By Katarina Arambasic-Pivic
Photo: Pexels/Todd Trapani
April 2023
The Art of Livin’ was presented as the largest live training, lasting five hours and with two million registered followers. The central figure was the actor Matthew McConaughey; this project was and still is a continuation of his slightly different career in thinking and reflecting on the world, life-coaching, and writing.
The announcement of the event explained that it was time to stop the practice of accepting things and events as if we had no influence on them and start living. As pointed out, we need to figure out how to close the gap between where we are and where we want to be.
To be honest, I was not attracted to this event by the theme but rather by the desire (or professional deformation) to see how, at least “from the outside”, such a large event which is broadcast live on YouTube, Zoom, and Facebook and has a serious production, looks like.
I repeat the numbers:
- 5 hours of live online training
- 2 million registered followers
- 300 people in event production.
Along with McConaughey, Dean Graziosi, Tony Robbins, Marie Forleo, and NFL player Trent Shelton, all very well-known names in their fields, took part.
Impression 1: “American style”
Dynamic, energetic, and with a fantastic musical background. Personal experiences and good metaphors dominated the presentations. For some time now, there has been a trend for celebrities to share personal stories and show the broader public that they were also vulnerable at some point in their lives. Then, they build their narrative on that and discuss how they overcame serious life milestones.
Impression 2: Preparation
All speakers were excellently prepared and trained. Some will say it is their job, but the work on the topic and dedication to this event were apparent. They pointed out that the preparations lasted for weeks, which was obvious. During these five hours, I noticed only one slip by the speaker, which was immediately corrected. Appearance, vocabulary, presentation skills, gesticulation – everything was top-notch.
Impression 3: Matthew
Matthew McConaughey in his style, not to say in his “role”. My impression is that this man, whatever he does, gets into the role and cannot do otherwise. I found fascinating the story he shared with the audience about how he prepares long and thoroughly for everything he does, which is why he is successful. However, as he pointed out, this trait is also his Achilles’ heel because if he could, he would prepare until judgment day and still lack time.
Impression 4: Keep an open mind
Regardless of whether such a topic interests us, we should seize the chance to be open-minded and receptive. There is always a chance to learn a nugget of wisdom or come across a “trick” that we can use in our daily lives or the office. To apply to change the existing practice, I’d say.
Impression 5: It happens to the best
During Tony Robbins’ presentation, there were two sound problems and a brief interruption. As Tony said, the technique is excellent… when it works 🤓.
After this training, several weeks of “bombardment” followed with emails and different offers because it had to be commercialized beforehand. Americans are great at offering top shop deals, but I need help to follow. I wouldn’t say I like it when my inbox is under siege, and that’s where my attention usually falters.
To sum up, this was an interesting experience; you could learn a lot about event management, organizing online events, and further commercialization. I would only reduce this subsequent pressure on the participants because the number of emails that came in resulted in me deleting them without reading them. And that’s something you don’t want to happen to you when you send an offer. So, more moderation is a better strategy.
