Polo for Heart brings together polo players from around the world in a three-day tournament that raises money for heart and stroke-related charity. Marianne McBean Wayne is key to this year’s event as a member of the Silent Auction Committee. Her dedication to helping out those in need has made her one of our Advocacy Champions. Take a look at an introduction by Marianne, followed by her Q&A.
“Hi, my name is Marianne McBean Wayne, better known simply as m.a. I’m a mother, wife, independent brand strategist to fortune 500 companies – and start-ups too! I’ve had my own brush with serious health as well as mental health issues – great anxiety – and understand just how important it is, perhaps now more than ever, for humanity to band together, hand-in-hand, lock-step, to build a powerful community, an unstoppable community designed to protect, support, lends strength to those in need. It is after all the very essence of what makes us truly human.”
You have a focus on Polo for Heart where and when did that start being an important topic/cause for you?
Heart & Stroke touches so many friends, including young friends, and both sides of my family for several generations. And Polo for Heart has a special meaning to my community. While I’m fairly new to this specific fundraising endeavour – 14 or so years – the event is 37 years strong in 2016 and has raised over $6 Million. I’m just trying to do my part to help raise funds for a charity that touches so many through research, innovation, cutting-edge equipment, and patient support.
In your own words, what is Polo for Heart trying to achieve/do?
As mentioned above, we raise funds to contribute to the Heart & Stroke’s commitment to research, innovation, access to the very best equipment available as well as world class patient support. We support the foundation proper and request that some funds be directed towards our local community via Southlake Foundation.
What challenges have you faced along the way of trying to reach your goal/see your vision realized?
Even the best intentioned people get caught up in their day-to-day life and forget about the importance of giving back. Without a stark reminder, it’s easy for many to instinctively believe they don’t have the time to help or the money to give. But in my experience, with a little honest-to-goodness eye contact, most folks are more than willing to step up with time, money and/or silent auction items to support this worthy cause.
What have you learned throughout this project/journey?
The journey, of course, is never ending but I must say, I’ve learned how good it feels to “do good”. I could compare it to lifting a client’s business revenue by 10% and that doesn’t come anywhere close to the gratification of knowing I helped raise enough money to buy another MRI for our local hospital. I’ve also learned that when folks come together, truly come together in a selfless way, they can move mountains. It’s a sneak peak into the true greatness that humanity has to offer…if/when they so choose.
Where do you go from here? What is the next step?
And the journey goes on…hopefully to pass on to yet another generation of volunteers
Now, let’s have some fun with some Rapid Fire Questions!
Proud-My son
Angry –Injustice…and selfish or unaware drivers
Excited-New experiences, opportunities, challenges
Scared-Depending on others (anxiety roots run deep 🙂
Lucky-Waking up in the morning and for every cherished moment, opportunity, experience that presents itself to me
Conflicted-My left vs. right brain impulses, my equally liberal vs. conservative tendencies, progress at the expense of some (but not many) cool traditions…
Empowered-When I can put anxiety in it’s place
Hopeful-When people get it, when they get what’s truly important and step up to the plate in deed and word
Sad-Unexpected loss, human indifference, intolerance
Strong-Putting anxiety in it’s place
The freeway or Scenic Route? Scenic route, everytime
A night out with friends or a quiet night in?Depends
An adventure trip or a relaxing vacation?Adventure 1st, relax 2nd
A great job with long hours or an okay job with lots of time off?A great job with lots of time off…why settle for less?
The 1950s, 60s, 70s or 80s?No thanks, been there done that…
Are your real life (people you know) role models?
Everyone I meet has something cool to offer, teach, model.
Are your famous/well-known role models?
Anyone who has overcome serious challenges in the lime-light, yikes, that’s no easy task.
Would you like to work with/for in the future?
Elon Musk.
Inspired you most as a child?
Childhood was such a long time ago?!
Pushes you the hardest?
Me, myself and I.
Now, we want to get know a little more about you!
This blog is called ‘Awesome People’, what makes you awesome?
I’m not awesome. I’m just a regular person trying to do my very best with whatever time I have on this leg of my journey to, at the very least, give back more than I take.
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
Hmmm, again, with all due respect to the intent of the question, I’m not terribly committed to remembering compliments or criticisms for that matter…unless I’ve expressly asked for feedback? Besides, I’m quite sure I’ve not done anything in my life better than any number of folks who have come before or will follow after me.
What is the best criticism that you have ever received?
Criticism or hints towards personal development? All kinds of folks are eager to dish out criticism to anyone and everyone around them – out of fear I suppose – and it adds no real value, no longer to me anyway (unless solicited of course). However, my favourite nugget of “behavioural adjustment” learning came from my CBT coach in the battle against debilitating anxiety, “always remember”, he said about other people’s actions, words & behaviour, “it’s not about you, it’s about them”.
We are all changing and evolving all the time. How are you in the process of changing?
I wake knowing that everyday is a new day to experience, learn, and grow – to change where required, to evolve over time – it’s a never ending process! Learning and personal growth can come from anywhere, anytime, and often in the most unexpected of places.
Our slogan/mantra at WT is Define Your Normal. So, what is your definition of normal?
With all due respect to normal…forget normal. My normal is not normal because to be normal is to conform. Conform to what? Someone else’s rules or ideas of what’s right? I’m not an anarchist but I won’t be ‘conforming’ anytime soon either.
What is a challenge that you face often in your life?
Outrageous anxiety (saddled w/ a desire to conceal this daily struggle from others…its exhausting to pretend you’re not totally scared, shy, intimidated).
What makes your life easier?
Truth and honesty…the internet and my macbook air.
What makes your life more difficult?
The lack of proper internet where I live. Yes, I can see the CN tower from my back yard but I cannot surf the world wide web (without HUGE expense).
What is your definition of success?
Choosing to go “all in” because even if you don’t exceed ‘standard’ expectations, then at the very least, you learn so much about yourself and others…plus, when you go ‘all in’ real success typically shows up – often in fabulously unexpected ways.
If you could interview anyone, whom would you choose?
Someone pivotal to the Kennedy administration. Very curious about so much!
How does your style help to define you? Is there anything that counteracts that/gives people the wrong impression about you?
Haha, style, what style? I just go with what feels right in the moment. But I have heard that at first glance, newbies often first interpret me as scary and overtly standoffishness (both of which couldn’t be further from the truth).
What is your favorite WT product?
Toss up between ‘breathe’, ‘choose happiness’, ‘solidarity’ and ‘authenticity’ motif t-shirts.
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