Features Tyrell Gittens 18 Hrs Ago Ain Earle, 35, was diagnosed with in 2004 with alopecia, an autoimmune disease which causes hair loss. - Photo Courtesy Ain Earle

Ain Earle is no stranger to putting in the work needed to redefine how beauty is seen. Living with alopecia, an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, Earle slowly lost all the hair on her body in the five years after a 2004 diagnosis.

For the better part of those years, insecurities were unmasked and the lens through which society thought her to see beauty was adjusted.

Emerging focused and with redefined purpose after overcoming the personal obstacles associated with her Alopecia diagnosis, she now applies that fighting spirit to transform local fashion an important part of her identity.

The fashion industry is so much more than clothing. It is an industry of fashion designers, photographers, models and make-up artistes, said Earle, 35, in an interview with WMN about the desire to see greater growth of TTs fashion industry.

With an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in hospitality from the University of the West Indies, she founded Fashion Arch in 2015 and serves as its lead consultant.

The company was birthed after Earle and a few friends hosted Racked, a series of upmarket-inspired sales event exclusively for fashion designers.

Those small local designers could have stood up to other known designers who were selling in stores, she said of the designers at the event.

Starting with small spots of hair loss at the start of her alopecia condition in 2004, Ain Earle lost all her hair in 2009 as the condition became more severe. In 2011 she was finally able to accept her condition and pursue her goals which included helping to develop TT's fashion industry. - Photo Courtesy Ain Earle

While the designs were good, during her concurrent work in the field of marketing at the time of hosting the events she noticed that many designers didnt fully understand the workings of a sustainable and marketable fashion brand.

Under the motto Creating legacies through connectivity, emerging fashion designers are taught topics like branding, social media strategies and developing business strategy, through interactive workshops.

Clients fashion pieces have been given the opportunity to be showcased at fashion events in Barbados, Guyana, St Vincent, Jamaica and the US.

It has been a whirlwind thinking of the initial plan for the Fashion Arch. It was just supposed to be one on one consultations.

I didnt think over the last few years I would have been doing all of the service offerings. At least it has shown what I am offering is needed and people are actually interested in the services.

Playing her part, she is proud to see to overall growth in the local fashion industry. Fashion events have evolved to be a year-round product while support has expanded to include local entertainers and state agencies like FashionTT.

We must push locally towards more collaboration from all fields of the industry in terms of what people are doing.

Yet, more work needs to be done and she is up for the task. Currently, TTs representative to The Collection MoDA, a fashion event series in Jamaica, the work of local designers has been displayed at the event.

Ain Earle's message is simple: women are more than their hair or perceived physical beauty. - Photo Courtesy Ain Earle

In recent years she has secured the support of FashionTT and Caribbean Export to help maintain and increase TTs presence at the event.

They (local designers) dont have to worry about flights and accommodation (to Jamaica).

They just give me the pieces and I help put together a booth area at the event where the pieces are exhibited.

In 2018, she was invited to conduct branding workshops at the Caribbean Style, Culture Awards and Fashion Showcase hosted in Washington DC. Meeting a Guyanese designer at the event, she was invited to Guyana and spoke at a 2019 leadership conference titled Empowering to Lead with Confidence for students in the countrys creative sector.

In August, she is expected to host workshops at this years edition of the event. Her work was recently highlighted and promoted by Rare Bird, a UK-based blog with a focus on marketing.

Fulfilling life-long goals of taking TTs potential to the world through fashion and other avenues, her alopecia condition continues to be championed. This is not done to be defined by the condition but to remind others that what may look like obstacles can be sources of strength.

We put so much pressure and substance into womens hair or how they look. For me, losing my hair felt like I was losing my femininity. Recalling the shame, she felt while losing her hair, she said, I tied my head just trying to stay out of peoples way in terms of questions. Around 2011 was when I was able to accept what was going on.

One day in 2011, I couldnt find a head tie when I was supposed to go somewhere. I decided to just go bald.

Choosing not to be defined the condition, her message is simple women are more than their hair or perceived physical beauty. This message is echoed in Bald Beauty, a group she founded in 2018 with a focus on empowerment, awareness, advocacy and support for those with the condition.

The journey to creating the group started on the day she accepted her bald beauty in 2011. The power in self-acceptance became clearer when a friends teenage daughter with Alopecia saw her posting bald headed pictures on social media and felt empowered. She noted the effect of something that simple which inspired her to create an avenue to help other people with Alopecia overcome self-doubt.

In 2015, Earle founded Fashion Arch to help local fashion designers develop their business models. She has since helped local designers become featured in fashion events in countries like Barbados, Guyana, St Vincent, Jamaica and the US. - Photo Courtesy Ain Earle

The group provides information about the condition and is a safe space to discuss any issues. The groups logo- a lotus flower- represents coming out of the mud and blossoming into something beautiful.

Examples like her success in fashion and recent marriage are used to show others with the condition that losing ones hair is nothing else but another obstacle to overcome.

Asked about being a newlywed and the journey of finding love with the condition, she was elated to share her story. This she says is yet another example to show that beauty has no boundaries, and everyone is beautiful in their own unique way.

If you are looking for someone and they are making it (the alopecia) an issue then that is obviously not the right person for you.

At the end of the day it is just hair and not you. It is a part of you yes, but it doesnt define

you.

Her journey to marriage is a testament to the statement. Her husband would have attended the same secondary school and particularly took notice when she grew dreads.

While he would have witnessed her transition from dreadlocks to hair loss, he was unphased.

We met 17 years ago just before this entire thing (with Alopecia) started.

He was always around. We were friends before anything else, lost touch in between but he was always there.

And while she settles into happily wedded bliss, one can look forward to Earle expanding her fashion vision for TT by hosting more workshops and outdoor events under the Fashion Arch brand. There also plants to work on a West Indian fashion/textile expo and establish a virtual showroom.

More here:
Ain Earle makes her mark on TT's fashion industry - Trinidad News

Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly and rightfully stated that the fight against the CoronaVirus is no less than a war. He invoked the 18 days battle in the epic Mahabharata to posit the dharmayuddha (just war) that can be metaphorically contextualised to justify the inevitable sufferings caused by such a war in the 21st century.

Given the syncretic-civilisational-philosophical bent of the nation, galvanising the morale and spirits of the nation by beseeching popular codes of culturalism, has a leadership function. In his speech after ordering the invasion of Iraq, US President George W Bush found a place for the classic American philosopher and theorist, Thomas Paines quote, These are the times that try men's souls.

War-time leadership is essentially distinct from standard peace-time leadership, not lesser or more, just plain different. The Armed Forces understand the distinction of combat-leadership that does not naturally accrue to seniority or the winning side as, despite the Nazi defeat the Panzer Generals like Rommel, Manstien, Guderian etc. are recognised for their combat brilliance, as indeed, the maverick American General George Patton. In the Indian context, Generals Manekshaw, Harbaksh or the unsung Sagat Singh, who is acknowledged as Indias finest combat commander, are the sort of war-time leaders who may or may not have made it to the top job in service.

However, in political leadership winning is almost everything, as also, ensuring that the ultimate benefits of the war outweigh the price paid by the common citizenry. The complexities, angularities and sensitivities of war-time leadership by the political leaders are of a more asymmetric nature that necessitates the highest level of professional understanding, maturity and statesmanship that is rarely tested in peacetimes.

The means deployed to win the war are also pertinent, as leaders like Joseph Stalin or Mao Zedong may have ended up on the winning side, but their ruthlessness and sheer brutality against their own, made them ignoble examples of war-time leadership.

Even the still popular and two-time US President Barack Obama will find himself struggling with his war-time record, as it had been less than spectacular with the indecisive, lingering and prohibitively expensive legacy that he passed on to his more, less-than-capable successor, Donald Trump.

So, war-time leaders are certainly brewed differently as they require a certain disposition, aura and mannerism that may actually be counter-productive in peacetimes Winston Churchill and Indra Gandhi are shining examples of indisputable war-time leaders who gave their respective nations proverbial finest hours in wars, but were soon rejected by the electorate.

Above all, the leaders who pass muster during war-times are always assessed for their ability to galvanise the entirety of a nation towards the justness of actions required, irrespective of previous political divides and perceptions.

