The Value of Helping Others

For most of you reading my blogs, you know that I enjoy mentoring and supporting others as much as I can to reach their goals.  This sense of ‘giving back’ is an energy that I thrive on.

I have always been keen to encourage others.

Throughout my career, I pride myself on being there for my peers, my colleagues and my clients.  We all need someone to talk about work stuff and life…. I am happy to lend an ear, or friendly advice if needed.

 When I was working at the ICC Birmingham, for part of the year I would have an events management student from University College Birmingham with me.  The students were with me to observe; learn and take away practical skills they could use in their career.

On site at Plantworx, I would have someone with me who was keen to learn about events and could get stuck in!  They would be managing exhibitor requests, logistics, office admin and anything else that came our way. Seeing someone new to this role flourish was a real buzz!

Fast forward a few years, and NOWIE popped up.  The opportunity to work with and assist other events professionals with their career, their goals, their brand image, their confidence was something I couldn’t miss.

Year 1 was Jenny Davies

Jenny and I got on really, really well from the start… in many ways we were like ying and yang – we were able to support each other on areas we felt were weak.  For me, this is a bit part of mentoring – it is a sharing experience, and shared learning.  I wanted to show Jenny, that building your community, enables you to do so much more.  You will always have someone you can ask.

She is currently working at St Cross College, University of Oxford as Conference & Events Manager. Managing enquiries and bookings from across the structure from Students, Fellows, Staff and Commercial Clients.

Year 2 was Laura Kelly

Laura and I always had a giggle as we found it so tricky to talk….. time differences, holidays and work commitments meant that we often chatted, then rescheduled!  This is part of the fun of mentoring…. You work and life pops up and we must flex around it.

She is now in Perth, Australia working as a Producer for Elevated Experiences – managing community driven not for profit events for 10,000 plus attendees!  Her events include festivals, activations, charity fundraisers, dinners….

Year 3 was Janica Hernando

When Janica and I first started talking, she had just been made redundant from her role and was heading home to the Philippines for some family time.  We both knew that raising her visibility and improving her confidence were paramount.

Over the past year, Janica has been immersed her role as a Training and Development Executive at Association of Colleges. Amongst other events, she organised residential events in Coventry with senior leaders in the further education sector and co-led breakout rooms at the Association of Colleges annual conference in Birmingham at the ICC.

“The NOWIE programme has been instrumental in my growth. My mentor, Karen, connected me with industry professionals and significantly boosted my confidence, especially during a challenging period. This support has been invaluable in enhancing my events knowledge and expanding my network”

The buzz I get for watching peers, colleagues, client, friends thrive is the reason why I help and support others.  It’s that lovely warm feeling you get when you get a thank you, read a success post social media, or get asked for advice and/or a hug.

If you can take time to support others, you will reap the rewards.