Obama will be the first former US president to visit New
Zealand in decades.
With 100 million Twitter followers, and a press core to
rival, his visit will generate big exposure for Aotearoa and allow us to
showcase our business prowess on the world-stage.
NZ-US Council spokesman Leon Grice says Obama will speak at
an event hosted by the New Zealand-United States Council on March 22, 2018.
It will be an invitation-only event for about 1000 people.
Fancy as.
The audience will be diverse, youth leadership will feature heavily,
and BUSINESS buddy is still holding
out for an invitation.
The bromance
As a director on the board of Air New Zealand, there is no
doubt Sir John Key played a part in orchestrating this trip.
Obama is not anticipated to bring his family, so the pair have
a chance to rekindle their bromance on
the golf course.
“John is a wonderful
guy and he and I have become good friends,” Obama told former Australian Prime
minister Malcom Turnbull during the APEC summit in 2015.
Our business manager, Deidre Morgan, would love the
opportunity to become buddies with Obama, too.
She is busy practicing her swing in anticipation of his
arrival.
Destinations
Leon Grice said Obama’s itinerary would include having some
fun.
If Obama is feeling a little homesick, BUSINESS buddy suggests he and Sir John could pay
a visit to Rotavegas or Wellywood.
Or they could hit the Viaduct and try a Speights or New
Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, although an evening on the dance floor may be a no-no.
“I have dad moves,” Obama openly admitted during a recent
interview with David Letterman
But reassuringly, Obama knows his dancing limits.
“You gotta stay in the pocket.
“Everyone knows dads who get out of the pocket.
“They are trying stuff they can’t really pull off,” says
Obama.
At BUSINESS buddy,
we believe in pushing the boundaries and doing things differently.
We say who gives a stuff about your pocket, don’t worry
about what others think Obama, take a big leap out and jump right out.
Mode of travel
As President, Obama’s main mode of transport was The Beast, a $1 million US dollar bomb
proof Cadillac.
While in New Zealand, BUSINESS buddy suggests he tries something new.
To gain a real authentic Kiwi experience, he could try a
spot of freedom camping, although he needs to make sure he keeps all his tax
receipts during his trip.
Kiwi entrepreneurs
Obama understands that good networking is all about
developing mutually beneficial relationships.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if he met other home-grown business
leaders and innovators while touring the country?
Technology entrepreneur and founder of Xero, Rod Drury, could
advise him on the best way to claim for his business trip.
The awesome Mat Mowbray, founder and CEO of Zuru, could suggest
some amazing toys to take back as presents for his girls.
And, Peter Beck founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, could give
Obama an experience that would be out of this world at the Mahia launch site.
Inspiration
Like him or loathe him as a politician, he will be
remembered as one of the most amazing orator of our time.
He demonstrates the qualities of a talented, persuasive, and
motivational speaker.
Obama famously says, “If you're walking down the right path
and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress.”
If Obama can inspire young Kiwis down the right path or
encourage home-grown entrepreneurs to keep walking, then his upcoming visit is well
worth it.