Secondly upholding the cause and concern of all (not just the majority) and accomplishing the end-results, without shifting the goal post becomes imperative.

Third, history always assesses if the leader put the most competent and qualified resources to fight the war, or if the leadership persisted with personally-loyal, politically-non-threatening and underqualified generals on the battle ground.

Fourth, maintaining a peripheral vision and concern for the obvious and unobvious sufferers of the war and the ability to still win, whilst, getting the least bruised and wounded as a society, is critical.

Last and perhaps the least appreciated test of the leaders is their ability to go beyond their previous or peace-time actions to convince the nation at large of their personal intent (or neeyat in Hindustani) that goes beyond their political instinct, urgency and ambitions the test of personal character is at its peak, as even those who opposed him/her earlier look up to the leader for reassurances, and only a true statesman survives this test.

Two aspects of Churchills leadership puts him in the pantheon of great war-time leaders, even if his outlook towards dominions like the Indian sub-continent, was certainly questionable and racist. His first action on becoming the Prime Minister at the outbreak of WW2 was to induct leaders of all parties like Atlee, Sinclair and Chamberlain in to a coalition government (he even took rival Labour leader Atlee with him to the Potsdam Conference). Most importantly, Churchills passion towards winning the war was so resolute and committed that he did so, at the cost of his own partys interest or concerns not for him, was an eye fixated at electoral prospects, at all times.

Another aspect of war-times leaders is their inherent humility and acceptance of the fact that they need to listen to professionals and plan accordingly. Beyond her obvious iron-will, Indira Gandhi showed deference, respect and statecraft when she took the push-back from Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who sought time, wares and provision, before making the decisive move. War-time leadership is as much about tenacity, as it is about empowerment, equanimity and instilling confidence, in all.

Some war-time political leaders like Woodrow Wilson may have been on the winning side in WW1, but he goes down in the annals of history as the one who crippled the American economy in the bargain, diminished civil liberties and made gargantuan mistakes that were to sow the seeds of unrest, domestically and internationally.

Others like Lyndon Johnson who typified the cowboy tactics of intending to bludgeon the Vietnamese till they cry uncle, was misplaced muscularity and bravado, that sometimes afflicts leaderships in democracies.

Whereas, Nelson Mandela presided over a leadership challenge that had all portents of an imminent war of revenge he wisely chose the more difficult, less-politically attractive path, but the one that led to sustainable peace and progress, thereafter. Mandelas signature Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a model leadership move that ended a sure war prematurely, in a poignant, dignified and reconciliatory way.

Our war against the Covid-19 is both, similar and different, from the previous understandings of war, but is undoubtedly more than a conventional war in terms of potential devastation and price for all. This begs a different level of leadership skills, inclusivity-challenges and the visible showing of the intent (neeyat), then was perhaps required, ever before.

Will we meet those requirements, or will we still play by the previous rules of engagement, only time will tell?

Leaders will have to become statesman this will require a different touch, language and reach-out, hitherto, unseen or ever-deployed. Indeed invoking cultural codes and symbolism are important and required, but history suggests the accompaniment of far more substantive, profound, inclusive and measurable imperatives that go into the making of great war-time leaders.

Lt General Bhopinder Singh (Retd) is former Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands & Puducherry.

See more here:
'War-time' Leadership in the Covid 19 Era - The Citizen

Apr. 08 /CSRwire/ - Cisco Blogs | Corporate Social Responsibility

We know that the most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of global crises, and continue to be impacted after a crisis is over. Those who are unemployed or underemployed. Small business owners. Women. The poor. People who are un/underbanked. At Cisco, we bring to bear all our available resources our funding, our technology, and our expertise to support nonprofit organizations that have technology-based solutions to connect the unconnected and help people become economically self-sufficient.

Ciscos model of investing in innovative organizations with early-stage, technology-based initiatives means that our nonprofit partners are already using technology to deliver many of their programs and services. This has enabled them to quickly pivot to deliver different types of services to address new and emerging needs, and also to rapidly accelerate their reach to meet increased needs of the individuals and communities they are serving.

These are some of nonprofits Cisco supports through our economic empowerment portfolio, and how they are responding to support people and communities in need right now:

Skills Training

Anudip:Provides technology skills training, professional development skills, mentoring, and employment opportunities to low-income and underserved populations (youth, women, people with disabilities) in India, delivered both face-to-face and online. Cisco has supportedAnudips work with cash grant investments, donations of WebEx and other Cisco technologies, and our expertise.How are they helping?Anudip has temporarily transitioned their services to 100 percent remote learning.

AnnieCannons:Provides technology skills training, professional development skills, mentoring, and employment opportunities to survivors of human trafficking in the Bay Area of California. We have supported AnnieCannons with cash grant investments, and donations of WebEx and other Cisco technologies.How are they helping?AnnieCannons has temporarily transitioned its online technology skills training to 100% remote learning. In addition, their staff have increased their outreach to human trafficking and domestic violence survivors who are particularly vulnerable during times of crises.

Upwardly Global (UpGlo):Provides training and support to skilled refugees and immigrants to eliminate barriers and help them integrate into the professional American workforce. Cisco has supported this work via an initial cash grant investment, and we are partnering to support virtual networking and mentoring opportunities with our employees.How are they helping?UpGlo is scaling its online skills training and job readiness resources, enhancing virtual coaching and volunteer services, and helping clients find immediate jobs in high demand areas like healthcare.

Financial Inclusion

Opportunity International (Opportunity):Provides financial products (regular and emergency loans, savings accounts, insurance) and services (capacity building for entrepreneurs, educators, farmers, and financial literacy training) to low income populations in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. With Cisco support,Opportunitydesigned, implemented, and scaled mobile enabled financial products and services to more than 20 million people across Africa and Asia.How are they helping?Access to these types of financial products and services is critically important for vulnerable populations who now are unemployed or without a steady source of income.

Kiva:Expands financial access through its peer-to-peer lending platform that enables individuals to make interest-free loans to students and entrepreneurs globally. Small businesses are already being negatively impacted by the spread of COVID-19, including many members of the Kiva community.How are they helping?In the United States, Kiva isofferinglarger loans, flexible repayment schedules, and expanded eligibility. They are working to provide support to their partner financial institutions and individuals outside the United States.

Social Enterprise

Vispala:Started by the CEO of Anudip, Vispala uses 3D printing technology to print low cost prosthetic arms for underserved populations in India. Cisco provided early stage funding to help them develop and test their products, scale, and become a financially sustainable social enterprise.How are they helping?They have now pivoted their focus to 3D printing surgical masks for healthcare providers.

NESsT:NESsT develops sustainable social enterprises that solve critical social problems in emerging market economies, likePIXED, a Peruvian social enterprise that manufactures 3D-printed prosthetics.How are they helping?PIXEDhas shifted its manufacturing of prostheses into personal protective equipment (PPE) for physicians and hospitals in Peru. NESsT is working closely with PIXED management (and all of its portfolio companies) to create contingency plans that address short- and longer-term needs that must be addressed during an impending global recession.

To accelerate global problem solving, we need financially sustainable solutions that address different issues in different parts of the world. Thats why Cisco invests in early-stage solutions that leverage technology to create meaningful impact at scale.

Our nonprofit partners in economic empowerment are able to quickly adapt to the way they serve others in order to address the biggest challenges that we face. To learn more about these amazing nonprofits and how you can get involved, please visit oureconomic empowermentpage.

View post:
How Cisco's Nonprofit Partners Are Pivoting and Innovating to Address Unexpected Needs - CSRwire.com

The name Aliko Dangote needs no introduction across the length and breadth of Nigeria. While some believe it is a household name, others believe the bearer has a stake across all the sectors of the economy.

That Aliko Dangote has been able to hold on to the position of the richest man in Africa for 10 years is a pointer to the fact that he has achieved several enviable feats.

How is it that one man has been able to hold the position consistently for the last 10 years?

Not a few people have the above questions in their minds, and indeed it is one that is worth asking. Alhaji Aliko Dangote has managed to pull this feat by the sheer effort of personal, business decisions and actions he has taken over the years.

