Like Captain Nemo, the enigmatic and charismatic commander of the submarine Nautilus, I live by the sea. While I spend most of my time in online meetings—nine out of ten, as I work remotely—I hold some of my in-person meetings in this lookout tower at the local port, surrounded by the sights and sounds of waves, boat traffic, and the sea stretching out on all sides.
I like to open these meetings with the words of Captain Nemo: “The sea is everything… it is nothing but love and emotion; it is the ‘Living Infinite.’”
I live by the sea and embrace Captain Nemo’s quote, ‘Here on the ocean floor is the only independence. Here I am free!’ Thus, every weekend, I select my ‘fish of the week,’ or shellfish. Now, it’s time for crab, and I need to have the hammer. As Hemingway said, ‘Neither for you nor for me. I’m sorry, fish.’ Will it be as black as black for the crab; perhaps a stout?
My mind then takes flight to a green island, to a pub on a street corner in Cork. I imagine watching old men in their caps, seated in their usual spots, inviting me to join a community chat as the pubs fill up, echoing with cheers and the sound of church bells signaling the start of Sunday lunch. But my journey wouldn’t stop there. Next, I’d go to France for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the southwest, a fitting companion for the crab. I envision hearing church bells ringing out as squares fill with people at bistros, engaging in philosophical discussions around the tables.
In the wake of successfully navigating a complex array of corporate responsibilities - from strategic share issuances and crafting comprehensive annual and quarterly reports to managing mergers and acquisitions and presiding over annual meetings, sourcing growth companies, provide guidance to organizations, provision of corporate information, making businesses through strategic board meetings and so on - I also allocated time to stage this personal event.
In the heart of our beautifully decorated garden, a meaningful celebration was held - an occasion that yielded a rare family photo, one that embodies both joy and accomplishment. This was no ordinary celebration; it was in honour of our son, 'Junior the Second', upon earning his degree.
As the evening host, I delivered the keynote speech honouring the graduating student:
"No day could be more significant than this, a day crafted by Prince Gustav, echoed by the melody beginning with the words: "Let's sing of the student's joyful day". This is the moment your life starts to mould itself, and you will truly grasp the essence of the phrase: "let us revel in the springtime of youth". For only you can join in the chorus: "and the dawning future is ours".
The future belongs to you, with your inherent talent. You possess a unique talent and giftedness that's intrinsic to you, and at times, that's all you need to showcase, akin to Nacka Skoglund at San Siro, known as the "Swaying Corn Cob". Without formal training or tactics, he seized the ball and played by the talent he was blessed with, determining the game's fate with an unexpected dribble or a curled corner kick, unlike anything seen before. You, much like the Nobel laureate Tranströmer, with divine gifts, may conclude that 1 kg weighs no more than 700 grams, and in doing so, become acutely present in the realm of intellectual thought. After all, 1 kg is indeed merely 700 grams.
To arrive at this juncture, this day of student accomplishment, you've demonstrated an unwavering dedication to your studies. Much like Captain Nemo aboard the Nautilus, you've spent hours in your library, even taking your meals there. This has become your signature, a unique opportunity to meld your intellectual pursuits with your everyday routines - a perfect blend of learning and comfort.
But even talent and giftedness, combined with hard work, need cultivation and refinement in knowledge. Now, as you embark on the journey into the real academic world, the upcoming studies will challenge your dynamic abilities and enhance your potential. We then reach, in unison, the end of the Student Song, where your imminent academic journey is heralded in verse: "as we forge alliances in the grove".
To conclude in a manner befitting the Student Song, we impart these words to you on this special day, by exclaiming: "Hurrah!"
