LEADERSHIP
More than a
buzzword
Kicking off at the end of October with six candidates, the Women in MICE Mentorship Programme has underscored the growing need for mentorship that makes a difference. Shanna Jacobsen highlights the key outtakes.
T
he Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of change. Some of this change, such as the lockdown restrictions, is temporary while we ride out the worst of the virus. Other change, such as the implementation of bolstered hygiene standards and protocols, is likely to stick going forward because, without these measures, we know that we are at risk of another health threat on the scale of the current pandemic. Then there have been changes to how we connect – a game changer and key in how we have managed the pandemic. We have seen businessowners and decisionmakers refining their approach in how they communicate with their teams and that they are doing so in such a way that
places a strong emphasis on the value of human connection.
GIVING BACK
In 2018, Meetings magazine – together with the support of the South Africa National Convention Bureau – launched the Women in MICE Mentorship and Development Initiative. This was intended as a resource for women within the industry who wanted to give back through mentorship. During this year, the initiative has gained momentum and saw the official roll-out of the pilot Women in MICE Mentorship Programme in partnership with Queen Ramotsehoa, executive coach and founder of the Tsheto Leadership and Coaching Academy.
Queen Ramotsehoa, executive coach and founder, Tsheto Leadership and Coaching Academy
28 • MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2020
As we noted earlier in the year, when we launched the mentorship programme, “In times of crisis, strong leadership is imperative for guiding and reassuring those who need it while still achieving key business objectives.” This has formed the thrust of the programme that has welcomed the participation of six candidates – namely, South Africa-born Angeline van den Broecke, director: Global Business Development and Marketing for Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre; Angelique Smith, co-owner of Event Synthesis; Cindy Pereira Buser, owner and managing director of Mirchee and Weddings in Africa; Lindsey Verfaillie, senior sales and event coordinator at Durban International Convention Centre; and Lisa-Jade Hutchings, founder and
Angeline van den Broecke, director: Global Business Development and Marketing, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Angelique Smith, co-owner, Event Synthesis
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