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.

The 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. 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

Queen Ramotsehoa, executive coach and founder, Tsheto Leadership and Coaching Academy Angeline van den Broecke, director: Global Business Development and Marketing, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Angelique Smith, co-owner, Event Synthesis

Vulnerability has long been viewed as a weakness when, in reality, leaning into vulnerability with oneself and others is the ultimate sign of strength. This quality fosters connection, opens our eyes to gratitude, and paves the way for empathy and purposeful dialogue.”

Lisa-Jade Hutchings, GingerBiscuit

head ginger at GingerBiscuit, together with Nthabiseng Mathole, head biscuit at GingerBiscuit.

LEARNING TO LEAD One of the qualities the mentorship programme aims to encourage is resilience.

“I like resilience as a tool because, during this crazy time, we have been knocked over so many times, and it is the ability to bounce back quickly that is going to enable us to keep going and succeed,” explains Queen.

By definition, resilience tests a person’s ability to rise up and come back from adverse experiences stronger than before.

“Some of the principles that have guided me have come from spending time with other women and people that I’ve worked with and who are part of my family and friendship circle that have really been inspiring,” comments Angeline.

An important aspect for her that is also the foundation of mentorship is reciprocity. This is pivotal to the very concept of mentorship, and gives us the opportunity to share but also to learn. If we are willing to facilitate engagement and connect with others, we are also learning from that opportunity. When I think of reciprocal relationships, I think about collaboration and partnership, of giving and receiving. Listening is also about a reciprocal process, which exists as a give-and-take dynamic, and requires equal commitment by both a mentor and mentee.

Using her personal experiences, Angelique touches on some of the qualities that leadership encompasses. “I worked in corporate shortly after matriculating and had two bosses; one was a dictator of note but if anything went wrong in our department, the other boss would immediately assume the blame because he was of the firm belief that if something had gone awry, he hadn’t done his job as a leader. This has been my go-to for more than 22 years,” she says.

DESIGNATED ROLES Some of our mentorship programme candidates have had experience in leadership from their youth. For Cindy, her journey has also meant overcoming personal hardship.

“It started for me when I was chosen as the head prefect at school, where I was given this position by the school to lead,” she recalls. She sadly lost both her parents at a young age but it also meant she had to take on a lot of responsibility during her youth.

“Having worked with teams of all sizes, I have always felt there was a need for me to teach and inspire. Over the years, it has given me immense satisfaction to see colleagues who have moved up from where they started and know that I have contributed in some way to their success,” Cindy enthuses.

GET REAL, WITH HEART Lisa-Jade believes that owning our story is equally important in nurturing a mentorship relationship. In order to create an environment that is conducive to sharing these stories and facilitating the mentorship relationship, a safe space needs to be created. This is done to break down previous mental and emotional barriers to success and equip mentees with the necessary tools to build towards achieving goals.

“With awareness as leaders, we are better able to show up for others in a manner that is both compassionate and open. Through this process, we can relate on a deeper level to those around us – we cannot support others along their journey unless we have acknowledged our exploration of life with grace and acceptance,” she says.

Passionate about youth development, Nthabiseng believes this exchange forms the basis of mentorship.

“Mentorship is about drawing on one’s experiences and hopefully helping somebody else to avoid the same pitfalls. It is about guiding people, whether they are young or old; but in order to lead, it is important to have people whose hearts are in the right place,” she says.

Authenticity is a clear theme throughout the mentorship journey, and this also resonates with Lindsey. In addition to being a mother, she feels her professional experience has also inspired and motivated her to be forward-thinking and solutions driven.

“Working at Durban ICC, I have been very lucky to be surrounded by a lot of people over the years who have encouraged me to be myself – to be true to myself and never to doubt myself, and always to speak from my heart,” she says.

Cindy Pereira Buser, owner and managing director, Mirchee and Weddings in Africa Lindsey Verfaillie, senior sales and event coordinator, Durban International Convention Centre Lisa-Jade Hutchings, founder and head ginger, GingerBiscuit Nthabiseng Mathole, head biscuit, GingerBiscuit