Sadly, Covid-19 Brings my Sabbatical to a Premature but Necessary End

These are the strangest of times, presenting many challenges for each and every one of us on a daily basis. Each of us is personally confronted with the reality of all that's unfolding. We watch agog, as Coronavirus rapidly develops, producing never-before-seen dramatic results. We are all affected in different ways as normal life is brought to its knees. As you read, I hope you and your loved ones are well and keep your spirits high. I am good but gutted to have made the torturous but necessary decision to return home, just half way through my sabbatical. This past week has been crazy and testing for sure!

My trip comes to an abrupt end in stunning Auckland.

I started to see the significant signs things were serious on Thursday 12 March when I returned to Melbourne from Brisbane to present Kinharvie's vision, mission and values to The Catalyst Network. It was a great opportunity to get feedback on our vision and to bring some of the best thinking as to how Kinharvie might realise its mission. Gratefully, that much was achieved at the event and I really appreciated the contributions from those who attended. Only 15 of the 30 expected were able to be there, most of those unable as a consequence of having to deal with fallout from the virus.

The next day, I was due to attend an education conference convened by Woodleigh School that I was really looking forward to. I was to travel to the south of Melbourne on the Friday where I was to lead a facilitated conversation with young people as well as facilitate a World Cafe session for the whole conference. Just as I was about to leave, the email arrived cancelling the event.

As cancelling was emerging as a theme, I decided I should confirm my Monday visit to Doveton College, a really innovative education establishment that brings a community engagement approach to the school setting. Needless to say, the school had decided to stop receiving visitors. Plans were seriously crumbling at this stage.

Then the New Zealand government announced that as of midnight Sunday 15 March, all visitors would have to self isolate for 14 days. I was due to leave for Auckland on 17 March. What to do? I saw 3 options.

1. Change my flight to arrive prior to the curfew

2. Avoid New Zealand and go straight to Fiji

3. Return home

Option 3, at this stage, seemed far too radical and there was way too much resistance within me to give up on my sabbatical. So I chose option 1 and luckily negotiated a flight to arrive just in time.

By the time Monday arrived, things had moved on radically and as I watched the crisis unfold even further, I began to feel I was was in danger of being stranded in some random place over which I had no control. I looked ahead and could only see my options narrowing. Finally, as I accepted that the reason for my sabbatical - which was visiting projects and meeting other CEO's was now becoming impossible because of self isolation - I realised the game was up and it was time to make the dash home.

The next 36 hours were spent negotiating a route home via Brisbane, Los Angeles, London and Finally Glasgow. I write this just before taking off for LA and I'm due to arrive in Glasgow Thursday evening. Let's hope the border remains open!!

I suspect this isn't my last blog. Whilst I'm returning home, I still have things I experienced in Australia that I'd like to share. Watch this space and keep well.