[READ MORE: Top 10 CEOs and how they spent 10 days in lockdown)

So, what exactly are those things he has done over the last decade? We certainly cannot consider all, but let us start by x-raying 10 fantastic things this billionaire has done in the last ten years, as he celebrates his 63rd birthday.

In 2011, Dangote invested a massive $400 million in the construction of a cement plant, and also invested R779 million to increase the Dangote Industries Limited stakes in Sephaku Cement (Pty) Limited, based in South Africa, from 19.76% to 64%.

His investment into the South Africa-based cement company was described as the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) ever by an African company in South Africa at the time.

If the Dangote Industries was not already present in 14 African countries at the time, one would have thought the man was in a heated race for the gold.

Keep in mind that the Dangote Group had already been listed among the top 40 African Challengers by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a United States-based rating agency; the agency had already seen the potential in the Dangote Group to rival Fortune 500 Companies.

Now isnt this fantastic?

Back home in Nigeria in 2012, Dangote Cement moved to erect the biggest cement plant in Africa in Southwest Nigeria.

The most amazing thing is the fact that this rich billionaire spent $1 billion on what the Guardian referred to as a century-old wasteland of limestone and red dirt in south-west Nigeria.

Some must have turned their noses up at this move, possibly thinking of him as one of those money miss road, but 9 years after, the Dangote Cement plant, Ibese in Ogun state accounts for over 6 million metric tonnes of cement, which translates to more money for the billionaire over the years.

With this in place and the creating of new lines at Dangote Cement Plant, Obajana, he ended the era of cement import and launched Nigeria into cement export.

He was already richest black man in the world at the time and ranked 76 in the world by Forbes magazine.

[READ ALSO: Adenuga has redeemed N1billion pledge to the CACOVID fund- Otedola)

Dangote moved to assert his place in sugar production when in February 2013, the Dangote Sugar Refinery announced plans to acquire 95% equity stake in Savannah Sugar Company limited, SSC.

The deal was executed through a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, SSPA, and Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) acquired 95% of the issued share capital of Savanna Sugar, amounting to 2.14 billion ordinary shares of N1.00 each.

This was about the same time the Nigerian government designed the backward integration goal, the National Sugar Master Plan to attract over $1 billion annually in local and foreign direct investments and create jobs.

Also, recall that April 2013 was the first time the mogul announced his intention to build a private refinery in Nigeria, to reduce Nigerias dependence on importation of petroleum products.

Such big dreams!!!

Aliko Dangote in 2015 signed a mammoth deal with Chinese state-owned engineering company, SINOMA, to build factories for Dangote Cement Plc.

The deal was worth $4.3 billion (2.8 billion), and seven plants to be built across the continent and one in Nepal. It was not just another avenue to spend money, as the billionaire had done the calculation and expected the new plants to increase the companys production capacity by as much as 25 million metric tonnes.

Great plans for his home country, no doubt!

As a result of the sizeable investments made over the years, Dangote Cement ended 2014 with new lines in Nigeria, factories becoming operational in Senegal and South Africa, and other plants in Cameroon and Zambia. This increased production capacity from just under 21 million tonnes in January to more than 34 million tonnes at the end of the year.

This was an unprecedented rate of expansion and the company went ahead to open new factories in Ethiopia and Tanzania in the following year.

The Dangote Foundation remains one of the most heart-touching innovations of Aliko Dangote. It is the largest foundation in Africa and has an annual endowment of $1.25 billion. The foundation is described as locally focused, but globally-minded and has contributed millions to improve nutrition, health, education and economic empowerment in Nigeria.

The foundation is a lead contributor to the Saving One Million Lives every year in Nigeria and was at the forefront of efforts to contain the spread of Ebola in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. The foundation was the biggest private contributor to the African Union Ebola Trust Fund with a donation of $3 million.

The foundation also partnered Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate polio in Nigeria by strenghtening primary health care and making provisions for routine immunization across Northern Nigeria. The initial project commenced in Kano and Bauchi states. In January 2016, Sokoto, Yobe, Kaduna and Borno States were added to the partnership, with over $10 Million spent.

The Aliko Dangote Foundation Micro-grant programme is a N10 Billion programme designed to provide a N10,000 one-off grant to at least 1,000 vulnerable women, and in some cases, youths, in each of the 774 LGAs across Nigeria. it is national programme launched in Kano in 2011 and is being systemically rolled out across the country. The programme is being implemented in partnership with states government to complement their respective poverty alleviation drive across the country.

So far, the sum of N3.345 Billion has been disbursed to women across Kano, Jigawa, Kogi, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Lagos, Niger and Nasarawa States.

Also, in continuation of its efforts to rehabilitate and resettle the Internally Displaced People in the Northeast, Nigeria, the Aliko Dangote Foundation commissioned 200 Housing Units of the Dangote Village Housing Estate for the Internally Displaced Persons in Maiduguri, Borno State, with Award Letters issued to the chosen beneficiaries mostly widows with dependents.

In support of this laudable action by the Foundation, the State Government made provision for each family to be given economic empowerment tools to sustain their livelihood adding a fully functional school and a clinic to cater for the residents of the estate.

The impact of this foundation over the years can hardly be wrapped into a few paragraphs, but it has been a major contributor to alleviating poverty, just as the philanthropist billionaire intended.

The year 2018 was a significant one for the Dangote Group. Aliko Dangote did the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a rice processing plant in Jigawa the culmination of a series of events that started a couple of years earlier.

He had signed a $1 billion agreement with the Federal Government for the integrated rice production in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Niger and Jigawa.

The multi-billion processing mill had the capacity, upon completion, to process 16 tonnes of paddy rice per hour, totalling to about 14-billion-naira worth of rice per year.

It was a much-celebrated event for the year, as the rice mill was expected to improve the lives of the residents since the raw products would be bought from local farmers in Jigawa. The end aim is to make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production.

We can expect more from this billionaire in this regard, as he has announced in recent times, his intention to do more in agriculture.

Dangote Cement Nigeria increased the groups revenue in 2018 by over 10%, simply by creating favourable fuel mix at the cement plants at Obajana and Ibese. With these unprecedented innovations, the group cut out reliance on imported coal for both plans and started using coals from mines operated by the Dangote Industries Limited.

The impact of this was seen largely on foreign currency demands, thus pushing the companys revenues. Subsequently, all eight kilns in Obajana and Ibese have been running on coal, gas or LPFO or a mixture of the three. Im sure you didnt know that.

And lets no forget that stunt he pulled when he bought back Dangote flour mills, the loss-making business he sold for $200 million to Tiger Brands, only to resell it to Olams years later for $362 million

2019 was the year of consolidating on the refinery plans which had long commenced. The peak of it all was the arrival of the specially configured facility which Dangote had since requested to be made.

The facility, which was built by Sinopec, Chinas leading energy and chemical company, has been described as the largest in the world and has since been installed at the Dangote refinery.

The Atmospheric tower is expected to separate crude oil into its components (or distillation cuts, distillation fractions) for further processing by other processing units when the refinery starts full operations later this year.

According to the mogul, the refinery will within 18 months of operation, be able to meet Nigerias demand for petroleum products, and soon after become the largest exporter of petroleum products in Africa.

Experts support this prediction, adding that Nigeria could become Africas biggest producer and exporter of refined petroleum and gas products, including plastics, fertilizer, jet fuel, diesel and gasoline. This is expected to lift the economy of the entire continent. Amazing, right?

[READ FURTHER: Dangote, Otedola, Elumelu, Ovia, others donate N19.48 billion to COVID-19 relief fund)

Very fresh on our minds is the donation of N2 billion naira and other materials to the Private Sector Coalition against COVID-19, just some weeks ago. It signified the tycoons willingness to partner with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and private sector participants, to alleviate some of the hardships which the pandemic is sure to inflict on Nigeria.

Just weeks before this, he had donated N100 million worth of materials after the Abule-ado explosion to help in rebuilding the destroyed buildings.

You may feel like we have said much here, but we have not even made mention of the infrastructural facilities he built across tertiary institutions in the country the construction of a N1.2 Billion Dangote Business School, Bayero University Kano, or the construction of hostels or provisions of power supply at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna state and Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State.

So much has not been said.

The year is still very young with only 101 days gone, theres still a lot more fantastic things that could happen this year. Keep in mind that the billionaire also has plans to buy Arsenal FC, and take the Nigerian flag all over the world.

