KEY POINTS:
I start my day at 5am with my dearly beloved exercise. I teach spin classes - a great way to get going. When I am out of town I find the local gym or go for a run.
I was working for a corporate, feeling frustrated and looking for that "right" career. The coach I was working with at the time was brilliant in helping me identify what I was passionate about and map the path to get there.
Watching people's eyes light up as they realise a little more about themselves and those around them is just fantastic and one of the reasons I love my job.
In our busyness we've become a lot less tolerant and seem to be forgetting some of the most basic of manners such as saying hello (I am stunned at the number of people who think a grunt constitutes a "good morning"), looking at people when you speak to them and listening (with our ears, not our mouths).
Hearing on TV recently that scientists are planning to fire rockets into the surface of Mars made me angry. Have we become bored with wrecking our own planet?
My hometown of Kawerau was the best town to grow up in. It was the wealthiest town in all senses, it had a true community spirit, a real quest for winning and a belly laugh to boot. Today a lot has changed but I still refer to Kawerau as home.
I wish more people would give others the privilege of being listened to. It is one of the greatest courtesies we can give and it makes our lives so much richer for the experience.
I wish the fashion police would ban crocs with socks. I know comfort is important but that is what chocolate is for.
The last time I cried was watching Scott Dixon cross that finish line and realise a dream. It was a wonderful achievement and to see his mum and dad's reactions was even more emotional.
* Katheren Leitner is a corporate coach and professional trainer specialising in cultural diversity.
