of Burry Port for hosting us so graciously. And thanks to every person I spoke with that evening – you reminded me why connection matters, especially at this time of year.
As we move toward Christmas and the new year, I’m carrying forward this commitment to stay engaged, stay curious, and keep saying yes. Life is too short and too precious to spend it on the sidelines.
The world is full of fascinating people, beautiful moments, and meaningful conversations. All we have to do is show up.
Here’s to saying yes. Here’s to staying in the game. And here’s to the magic that unfolds when we do.
With gratitude and festive cheer,
Christine