Read more:
10 fantastic things Aliko Dangote has done in the last 10 years | - Nairametrics

Australia's celebrated international beauty queen, Robbie Canner is on the hunt for successors after taking over the reins of the Australian and New Zealand arm of the prestigious international Ms World pageant - and she wishes to introduce her first 15 national finalists! Coming from all walks of life, cultures (Australian indigenous, Fijian, Afghan, Kenyan, Burmese, Filippino, Kiwi - but to name a few!) and backgrounds, Robbie Canner is committed to ensuring the Ms Australia and New Zealand World is an inclusive pageant welcoming and embracing women from all walks of life.

"My aim is for all women of Australia and New Zealand to be represented in the World pageant," said Ms Canner.

The Australian and New Zealand finals of the internationally-renowned pageant, which were set to be held in May, have been postponed to 28-30 August, 2020 at the Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, and is open to all ladies 26 years and over and of any status.

"I decided to take on the role of director because the World pageant has been fantastic for me and I wanted to give back to all ladies 26 and over to have the same opportunities as I have had so the inaugural pageant is here, and with New Zealand so close I decided to have them join so we can grow World," said Ms Canner, who resides in Sydney.

The pageant is a charity event for Tour de Cure Australia, and more specifically, the Scott Canner Young Investigator Grant (named after Robbie's late son who lost his battle to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2011 at the age of 22), which helps fund the research of up-and-coming cancer researchers. More than 750K in grants have been awarded thus far. The Ms World platform is NOWSA - National Organization for Women's Safety Awareness.

"The World pageant system is all about the entrant. No platform or charity is a requirement although we welcome entrants to share their chosen charities and platforms with us, if they have one," said Ms Canner.

"All the World queens are coming from the US for the gala evening in August 2020, and most of the judges will be international judges."

Major sponsor, huntmaster has generously supported the event, offering the four major winners, Ms Australia World and Ms Australia World Elite and Ms New Zealand World and Ms New Zealand World Elite entry to the prestigious Ms World Pageant 2020 from 13-16 October, 2020 in Las Vegas, United States of America as well as accommodation, food, beverages and return economy flights.

"I would love all ladies to enter - the more the merrier! Come join us - its a fantastic ride," said Ms Canner.

During her reign as Ms World 2018/19, Ms Canner proved that age really is just a number, from beating out beauties from 22 different countries aged 26 and up - to walking the prestigious New York Fashion Week in February 2019 as the one of the oldest models to grace the runway.

For more information, or interview/photo requests, please contact:

Joanne Rahn

Director

zanthii communications

Phone: 0402 148 334

Email: joanne@zanthii.com

Darrylin Gordon

Halls Creek, WA

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Ms Australia World 2020 national finalist, Darrylin Gordon is an Indigenous farmer from Halls Creek in Western Australia's Kimberley region, who came to prominence after her appearance in the Visible Farmer documentary series. The Visible Farmer project put the spotlight on two pressing issues: gender equality and food security, both which are vital for the future of Australia. The goal of the unique documentary series was to change perceptions and inspire new generations of women to help shape the future of Australia's sustainable food production. "I like what the pageant stands for and as an Aboriginal woman, I hope to be able to create understanding and awareness of the issues faced by our First Nations women whilst promoting reconciliation through my representation," said Ms Gordon. "The pageant platform provides a much greater audience where women from all over the country can come together and share our stories, our diversity and our passion that drives us to be the strong women we are, building a strong foundation to advocate for women from all walks of life. "The cause I am most passionate about is advocating for social change for our First Nations people 'Working together for a better future'."

Chantelle O'Donohoe

30 years old

Sydney, NSW

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Chantelle is an inspiration and role model for all. She has a strong passion for raising funds and awareness for childrens medical services as well as childrens education. Being a proud Nukunu Aboriginal woman, Chantelle has a sincere concern for bridging the gap within the education of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. Chantelle works at a not-for-profit organisation where she shares her knowledge in emerging technologies with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities nationally. Outside of her full-time employment, Chantelle is a mother who raises awareness for social issues and injustices, and is an advocate for several organisations and programs including donating over 600 hours of her personal time to volunteering. Whilst Chantelle is passionate about many causes and loves to volunteer her time, the one cause that particularly concerns her at this time is the increasing gap between the education of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. Particularly within the STEM related subjects of maths, science, technology and engineering. Throughout Chantelle's career, she has been lucky to now find herself in a position where she is able to give back to this cause and put systems and workshops in place to assist in closing the (educational) gap. After years of researching how to best assist, she found herself taking on a role to teach emerging Technology skills to mob in community all over our beautiful country. Within this role, she teaches skills in caring for country with drones, how to build and code robots, how to preserve culture through digital art, digital storytelling and apps, as well as passing on knowledge on how to open online stories and market themselves which in turn leads them to further independence and becoming self-sufficient in business. She also encourage mob (women particularly) to not only finish High School but also to seek out higher education, and provides them with the pathways available to do so. For 2020, Chantelle has also been issued with an acceptance to the Teachers of STEM initiative and will be returning to University to achieve her Bachelors degrees in both Education and Science Engineering. She has a long term plan to continue her work within community and have partnerships in place with the government and local universities to provide assistance and consultation on how to best address the issue of the educational gap.

Maria Perera

29 years old

Melbourne, VIC

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Maria is a female director/CEO in civil construction. She comes from a legal background and working in construction was not at all a planned event. In fact, not a lot of people were supportive of her move at the time given not many women were in that specific field. In 2015, Maria fell into construction and built her company from the ground up. She is now an ambassador for women in construction, and industry mentor at RMIT University for female students entering male-dominated industries. Maria has been featured as a Top 100 Woman in construction, and was a speaker at the Sydney Build Expo 2020 on to the topic of diversity in construction, and has also been confirmed as a speaker at the forthcoming Tedx Sydney event. Maria's goal is to promote diversity and female empowerment and uses any available platform to collaborate, and empower, other women.

Cole Sialeipata

27 years old

Central Coast, NSW

Ms New Zealand World 2020 National Finalist

Cole Sialeipata was born and raised in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, and unlike many others, Cole has experienced a number of things in her short 28 years of life most wouldnt think was possible to continue life from - domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness and much more. Cole lived in Christchurch for most of her life until Christchurch was struck with the traumatic 7.1 Earthquake in 2010. Losing almost everything in a short amount of minutes including her life which happened to be saved after deciding to sleep the other way around that night where a TV crushed her feet instead of her head, Cole decided to leave New Zealand and pursue an internship at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida for seven months. With the second earthquake in 2011 leaving next to nothing, Cole had nothing to go back to and decided not to get on her flight back home to New Zealand, and instead stayed in Australia to pursue a whole new beginning. This beginning didnt start off to the greatest but with everything Cole always found the silver lining in things. Cole was homeless, unable to find employment or a safe place to stay. Cole made her way to the Central Coast of New South Wales to a friends' house she had met in the United States who offered her a place to stay. From there, Cole found employment and was able to save and get her own little shoebox apartment and start her life journey. Cole worked in various community sector roles, however still felt like there was something missing in her career and life. Cole eventually got employed by local NGO Coast Shelter working as a support worker for homeless youth. A light lit up in Cole and it was then her passion for her community ignited. Cole has studied her Diploma in Community Service, Homelessness Services and Mental Health. For the past five years, Cole has been actively helping her community at work but also voluntarily. Conducting fundraising events, food drives, social groups, mentorships roles in high schools, and recently joined Womens Justice Network. Cole has been recognised by the NSW government for her community development achievements and was nominated for the 7News Young Achiever awards for 2020. Cole has raised over $20,000 for her community, and is also the founder of Charity Project Aria and has launched her first pilot program to equip disadvantaged women with various skills who have experienced domestic violence. The program has been designed to help and support women to reintegrate back into their communities better equipped after leaving DV environments. As a Ms New Zealand World 2020 national finalist, Cole hopes to encourage women to be nothing less than themselves in their own beautiful way. Women, just like flowers, trees, the ocean and a rainbow, they have their own beauty.

