| ConnectEd |
| by The Editor * Sales Management * |
It has been on the horizon for sometime but it was not until 2002 when Richard Florida articulated it in his best selling book "The Rise of the Creative Class” that the thought took form. Fast forward to 2009 and the events of the last 18 months, the GFC (Global Financial Crisis) and suddenly much of what Florida predicted is becoming a reality. The careers we aspired to, and the organisations we strived for, are disappearing. As reported in the Australian Financial Review (May 30-31) "recessions wipe out work and re-shape industries and they also incubate the careers of tomorrow.” For some the pursuit of a career in a creative industry has been a given. For others it is born of necessity or a desire. This month our "connections” are both women passionate about what they do. Both agree with the axiom that if you find something you are passionate about doing and success becomes self perpetuating. Passion, it would appear, is the critical component of career sustainability and personal well being. Liz Warnock What is a senior training professional with over 20 years experience delivering "soft skills” programmes doing designing scarves? A corporate trainer and executive coach, Liz knows how important image is in the corporate world. Two years ago, as Liz struggled in the traffic across Sydney to a training engagement, the thought of this new business and new direction incubated in her mind. A degree qualified psychologist, Liz started her career in the public sector. In the 1980s she moved into the burgeoning executive coaching industry. Her excellent communication skills and well honed emotional intelligence brought success. By 2005, she found herself wanting a career with more short term flexibility and one that allowed for more creativity. Designers Scarves by Liz Warnock was the outcome. Liz attributes her success to a disciplined approach to business growth and a focus on enhancing the customer experience. Most women in corporate life look for ways to express their individuality in a professional way. Men tend to do this with ties and shirts. By adding one of Liz's hand crafted scarves, a business outfit, whilst maintaining its professional feel, can be transformed into something stylish and chic. Marilyn Taffs A fashion industry professional whose successful career spans three decades, Marilyn has never lost "the passion for fashion”. With husband Barry, Marilyn created the label Covers back in the late 70s. In an industry renowned more for failures than longevity, their business continues to thrive and re-invent itself. Marilyn attributes her success to hard work, persistent quality and an understanding of her customer. She describes the women she designs for as confident, modern and ageless. Marilyn is the archetypical professional woman combining her roles in business and personal life with grace and humour. She launched City Covers, an on-line and retail collection that focuses on the needs of career women, in 2008. Want to be included in our next newsletter? Let us know so that we can "get you connected”! . If you have a professional or personal experience or triumph you would like to share with the "Howard Community”, please let Paul Howard, Deena Habilomatis or Katrina Bunting or advise our editor, Linda Gately via email lindag@vtown.com.au. |
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