It’s always fascinated me how a single line from a movie can become a classic.

It’s either in the way it’s delivered, or the poignancy of the moment, or that it’s simply a GREAT line.

I’m thinking, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn,” the immortal line delivered by Clark Gable, playing Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind.

Or “I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” from the Wizard of Oz.

Or perhaps, “Here’s looking at you, kid,” from Casablanca.

All these movies were released way before my time, and yet I instantly recognise the lines, and have probably included them in conversation on more than one occasion.

Which brings me to the subject line of this email.

In the 1950s film, Sunset Boulevard, Gloria Swanson’s character, Norma Desmond, stalks towards the camera and delivers the immortal line, “All right, Mr DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."

And if you’ve seen the film, you’ll know she looked her glamourous best at the time.

Which is not always something that can be said for people in Zoom meetings, let’s be honest.

And you know what?

That’s 100% OK.

I’ve been in meetings where people have had the flu (recently, it’s been Covid) and they’ve looked less than their best.

I’ve spoken to my team members when they’re in bed, when I’m in bed, or when they’re at the desk but in their pj's with full-on morning hair.

I’ve had my son and my dogs interrupt client meetings on several occasions, and have been in quite an important client Zoom meeting when one of the other members of the marketing team blurted out, “I’m sorry, but I HAVE to eat.” And then ate a bowl of cereal during the meeting.

I think this is where the world is right now. There’s nothing like a global pandemic to put things into perspective a little.

Is appearing in front of a new client for the first time in your pyjamas optimal?

Possibly not.

But does it happen on occasion in our new, working-from-home world?

Definitely.

We’re all trying to be as professional as we can in environments that were never designed for the purpose.

So, while I will promise to always get up, dress up and show up, there have been moments where this hasn’t always worked out. And there may well be again.

We’re professionals, yes. But we’re also human.

 Until the next time, stay awesome.