BAJAN FUSION: Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Conceptualizing Bajan Fusion was very easy, however the actual execution proved to be a difficult task. Nonetheless, I was up for the challenge as it was my first major project.  Experience has taught me, that when you believe strongly in anything , it is important to stand firm, keep fighting and work hard towards making "it" a reality despite the odds/obstacles.

Despite my desire to present the entire project to you, time constraints do not allow me to do so. However, I wanted to focus on an inspiring and dynamic individual who got a glimpse of the concept, liked it and was willing to offer his support .

The 2012 Bajan Fusion Ambassador and Performing Artiste:
KIRK BROWN- Award-winning Barbadian singer, music producer, deejay, model and businessman.

THE CONNECTION
1.    On Saturday May 19th, 2012 I went on Kirk's Facebook page, got his business email address and sent him an introductory email @ 9:28 AM.

2.     At 9:55 AM, he responded via email and said he "loved the concept". He mentioned that he was "recording for cropover, and could we chat tomorrow?" and to “count him in”. I responded with excitement and he then followed-up with his contact details.

3.     On Sunday morning May 20th, we spoke, had good conversation, I spoke about relevant benefits to him as an artist, our intentions now and in the future. Like any business person, he questioned, he challenged, and expressed his sentiments. In the end, we were in agreement and ready to move forward.

From then ‘til now we've stayed in touch via cell/telephone, Gmail, Blackberry Messenger, and we even communicated while he was in Miami and London.
Talking about staying connected!
  
We now have less than 2 weeks to go before Bajan Fusion 2012 kicks off on June 25th, and Kirk and I have already finalized what he will require and what we will need to do as it relates to his performance.
I couldn't have asked for a better first "artiste" experience and relationship.

Be on the listen out and look out for us in the media coming soon!

THE EXPERIENCE
As an HR Professional first, I was most impressed with Kirk Brown's:
1.    High level of professionalism
2.    Flexibility

3.    Effective Communicator and prompt in his follow-up

4.    Risk taking attitude towards a new concept
5.    Fun personality and hard worker

THANK YOU KIRK BROWN!!www.kirkbrownonline.com

BAJAN FUSION

Fusing Cultures...Empowering 'Borderless' Communities...

Joining Forces...

Making A Difference...

Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM)

BARBADOS to the World!!!

www.bajanfusion.com

June 25 - 30th

Friends Helping Friends

Three months ago, a colleague/friend and I were having a conversation, and out of the blue she asked me if I would be her mentor.

At first, I was a little taken back, but soon realized that this person trusted me, and believed that I had the ability to help her get where she wanted to be.

"Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“You know that I will be taking this very seriously, so get ready,” I said.

Here’s the thing – we’ve known each other a few years and I always told her that she had choices, and I questioned what was holding her back from reaching out for her goals. In her, I saw potential.

But it took for her to ask, and for me to respond, to make what I call the ‘coaching alliance. At that moment where suddenly things are clearer and a person is ready to take the next step into the unknown, and have faith as their guide.

That day, my friend chose to move forward with her life, and I couldn’t have been happier to be there through her journey.

On that very day I gave my friend a few challenge questions to think about over the weekend.

Let’s talk strategy, I told her. Together, we both agreed upon a plan, including:

1. An agreement to work together for three months, with a meeting every Wednesday during our lunch time.

2. A Q&A about her life experiences, specifically, her concerns, fears, accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses.
3. Created short-term, mid-term and long term goals.
4. Provide her with books, articles and online resources.

5. Introduce her to the art of networking.

6. Focus on interview skills and self-presentation.

The result: As time went on, and we followed our strategy, I began to see subtle changes in her.

More confidence. A positive outlook. An emerging belief that she could achieve anything she put her mind to.

With increased confidence, my friend found herself mentoring relatives, changing her approach in conversation, thinking and acting differently.

The growth wasn’t just one-sided; I too grew in my abilities as a better person, coach and mentor.

This is her testimonial:

Celia,

I want to take the time to say thank you for coaching/mentoring me. You've taught me to set goals and to take steps to achieve them, to believe in myself, go after my dreams, take initiative for the things that matter most to me, and how to be fearless. You pushed me past my boundaries. You have truly shown me the meaning of professional development. You have a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude, and you gave me the kick in the pants that I needed to wake up and take my life and career seriously. Thank you again.

~Desiree

  

Image Source