Nicole Smith

50 years old

Gold Coast, QLD

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Have courage and be kind, These are Cinderellas words that Nicole Smith tries to live by everyday. Nicole studied dance on the Gold Coast in Australia and at Michigan State University in the USA, before gaining for her teachers qualification in London, England. She was a teacher and then co-director within the Gold Coast Ballet in the late 80's up until 1995. Besides dance, Nicole was also involved in many theatre productions in Australia. She also works extremely hard everyday in her professional career as a Registered Nurse. Nicole started a not-for-profit dance studio called "Terricky Dancers" in Rural Western Australia in 2009. The dance school gave many local and indigenous children free or highly subsidised dance classes. During this time Nicole became involved in her first pageant called "The Boab Quest". Nicole placed 2nd runner up after raising $15,200. This money was used to buy sports equipment and to provide breakfast programs for children who would otherwise have gone to school hungry. After the passing of her husband in 2012, Nicole and her daughter Rebekah found pageantry again. Nicole helped her daughter Rebekah compete in Australia, England, France and the United States. Nicole knew she wanted to do more to help and give back to the community. She wanted to speak out about causes she is passionate about such as the Haemophilia Foundation of Queensland. Because of this, Nicole is so excited to take her experience as performer, dance teacher and pageant mother to the next step of competing in the Ms Australia World and Ms New Zealand World pageant. She believes the pageant world is filled with people dedicated to making improvements in themselves and the world around them every day, and she strives to be one of those people.

Em Hardwicke

45 years old

Jindabyne (Snowy Mountains), NSW

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Em Hardwicke of regional New South Wales, was motivated to enter the inaugural Ms Australia & Ms New Zealand World 2020 pageant to raise funds for cancer research and and finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, and also to advocate for women's safety, anti-bullying and suicide prevention. Em spent years in an emotionally abusive relationship without even realising it, but considers herself one of the lucky ones. Em has always believed that every woman and every person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. She believes no woman deserves to be sexually, physically, mentally or emotionally abused or assaulted. No woman deserves to be disrespected or mistreated. Em wants to be part of the change and use her voice to share the National Organzation for Womens Safety Awareness (NOWSA) message, vision and mission of educating and advocating for social change. "As a mother to a nearly 6 year old boy, I strongly believe I have a responsibility to teach my son that mistreating and/or disrespecting a woman in any way, at any age or in any circumstance is unacceptable," said Em. "I also want to instil in him a strength to not stand by and watch someone being mistreated or abused. I want to teach him to use his voice and speak up for someone who may not feel they have a voice of their own. By teaching our children, our sons, to treat women with respect from an early age and to encourage our fathers, brothers, uncles and friends to lead by example, only then can we expect to see things change." "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." James Baldwin.

Analieze Bella Newton

51 years old

Sydney, NSW

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Analieze entered her first national pageant at 49 years of age after seeing Mrs Earth Australia 2017, Suzi Dent on Channel 7s Sunrise proudly talking about her experience. Analieze came across the Miss Diamond Australia pageant, which was promoted as being different to other pageants. There were no age, height or weight restrictions, and it was based in Brisbane, Australia. Analieze entered Miss Diamond Australia in 2017, and was crowned Miss Diamond Australia Classic 2018 in April 2018 at 50 years of age. Analieze has used pageantry as a platform to advocate for diabetes, being a sufferer herself, and has even had toes amputated due tp the illness. She is an incredible humanitarian, spending all her time raising awareness for Charity and helping at homeless feeds. As an adult, Analieze was a single mother for many years; she might not have been homeless but she has experienced having to line up for food vouchers at charity organisations to be able to feed herself and sometimes needed help to have her dues paid. These were not her happiest years but by having been in this situation herself where she needed help she realises how important it is to be able to give back and help people less fortunate. Prior to pageantry, Analieze was a lost soul, a ghost. pageantry has changed her life, she now sits on the judging panel at pageants around Australia and the world, and is a bit of a celebrity. Analieze migrated to Australia from the Philippines at the age of 18 and resides in West Ryde in New South Wales, Australia. She works as a legal secretary, and is a proud mother to her son, Sean.

Pan Sandar Myint

28 year old

Sydney, NSW

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Pan Sandar Myint was born in Myanmar with Rohingya Burmese background. Pan graduated high school with 92% and gained entrance to study Medicine in 2008. But Pan still pursued to study abroad because of not getting equal human rights for being Rohingya in Myanmar. Pan graduated with a Diploma of Business at TAFE in 2010 which led her to finish her Accounting degree within two years & six months. After working in the accounting industry for a while, Pan realised the professional didn't suit her friendly & bubbly personality so she decided to change careers and now enjoys a successful career in the migration industry. Coming from the most prosecuted ethnic Rohingya in the 21st century, Pan strongly advocates on following the path of tolerance to save humanitarian value. Due to her strong passion of humanitarian rights, Pan was awarded a scholarship from Change the World United Nations as a delegate of Angola for the 2019 Path Of Tolerance campaign held at NYU University (Abu Dhabi). With no experience in modelling, fashion or beauty pageanty, Pan joined the Ms World Australian pageant as a platform to advocate equal human rights and to save humanitarian value by following the path of tolerance. Due to Pan's strong advocacy for Equal Rights of her Rohingya Community, she has appeared on several news media outlets (SBS Australia Burma, Friends World TV, Radio Free Air Asia and Pak Awaaz). Pan is extremely grateful to represent Australia by enjoying priceless moments with her beautiful pageant family, their strong support & love.

Diana Omuoyo

42 years old

Sydney, NSW

Ms New Zealand World 2020 National Finalist

Ms New Zealand World 2020 National Finalist Diana Omuoyo is a Kenyan native, and has travelled and lived in several countries over the years and this continues to be a big part of her life. She currently works as a Solution Engineer for a global IT company, and has been living in Australia since January 2019. Moving is exhilarating in a lot of ways but starting over on your own with no family or friends is always tough. The kindness & generosity of others, has been Diana's saving grace. Her involvement and engagement with the community gives her that sense of belonging, has been instrumental in shaping her professional career and tremendously helped with her personal growth - giving her the courage and confidence to use her voice. Through the many lifes challenges and lessons, Diana has learnt that every little gesture that helps spread positivity, togetherness and that brightens anothers day is always worth it. It is because of this that she often volunteers for a broad spectrum of causes as her way of participating, supporting & giving back to the community around her. Over time, Diana has been involved with various organisations in varying capacities: -Corporate diversity groups - committee member for various diversity and social groups within corporate organizations including Womens empowerment groups, Women in Technology forums & African American diversity groups -New Zealand Red Cross - Committee member for Wellington chapter, headed the Refugee Pack program and participated in various community and fund-raising initiatives. These and other efforts by the New Zealand Red Cross were recognized at the Volunteer Connect Award where I was honored to be presented with a Volunteer of the Year Award. -STEM organizations o Girl Geek Dinner - hosted and presented at various events across the US, NZ and Australia. o Volunteered at various initiatives for organizations like the ITP Professionals [NZ], inKIND [NZ], Summer of Tech [NZ], Girls who Code [AU] Outside of work, Diana has been fortunate to have opportunities to pursue various other interests and passions: -Acting - roles in commercials & featured extra roles in movie, and as a video game character -Modelling - Print & catwalk modelling including corporate shoots and a Miss Universe charity event -Public Speaking - presenter and speaker at various tech conferences & events across US, NZ and AU Diana joined the Ms. New Zealand World Pageant because It is a great platform to raise awareness for worthy causes and share with like-minded women across the country.

