Getting a chance can change a life

Often it just takes a dream and a chance to change someone's work life, says communications advisor Nanna Kalinka Bjerke. She is one of the creative and visionary people, whom we have invited to share their thoughts about mentoring and learning through networks on this website. Some were inspired by real life stories from KVINFOs mentor network. We also asked them about important mentors in their own lives.

Be inspired and join the discussion!

Nanna Kalinka Bjerke, communications advisor:

"Everyone knows how significant a meeting between people can be. If it happens by coincidence or arrangement is not important. What is important is, that someone who has experience, knowledge, network, money or the cultural home-field advantage can actually change the life of another person, who lacks one of those.

23 years ago, I arrived backwards to New York with a broken heart and what I could carry in the suitcase. I wandered nameless streets pitying myself with U2's The Joshua Tree on my walkman - not knowing that my fate was waiting around the next corner: A powerhouse of a Texan lady was about to take me under her wings. With sky-high stilettos, smashing red lips and high-pitched voice, she ran a small humanitarian/cultural marketing company, at a great pace and in high spirits. I had never seen anything like it.

This woman didn't care the slightest if an imported Scandinavian with an unpronouncable name, broken school-English, an unfinished education and a pale eighties look á la Morticia Adams had papers to show for anything. I became her apprentice.

It was learning by doing with no limit on work hours or wages worth mentioning. But that didn't matter; this boss generously gave out chances. And because of that, you could get the most impossible work done while enjoying it. Her approach to the world was warm, creative, open and devil-may-care. No plans were too great, if the point was to save the world. And it was. She persuaded rock stars and presidents, ordered great artists of the moment about, and wrested big checks out of the hands of even the most tight-fisted money men. She made the famous difference on a daily basis.

Since then I have tried to live up to her standards, but also to pass on to others what she gave me. The experience that often it just takes a dream and a chance to form a whole work life, and thereby life itself, for another human being."

What do you think?
How can getting the right chance at the right moment change a person's life? Please comment below.