Lesley Pennington: How I became The Secret Millionaire

Last fall I received a phone call with a very interesting proposition. Would I like to participate in a television program called "The Secret Millionaire"? I had never seen the program but I had heard of the format. A "millionaire" goes undercover for a week and meets people that have had difficult lives, as well as those that have dedicated their lives to helping the less fortunate. At the end of the week, the "millionaire" donates some money to the person(s) they feel need, or deserve it, the most.

I was very unsure about participating - mostly because the thought of being on television in front of several hundred thousand people made me feel like throwing up. But, the idea behind the program intrigued me so I decided to meet with the producers. I felt the program's concept was very much in line with some of my values, and some of the core values at Bemz. We talk a lot about giving back, helping each other, and "caring" as core values, while examining ways of working more ethically and with greater social conscience. On a personal level, I have also been making some life decisions about how I can support social causes in two areas that are really important to me: women and children in distress.

It felt like an opportunity to take a personal journey to understand what these values meant to me, while hopefully making a difference to someone who genuinely needed it.

Although I approached the process from a very rational perspective (even if my motivation was emotional) something inside me changed during that week. I really believe that my week filming The Secret Millionaire has altered me in a very tangible way.

Throughout the course of the week of filming I met some amazing, brave, fearless, wonderful people. I ended up receiving so much more from them than what I was able to give. I met women who had abandoned their lives, lost everything: their friends, family, jobs and moved to uncertainty and an isolation in a new country, whether by choice or not; women who despite it all, remained so positive and would do whatever it took to carve a place for themselves in this new society. Their determination and optimism inspired and awed me. I met teenagers who had found the inner strength and courage to resist peer pressure, to stand up for each other and to be proud of their accomplishments giving them self-esteem and self-confidence. Their talent, dedication and enthusiasm humbled me.

I met a young woman who was thrown in jail, tortured psychologically and physically, without any regard for her basic human rights. In a world where we talk about fulfillment, achievement, and ambitions, it is impossible to understand not to mention imagine. But for so many people around the world a lack of basic human rights is very real. I have been extremely fortunate to never have had to question my rights as a woman, or as a person.

I was affected most of all that week by two entrepreneurs - Sohelia Fors and Calle Björklund - who had come from incredibly difficult life situations themselves. They moved me profoundly because they had managed to find the strength and the courage to turn their devastating personal experiences into a life force which they channeled into helping other people. It was through love and determination and the experiences in their own lives that they were able to connect with others, and motivate them to move forward and find their own inner strength. They gave everything for their causes, and the people around them.

Thank you, Sohelia Fors and Calle Björklund. Thank you for sharing your lives, your passion, and your generosity with me. I have learnt more from you than you will ever imagine, and you have changed me more than you will ever imagine. You are the true entrepreneurs. The world is a better place because of you.

And to all of the wonderful, inspirational people that I met during that very intensive week - you have taken me on the most important journey of my business life.

And, especially to you, Negar- don't give up. You are incredibly brave and strong. You have made a choice to live, and to find a place where you will have your basic human rights respected. Now, you can begin to choose.

And for me - now is the next stage of my journey. I have many plans, many ideas which are moving into fulfillment. We, at Bemz, will continue to work with you, our customers to deliver great products and design while we move forward in our quest to refine what social consciousness means to us.

On a personal level, I have already taken the next step in my journey. I'll keep you updated.

Love to all, lesley

Comments

[Anna Sundling]

Dear Ms Pennington,
just watched the episode of 'How I became The Secret Millionaire - It's a cover-up" in which you're the hero. And I must say it is truly deserving and laudable given the fact that many in your position wouldn't care the least, let alone never reflect upon such a topic.

However, I have some trouble digesting the fact that the total sum of your humanitarian act doesn't even match a fraction of your company's PR/Marketing budget. Hence it feels somehow cheap considering the immense pay-off this participation of yours will render. Or, is it so that you only were allowed to give away 100.000 Swedish Crowns all in all? Please tell me that the latter is the case!

Sincerely Anna Sundling

[Lesley Pennington]

Dear Anna Sundling,
Please allow me to address your concerns.
First of all, Bemz is a young company- Bemz was started in 2005 and although we have profitable for the past 3 years (of which we are extremely proud) we are still a small company. As such, as you may understand, our marketing budget is not a large marketing budget.
However, most importantly, my participation in Hemligan Miljonaren was a decision, and an expense that was personal. Even if you think that 1000,000 swedish crowns is not much money, I can assure you that it was a significant amount of money for me. Any money that I have (or would have) has been invested in Bemz and will probably remain invested in Bemz for the foreseeable future.
However, I felt very strongly about this project- both from a professional perspective and a personal perspective. Therefore my decision to participate. And I have learnt so much from my experience that I know will affect my professional and personal decisions and judgements going forward.
The millionaire format is that of the producers. Perhaps not my chosen format. Although I hope that the end result will be the same. I truly hope that as a result of this programme the participants will receive well deserved visibility and support for their projects, and that their actions will inspire others to do something positive in their own lives, and to take action for positive change rather than hope that others will carry the ball for them. I hope that we have taken a small step forward in caring for each other, and in understanding how we can support others that do the important work in making this world a better place.
And, that is why I participated in Hemligan Miljonaren.
I hope that I have addressed your concerns.
with kind regards, lesley pennington

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Dear penning meal lady,
Just see a set of "how can I become a millionaire secret - this is a disguise", you are a hero. I must say, this is really worthy of praise, considering many in your position at least not concern, not to mention never consider such a theme.