Katie Mouser

37 year old

Canberra, ACT

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Katie joined the Ms Australia World 2020 pageant because she wanted to set herself a challenge in 2020; not only to improve and better herself, but also to find a way to provide more exposure to causes which she feels passionately about, and wish she could do more for, on both a national and international stage. Katie also loves the idea of building new networks, and forming new connections & friendships; supporting on another on their journeys. Katie hopes to represent to the nation (and internationally), a genuine, successful and mindful modern woman; capable of achieving whatever she sets her mind to regardless of age, ability or experience. During the pageant (and at Ms World if she were to win nationally), Katie intends to work with her fellow women to engage their communities and increase awareness of their platforms; not only by example, but also utilising the exposure a national and/or world title presents them with media and community options for raising support. As a child, Katie grew up in another country, and when she came back to Australia, she felt displaced, uncertain and anxious. As she worked to overcome this, Katie decided that where it was within her power, she never wanted another person to feel that way. Katie discovered she had a natural talent for forging solid, long-lasting friendships and relationships with almost everyone that she came across, something which continues today. This assists Katie greatly in gaining much needed support for causes she is passionate about, but also gives her a solid and trusted foundation to help others who may confide in her, or ask for her help, to provide them with honest, genuine and humble assistance. Katie takes great pride in her resilience; and is thankful to be supporting NOWSA through the Ms World system. As a survivor of domestic violence, experienced first-hand at a young age, she is wholeheartedly behind an organisation which aims to keep women safe. Katie is also incredibly grateful to be supporting Tour De Cure as Ms Australia World's charity platform at a national level; Cancer has affected many people she cares about, has stolen some too soon, and left it's own mark in her life, not only in her heart and mind, but also having had a cervical cancer scare herself. Katie is proud to be participating in a pageant surrounded by beautiful, genuine and kind women, each of them accepted for being their true selves along their journeys alongside each other.

Leila Beikmohammadloei

47 years old

Brisbane, QLD

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Leila is competing in the Ms Australia World 2020 pageant because she believes that each and every single one of us has a voice. She believes everyone has a story (or stories) to tell which consist of our experiences and locations, our hopes and aspirations and how they have shaped us into who we are and how we live our lives; be it by choice or by circumstance. Leila is coming from a very male-dominated society, and suffered two decades of domestic violence, ending up with a domestic violence order for two years. She is a domestic violence survivor, and is very proud of how she strongly cut toxic relationships from her life and environment to save her children and herself. Leila dared herself to improve upon and build her self-confidence by venturing outside her comfort zone; she dared herself to connect with people and help them when they needed to be helped. She dreamed of partnering and collaborating with World Vision, and organisation sharing her vision of supporting and helping others, particularly children and women. She wants to show all women around the world to be proud of their identity, values, themselves of who they are and what they believe in. She believes in herself and she will be successful at accomplishing the challenges she has set herself, dreams and goals. Challenging and developing herself feels like the sky is the limit!

Suzzaan Kakar

Melbourne, VIC

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Suzzaan Kakar describes herself as an Australian-Afghan village girl. She was born in Kunduz, Afghanistan and was four years old when she lost my father in the Afghanistan war, Suzzaan's father was a rich man and head of the city, her mother was an educated woman but she was not allowed to work, so she was helping women at home. In Dasht Harchi, there was no women's jail, so the Government would send them to Suzzaan's father to be under his restriction. After her father was killed, she and her family found refuge in Pakistan. Her mother had a teaching job, and was looking after the family without any other financial support. As a result, they had no food to eat, and until coming to Australia, didnt have a fridge to keep water in 50 degree heat. Suzzaan came to Australia by humanitarian refugee visa and her Aunty helped to bring the family to Australia, but in her young age, she had to work hard to help the rest of family, brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Suzzaan started her journey in Australia studying the English language, and then a Diploma in Accounting and a Bachelor's degree in fashion - and she continues to study at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne. Suzzaan is single (never married), speaks four languages - Pashto, Dari, Urdu, English, is a model and fashion designer and stylist with dreams to start her own label incorporating old village fabrics into modern fashion. Suzzaan is also an animal rights activist and hopes to use her pageanty platform to raise awareness of this cause.

Jasmine Farlow

30 years old

Newcastle, NSW

Ms Australia World 2020 National Finalist

Introducing Jasmine Farlow - Ms Australia world 2020 national finalist This Sydney born queen has resided in many places up and down the east coast of Australia, experiencing a lot of what this great land has to offer. Jasmine's history in pageantry is a vast one, competing for over a decade she has earned a handful of Australian titles but believes that we never stop learning or growing so continues to stay within the pageant community. Since her first competition she has branched out to direct not one, but three different systems, all in the hopes of providing women a platform for self growth. In an effort to encourage others to shine, Jasmine has also coached many pageant students, some who have gone on to hold international titles themselves. Throughout her journey of self growth, Jasmine has never lost her love for animals but rather has been able to build a network to help support the rehoming and rehabilitation of our animal friends. This has become her passion and her career path. Jasmine is currently pursuing this path in animal care through undertaking studies, working at an animal farm and volunteering, or raising funds for pets and wildlife operations including Sea shelter and the RSPCA through which she was able to adopt her wild born Dingo, Diego. It is Jasmine's hope that gaining her vet nursing qualifications along with building a small sanctuary to house canines who are at the end of their rope, and have no where else to turn, may lead to teaching others a greater appreciation and respect for the animal kingdom. We as humans need to nurture our animal friends, not fear them or abuse them. One act of kindness towards an animal in need might not change the world but it will change the world for them, and that is powerful

Tulip Goujon

44 years old

Sydney, NSW

Ms New Zealand World 2020 National Finalist

Tulip Goujon is a mother of four children who had never considered joining a pageant as she always focussed her time on her children and their education. However Tulip believes taking up this journey has introduced her to some amazing, encouraging and beautiful queens who are all proud representatives of their cultures, people and homelands. Tulip has a big heart for her community and people. She enjoys taking part in sports such as marathon running and gym bootcamps, and has participated in many charity events. One of her favourite being a boxer for a match which raised funds for families who were in need of everyday necessities. She strongly believes in independence and that education is the key to success. Tulip's passion for fashion has always been a part of her. She used to work and organise promotions for promotional models and was in-charge of events for special occasions organised by Sydney West Multicultural. Tulip holds highly the value of respect, not only for other people but towards herself also. She enjoys uplifting and empowering other women and hopes her journey in this pageant leads her to other like-minded and strong leaders.

Sandy Nand

45 years old

Sydney, NSW

Ms New Zealand World 2020 National Finalist

Growing up on the tropical islands of Fiji, Sandy comes from a family of educators, and has lived with five brothers and two sisters She was very close to her father who was her idol, and he always believed that she would one day make him proud. After his passing away, Sandy moved to New Zealand making "the land of the long white cloud" her home where she grew her own little family. From being a banker to running a household and looking after her kids, she invested in properties. Ten years ago, she moved closer to her family in Brisbane and called Australia her home. Shes been a banker most of her life, and her career has not stopped her living her dreams She stands up for domestic violence, not only for women, but for men as well. Sandy believes that if a relationship is not working, one must learn to let go and move on. Sandy believes in this day and age there are so many ways to be independent. Apart from this, she believes in charity. Often very shy, she doesnt mention her charities to the world as part of her father's teaching was not to brag about what one does for humanity. Here she is today learning still.

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Press Release: Australia's celebrated international beauty queen, Robbie Canner introduces the first of her Ms Australia & New Zealand World 2020...

This time of Coronavirus disruption is creating a situation for many where they have more available free time. For some, hours have been cut back or jobs have been lost. Then, there are those who find themselves working from their homes, which presents its own challenges, especially where child care services or school attendance has been interrupted.

In some workplaces, people are needing to fill-in for staff members who are out ill. For others, such as in the medical field, the work demands, in certain areas, are overwhelming. These differing scenarios have something in common, though: Routines are being toppled. Which leads to the question: How does one come to feel a sense of accomplishment, even in unsettling circumstances? Inevitably, it is when goals are being met.

Goal-setting appeals to the innate need to succeed. Goals are measurable, which means one can observe progress or the lack thereof. When goals are met one can feel a sense of satisfaction in the completion of the task. Many employees are being compelled to take time away from their routine and/or their typical job responsibilities. This can be quite a shock to ones motivation system. We humans are designed to be productive to do things that matter. We also function much more efficiently when we have routines in place. While we all enjoy having time off from work now and then, we really like attaining goals.

A substantial amount of research has focused on how the handling of goals impacts the type of motivation employees experience. The same holds true for our own individual drives. In a typical workday, we find ourselves largely driven by requests and assignments. These require specific performances: There is no choice but to get into response mode. In the present time, the flow and pace are changed up in such a way that it can be disorienting. People are saying they are unsure as to which day it is, feel less productive even when they are completing tasks, are finding themselves feeling more tired than they feel they should, that work is more draining, that it takes more of a push to get tasks done, etc.

