E Pluribus Unum
Out of Many, One

By Jane Boucher  

 Our world is small and interdependent.  The problems of one major country become the problems of the next. I just returned from a business trip to London and I found that the UK is suffering economic problems, foreclosures, redundancies (layoffs) and the ethical scandals among members of Parliament.  In spite of it all, I observed a gentler, kinder human spirit in London. 

 I was 19 years old when I first traveled to the UK.  I was an OSU Communications Major.  I remember being wildly impressed during our tour of the BBC, which included a morning in the studio audience of David Frost's television show.  I wanted to grow up and become an interviewer just like him.   I enjoy interviewing people even to this day.

One of the great things about my business is that I meet fascinating people all over the world.  I was met upon my arrival at Heathrow last week by Andy O'Callaghan, who is from a village called Lymington.   I first met him a year ago in Prague where we created and became the founding members of the International Team Building Association (ITBA).  Like myself, he's also a consultant specializing in Team-Building.  We quickly discovered how like-minded we were even though we live on opposite sides of the pond.

If you have seen any of the Harry Potter movies, many of the Hogwarts' scenes were filmed in the Middle Temple Hall, which is currently a dining hall for English Barristers.  I was given a tour by Paul Randolph, a charming veteran barrister who has transferred his life's passion from litigation to mediation.  I was immensely impressed by the collegial atmosphere at the Inns of Court.

 Another highlight of my trip was reconnecting with two new fascinating friends.  When I met them six months ago, they were acting as defense counsel in a murder trial at the Old Bailey, the oldest criminal court in the world.  Michel Massih was recently awarded the title of Outstanding Criminal Lawyer of the Year.  His sometime working partner, Emma Edhem, is a pioneer in the male dominated legal profession.  They are just as impressive with or without their robes and wigs.

Simon Scarborough and Catherine Hammond welcomed me to their beautiful property when I arrived in London.  Simon, the general manager of the Flemings Mayfair Hotel, had invited me to facilitate a workshop for his management staff.  At least ten nationalities were represented in my class.  In the course of my week in London, I met a Hungarian Jew, a Palestinian Catholic, a Turkish Moslem, a Kenyan, a Portuguese, an Italian, a Ghanan, a Croatian and a South African. 

Last year, I befriended the driver, Joshua, who took me back to Heathrow for my return trip.  He is an Ethiopian.   I also reconnected with him on this recent trip.  What continues to amaze me is how much we all have in common despite our differences.

What do all of these people have in common?   They are all members of the British society, which gains strength from its diversity…even in trying times.  Out of many, one.