I have worked globally in the Middle East and Africa.
My experience includes a wide variety of industries including:
I have been integral in the development and design of numerous programmes, with experience in talent development, organisational development and change, and leadership development. I have worked in both the government and the private sectors. My clients have ranged from policy makers and top management to high school children.
×I completed my undergraduate degree in Commerce, receiving a top prize in management. Following on from this I completed an honours degree in Commerce (Management). My interest and passion for leadership development led to my completion of a Master of Commerce specialising in Youth Leadership Development in Bahrain. My thesis entitled ‘Developing Youth Leadership in a Hybridised, Middle Eastern Leadership Context: An Exploratory Inquiry into a Bahraini Leadership Programme’ enabled me to explore the nuances of leadership in the Middle East.
×One of my strengths lies in new business development. Through the course of my career I have consulted with multiple new clients, analysing fit between our product and their corporate need. Developing the business relationship over time and progressing initial discussions into a variety of different programmes. I have created numerous tenders, business proposals and given new business presentations to new clients. The continuity of the business is testament to my ability to both develop new business and sustain already established clients.
×I thrived on seeing a project through from inception to completion. I conducted needs analysis with clients in order to assess their unique business development requirements and goals. Following this I gathered information, customising a strategy that resulted in practical business solutions, which at the same time aligned with the company’s goal and strategic objectives. Design of an appropriate learning and development strategy included interviews and focus groups, not only with the clients themselves, but often their employees, customers and local community. Progression of these concepts was an interactive one, formulating plans, communicating this with the client and modifying ideas accordingly. All my programmes were unique and creative, continuously evolving and improving to ensure an exceptional product, with achieved outcomes and satisfaction for the client.
I have experience in researching all facets of how to best approach the upcoming programme, from new developments in leadership theory and application, to the best international specialist input providers. Input providers range from guest speakers, to psychologists, to experiential learning specialists.
×On the project management side I have experience in tendering for large contracts, including comprehensive budgeting, timeline analysis and planning and initial programme design. When it comes to managing the programmes, I have immersed myself in the role of client relationship manager providing regular meetings and updates to the client to ensure the programme is on track and flag any potential issues that may have arisen. Programmes I have managed have come in on time and on budget through a process of constant checking, analysis and follow up. I have aided clients with participant nomination and invitation, helping them develop a checklist of indicators for potential participants, aiding them in where to recruit participants from within the organisation so as to gain maximum impact. I have a vast experience in programme material design and compilation, ensuring comprehensive, interesting, age and education level appropriate programme material. My project management experience has spanned over many programmes including, strategic planning re-innovation planning, leadership development and talent pipeline development.
×In my career I have designed and delivered a wide variety of programmes that complement the business objectives of the client, blending theoretical models with on the ground learning. I have implemented these programmes, continually analysing the success of the programme and redesigning accordingly.
On the delivery side of learning and development programmes. Aimed at ensuring a partnering approach with all our clients, to co-produce a unique and customised programme, I have been actively involved in focus groups for initial needs analysis of the client, driving the agenda from vision to implementation. Based on these focus groups I have experience in programme design, incorporating the requirements of the client and refining these down to individual activities, and speakers, in order to create a distinctive leadership development programme. Organisation, scheduling and deployment of this specially designed team was central to my role. This role included influencing senior stakeholders, such as senior management, local government and business leaders as to the merits, drawbacks and intricacies of the programme design and deployment. Researching, sourcing and engaging external providers was central to my role. This required negotiation and high levels of organisation, as external input providers were sourced internationally and needed to travel to the Middle East. I have been a part of many different programmes that focus on a variety of different participants ranging from 16 year old youth, to CEOs and top management. Finally I have experience in completing close out reports to capture the essence and results of the programme, providing evidence that goals and objectives were effectively met.
×I have facilitated numerous programmes in my career thus far. Each has taught me valuable experience with regards to, not only, the facilitation process itself but also managing different kinds of people in extremely diverse environments. My facilitation experience has allowed me to cross age brackets and cultures.
Ross programme of significant strategic change to the organisation, while simultaneously training facilitators in the room to be able to replicate the design and process, to facilitate a replica programme in their country of origin. This work was done with an NGO present in 135 countries across five continents around the world.
×I am comfortable interacting with customers and clients with regards to new business development and offering practical advice and discussing business solutions to established clients. Relishing any opportunity to promote and interact with a programme or idea that I believe in. Over the course of my career I have built strong client relationships, spanning design, delivery and follow up. Each step changed the nature of the relationship, what the client required and expected. Throughout the process it was important to maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, this was entirely different on different projects but I have developed relationships with top management, top students, employees, NGO’s, charities, members of government, and industry experts. All of which require different skill sets and maintenance.
×I am passionate about travel. I love nothing more than losing myself in a new city. The more different and challenging the more I love it. I have hiked with gorillas in Uganda, explored the dugout churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia, and absorbed in the art and culture on cities like St Petersburg, Istanbul, Cairo, Paris, Prague, New York and Venice. I have cruised the Nile, hiked through Petra, and driven 4x4s through the desert in Dubai. In every new place I immerse myself in the language, food and culture, I believe that travel gives new perspectives and ideas, often passively, simply by opening out minds to new experiences.
I am a self-confessed foodie, I love food and wine, whether it be exploring restaurants, or creating a meal at home with friends and family. There is nothing better than a great meal with the people you love.
I am an art lover. While I have no formal education with regards to art, I like to visit as many galleries as possible and explore different artworks. Again like travelling, great art makes you see the world differently, if only in the smallest way.
I am an avid reader. I enjoy all books both fiction and non-fiction.
I strongly believe in giving back to the community and accordingly I volunteer with the Red Cross Refugee Resettlement Programme in Auckland. This is a cause that fits with my values and beliefs.
My lifestyle is focused on balance, healthy eating. Exercise and meditation are central to my daily routine, keeping me healthy, happy and supported.
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