This is understandable: We thrive on routine. Having a regular order of tasks to handle brings about a cadence and efficiency to the accomplishment of same; here, work is much less efforted. On the other hand, disorder and the absence of expected activity bring a sense of a lack of purpose, and seem to slow us down to a point where our normal, smoothly functioning, fast-paced flow of work is obstructed.

What it all boils down to is to have clear expectations, which can be measured. These will differ in the context of the environment at hand: whether at the office, plant, campus, or home. The key is to have specific goals, which are often set by people to whom we report, be as real and concrete, as they are under normal working circumstances. It would be useful for managers to include employees in the setting of goals, where feasible, especially in such difficult times. We need goals to guide our work productivity.

Additionally, we may need to set some goals for our personal activities or home projects in order to satisfy the desire to feel accomplished. You see, for most people, before COVID-19, when they were not at not work, they had hobbies, sports, and other activities in which they were engaging. Right now, gone are sporting events both the observance of and engagement in, movie and dinner dates, socializing with friends, even running most errands.

So, one way to motivate ourselves is to set our own goals to get us into an energized mindset. Achieving certain targets, by a stated time, helps us grow in competence, a key element of self-motivation. There can be much innate satisfaction from the completion of self-assigned tasks and projects. But, be careful not to over-commit or over-promise yourself, as this can be self-defeating. Failure dampens motivation.

I hope youll get out there and drink in the inspiring, clean air with just the right amount of early-spring briskness. Take a hike or a walk, grab a rake and clean-out some flower beds, make those household repairs or renovations, or take the family on a picnic. The best antidote to emotional sluggishness (perfectly understandable in this climate) is doing. Goals provide a framework for action. Set them, and reset them after theyve been achieved.

Dr. Paul P. Baard is an organizational psychologist, specializing in motivation. Formerly a full-time professor at Fordham Universitys Graduate School of Business and a senior line executive in the television industry, he is the lead author of a book on leadership and motivation, and has been published broadly, including in Harvard Business Review. He and Veronica Baard, a former managing director responsible for HR at a major international investment banking firm, head up Baard Consulting LLC, a firm in the greater Boston area, focusing on motivation, conflict reduction, and team building. Questions are welcomed at pbaard@baardconsulting.com.

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Motivation Matters: Achieve goals to keep you growing in a time of disruption - The Union Leader

What are we kicking around in our virtual newsroom these days? The digital editors at NBCSportsBoston.com will compile the best from the daily e-mail exchanges amongst our on-air personalities, insiders and producers from both Arbella Early Edition and Boston Sports Tonight so you can get a sense of whats on our minds.

Dave Cherubin, Producer (9:36 a.m. ET) -- Could Brady leaving Patriots have the same motivational impact on Bill Belichick as drafting Jimmy Garoppolo had on Tom Brady? Brady is praised for being such a big self-motivator and he also reminds us of it and how he was picked 199th. What about Bill as the ultimate competitor? People are talking about this team having a .500 or less record this year. But Bill's so competitive. It could be a big reason why this team could make the playoffs. How big an accomplishment would that be?

Anthony Chasse, Associate Producer (10:53 a.m. ET) -- Id just like to know what a motivated Belichick looks like vs. the Belichick weve seen. The guy already seems like he works harder and takes his job more seriously than any other coach in sports.

Danielle Trotta, host, Boston Sports Tonight (2:56 p.m. ET) -- Excellent excellent read Michael Holley. Seems like theres tremendous pressure to get this draft right not that other years you dont but without Brady any weaknesses are even more exposed. He covered up a lot of cracks -- ones Jarrett Stidham cant even see yet, much less help hide. But what is the confidence that Bill Belichick can draft and develop receivers and have them excel this year, next year and beyond - when to Holleys point the last time that happened was over a DECADE ago! Even if Bill can spot the talent is he still capable of developing them? Those are two different questions ones I hadnt considered before Holleys piece.

Tom Giles, host, Boston Sports Tonight (3:27 p.m ET) -- We've always thought of Bill as this demanding football coach devoid of emotion. And I think that's probably true when it comes to communication. But, like Brady, he's motivated by proving people wrong. Proving he can still win, regardless of what's in front of him. Holley points out the draft - I'd also point towards game-planning. I expect that most of the Patriots wins next season will be U-G-L-Y. Limit the mistakes and attack the opponents' weaknesses. I think we're primed to see those constants, in addition to the type of creativity that's effected the rule book moving forward.

Michael Holley, host, Boston Sports Tonight (3:30 p.m. ET) -- Bill Belichick is notorious for befriending overwhelmed team builders and then trading with them. He used to call Al Davis Coach Davis, playing to the old mans ego, and then he raked him for a couple of trades (including Randy Moss). Unless Bill OBrien has a policy against making deals with Bill, hes getting a phone call next. If Belichick sees anything of value in Houston, hell target OBrien and get it. OBrien is loopy as a GM.

DJ Bean, host, Boston Sports Tonight (3:36 p.m ET) -- Biggest thing for me with Holley's piece is that Bill the GM officially has to wake up. What's he gonna do, coach better? Short of that thing that happened in that one Super Bowl, Bill hasn't messed that up in a while. It's intriguing how little Bill has done so far this offseason, so the draft is gonna be where it goes down. The man's gonna be trading, whether it's moving down to get a pick to make up for the second they traded away or swapping picks for a roster player a la the Texans trade we saw Thursday.

Robert Kraft: Owner of the New... York Mets?

It sure sounds crazy, but one New York Post columnist is lobbying for the New England Patriots owner to purchase the Mets from the Wilpon family.

Ken Davidoff published a piece Friday morning commending Kraft for lending his Patriots plane to deliver N95 masks from China. Along with the 1.4 million masks he brought home to Massachusetts, he also brought 300,000 masks to New York.

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Davidoff mentions Kraft's incredible gesture in his argument for the 78-year-old to "save" the Mets franchise.

Yes, Kraft should ride his wave of New York love all the way to serious discussions with the Wilpons, whose efforts to sell the Mets to Steve Cohen unraveled worse than Rich Kotites tenure as Jets head coach. The 78-year-old Kraft could be just the savior the Mets and their emotionally weathered fans need.

Last week, in case you somehow missed it, Kraft arranged for the purchase of 1.4 million N95 masks for his home state of Massachusetts and then another 300,000 for New York, sending the Patriots plane to China to procure them, at a time of dire need in the battle against COVID-19. What a gesture. As The Posts Mark Cannizzaro wrote, Kraft has earned family status here.

Imagine if he built on that profound generosity by turning the Mets into the Patriots of Major League Baseball. He wouldnt be a mere family member. Hed be the godfather of every National League household from New Haven to Trenton. Appreciate what Kraft would bring to Citi Field.

Is Kraft buying the Mets actually likely to happen? No. But it's still an interesting topic for discussion. After the Steve Cohen disaster that unfolded over the winter, Mets fans are looking for hope anywhere they can get it. And if there's one owner who can bring hope to a stagnant franchise, it's the six-time Super Bowl champion owner himself.

Julian Edelman isn't too happy about one of Nick Wright's more recent takes.

TheFOX Sports analyst suggested on FS1's "First Things First" last week that the Patriots could use Edelman in a trade to acquire the Detroit Lions' No. 3 pick in order to draft Tua Tagovailoa. Of course, that didn't sit so well with the Pats wide receiver who finally clapped back on Twitter in a since-deleted tweet.

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"Nice hairline bro Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) April 11, 2020"

This isn't the first time Edelman has been brought up in trade discussions this offseason. After Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last month, there was speculation that maybe Edelman would request a trade and follow his quarterback to Florida.

Everything regarding an Edelman trade is strictly speculation at the moment, and if there are plans to trade him we probably won't know it until the week, or day, of the NFL Draft.

However, it's unlikely Bill Belichick lets his top receiver go after losing his star QB -- Jarrett Stidham is already going to have a difficult enough time taking Brady's place.

But, anything can happen as we've seen in the past.

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The Daily Thread: Does Belichick have extra motivation in 2020? - NBCSports.com

With over 25 years spent managing, teaching and observing employees -- and with a degree in psychology and time spent teaching courses on the subject at Cornell University -- Ive spent my fair share of time analyzing and dissecting the thought processes of workers. I've determined that individuals fall into one of three primary groups of motivation: the checklist technician, the rewards artist and the societal. This "three categories of motivation" theory explores the psychology of your co-workers and you.

