19 Nov Glitz and Glamour – The COTA Formula 1 Experience (Ep. 8)

A blur. That is how I would describe the three-day long Formula 1 weekend filled with fast cars, music, and VIP parties. I woke up this morning feeling as if time had stood still. It is difficult to believe we managed to pack in almost a few weeks worth of action in such a short period of time.

This week was a week of firsts. For the first time, I got to immerse myself in one of the world’s largest events. I got to walk around the Circuit of the Amercias track, interview various people from around the world, and listen to the high pitched squeal of Formula 1 cars racing at top speeds. By night, I had my first experience bypassing the security line to the front of the stage to take footage up close and personal with big headliners; I walked around Austin’s fanfest and was invited into clubs to film (no begging needed), as well as socialized all night with the VIPs.

From Flo Rida to Enrique, to an exclusive interview with one of my top favorite bands, Wild Child, to the free drinks and the random VIP Lamborghini party we walked into, the world was handed to us on a silver platter for those three days. Though the glitz and glamor is an adrenaline rush, at the end of the day when every part of my body ached and I was completely exhausted, what I cherish above it all is the group of amazing people that worked and supported me.

Today I feel humbled and appreciative of my experience. Without friends who care about the success of Moth to Flame and me, I would not have been gifted with such an amazing opportunity and an incredible experience. In business school we are told so many times that it is the relationships we build that are the most important to our success in our careers. I am a strong advocate of this statement.

My entire experience would not have been possible without a friend from the MBA program who asked me to help out at the event. The success of the event would not have been possible without the team of 20 people who worked tirelessly to capture every moment of Formula 1.

It was such a relief to be able to have a team that I could trust completely. You guys are awesome. I am proud of us. I am so very grateful. Thank you.

Here is a summary of my schedule this week:

5:00 AM – Wake up (make sure all batteries charged, equipment loaded in car, etc)

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM – Meet up with team to drive to Formula 1

8:00 AM – 1 PM – Interview a crap load of people at Formula 1

1 PM – 2 PM – Eat while downloading footage and coordinating rest of night

2 PM – 5 PM – Editing, more filming, interviewing, organizing,

5 PM – 8 PM – Filming Austin Fanfest

8 PM – 2 AM – Filming at concert headliners

2 AM – 4 AM – Downloading footage, making sure footage is backed up, social media, catching up on emails and work

Do it again the next day.