The Checklist Technician

If youre a person who experiences an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment when you complete a task and can check it off a list, then you fall into this category. Early studies on why we remember specific checklist-related items were conducted by Russian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik. Zeigarnik was one of the first researchers to confirm our brain's fixation on pursuing a task. The Zeigarnik Effectsurmises that we remember and place emphasis on responsibilities and items that need to be completed more than things that weve already finished.

The checklist technician thrives on task tension, which improves cognitive availability. There is a euphoria in completing a task and an inner sense of pride. But, be careful when managing checklist people because that euphoria is fleeting, and these people soon feel compelled by the next task at hand.

Pro:These can be great people for managing your most important tasks and projects. Theyre highly focused when they have a clear understanding of the project, and they do well when there are OKRs and metrics in place.

Con: If your organization doesn't have cogently defined project objectives and timelines, these people might focus on what is important, but miss the urgent. These people often do not work well with those who have trouble organizing or with those who like to talk through things in too much detail.

The Rewards Artist

Most of us enjoy the feeling of being recognized for our efforts. For some, its so motivating that they base their value on it, or, more appropriately, they base how they think others value them on the rewards they receive. These people are the most difficult of the three categories to keep motivated, and many times they dont emphasize the right items. In a Harvard Business Review article, the authors state, "According to numerous studies in laboratories, workplaces, classrooms, and other settings, rewards typically undermine the very processes they intended to enhance." There is also the issue that rewards are fleeting. These people are more worried about getting the prize than getting things completed correctly.

Pro: These people can be highly motivating and inspiring to their co-workers. They often make sure their team members also win awards, and they can build productive coalitions at work that can push agendas to completion.

Con: These are the people who spend too much time on social media, wondering who is looking at their Facebook posts, or checking on their LinkedIn number of likes throughout the day. They are heavy multitaskers and often miss key points in meetings and projects. One other major issue is that they experience a declining level of satisfaction with rewards seen as equal value to what theyve already obtained. They require a more substantial reward to feel motivated, and at some point, this isn't possible. As the ability to attain higher rewards diminishes, these people lose motivation or, worse yet, become work saboteurs.

The Societal

For those who find their primary motivation at work around social interactions, work can be very stimulating. These peoples closest friends are those associated with their work. They text with co-workers and vendors after work and on the weekends and are the ones who make sure we all go to work-related happy hours and events.

Pro: They can be a pick-me-up for others at work and make many people feel important with their constant attention, and they can create a positive emotional contagion. They are often connectors and can get stalled items moving quickly with their social talents.

Con: These workers habitually have mood swings. They frequently need to untwist their way of thinking and can suffer from cognitive distortion, which leads to false conclusions about situations and intentions. Since theyre excessively emotionally invested at work, they often act spiteful and lash out at those they dont like.

Be The Ringleader For Employee Engagement

As a leader, you must be able to build a team, yet never forget the individual. You must understand where your people primarily fall among these three categories to keep them motivated and, more importantly, engaged at work. There are significant emotional bonds tied to all three categories, and people need a sense of purpose to work successfully.

A Gallup poll indicated that companies with the highest levels of employee engagement are 21% more productivethan those with low levels of employee engagement. Employee engagement is not missed by those in the C-suite of great organizations since higher employee engagement scores affect the bottom-line financials. According to the research advisory firm Bersin by Deloitte, no less than 85% of business leaders globally believe employee engagement is essential.

The encouraging thing about people in each of these three categories is that they can be highly successful at work, and each group has members at the top of organizations. You need to understand how each of your people fits into these categories; this will help with job satisfaction and motivation, which has a correlation with employee engagement. A final point to consider is where you fit into these categories. Remember, in order to be a great leader, you need emotional intelligence, which requires self-awareness.

Read more:
The Psychology Of Leadership: The Three Categories Of Motivation Theory - Forbes

Luka Garza didn't get the closure to his season that he wanted when the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments were canceled.

So the Iowa junior center got back in the gym right away, even though it wasn't going to be like any other postseason workout.

Instead of getting shots up in the Hawkeyes' practice facility, Garza is back at home in the Washington, D.C., area, trying to find gyms where he can work out during this time of uncertainty because of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

"When the season ends, youre kind of ready to take a little break," Garza said on a Friday teleconference. "I obviously wasnt."

Garza, coming off a season in which he was a consensus All-American and won six national player-of-the-year honors, announced on Friday that he was going to enter the NBA Draft process, but not hire an agent to keep his NCAA eligibility.

Garza said it would take a "real opportunity" to go to the NBA and pass on his final year with the Hawkeyes, who are considered to be among the best teams in the nation and a Big Ten title favorite next season if Garza returns.

If anything, Garza said, he'll appreciate the feedback from NBA teams, but he already has his own analysis on his game.

"First off, I think I bring a lot to a team in terms of the way I play and how hard I play," he said. "No matter what team is interested, they will know 100 percent that if they take me, that Im a guy who is going to go in and make the most of every opportunity they give me, go as hard as I can, be willing to work and hear criticism and all of that.

"I think Im a guy whose shot will translate to the next level. As well as my post game I feel confident in my ability to score on the block. No matter what level I play at, I know Im able to score on bigger and stronger defenders, those guys who are a similar size to me."

Garza, though, knows there are parts of his game that need improving.

"I know I definitely need to work on, obviously for the NBA but even for next year, just my lateral quickness, my lateral movement, my ability to guard ball screens, my on-ball defense, just everything on defense," he said. "I think I took a huge stride this season in my defense and my ability to protect the rim.

"Im all ears in this process. Im always a guy who is open to criticism and always takes any knowledge I can get to improve my game. Thats a very important piece of it."

Garza was especially dominant in Big Ten play, averaging 26.2 points and 9.7 rebounds on his way to being named the conference's player of the year. He closed the season with a 16-game streak of scoring 20 points or more in Big Ten games, the longest streak in the conference since 1987.

He was named the national player of the year by Sporting News, Basketball Times, ESPN, FOX, Stadium and Bleacher Report. But he missed out on other national awards, like the Wooden Award and the Naismith Trophy, that went to Dayton's Obi Toppin.

Garza congratulated Toppin with a Twitter post on Tuesday night after the Wooden Award was announced.

"Honestly, the whole time, for me it was a blessing to be in the conversation," he said. "To be widely considered as a top-two candidate is something Ill always remember for the rest of my life. Being a finalist for those awards is something I honestly could have never dreamed of.

"That meant a lot to me."

Garza said it was "a little upsetting" when he didn't win some of the awards, but that sentiment quickly faded.

"Youve just got to realize that thats not why I play the game of basketball. Its not for the awards, its not for the recognition," he said. "Its because I love the game."

Asked what has been driving him since the end of the season, Garza said, "The same motivation I take into every offseason I want to improve, I want to take bigger steps. Im never really comfortable, definitely not content, with where Im at as a player right now. As a basketball player, Im always trying to push toward my potential, and I think I havent reached that yet. Every day is just another effort in trying to make that happen, trying to get closer to my potential.

"Im not satisfied with what happened this year."

Garza said his break in workouts won't last long. He admits that finding places to work has become more difficult.

"Its been harder, its not the usual offseason," he said. "Where theres a will, theres a way. And if you want to improve, youll find a way."

Read more from the original source:
Motivation Helps Garza In Offseason - Sports Illustrated

Breaking down big projects into smaller tasks helps.

Even in normal circumstances, it can be hard to get motivated to do your schoolwork. But these are not normal circumstances.

The switch to remote instruction caused by COVID-19 has been unsettling. Patterns have changed. Habits have been disrupted. Remote classes are simply different from classes that involve face-to-face instruction.

As a researcher who looks at what it takes to get through college, I have a few tips that could maximize your motivation and productivity when youre at home going to school online.

You do not need large amounts of time to be productive. Instead, be intentional and focused in short blocks where you can work without interruption. Protect these open times by setting up your workspace to minimize distraction including silencing notifications on your cellphone or laptop. Communicate your boundaries to friends and family and make sure to identify times when work and socialization can happen.

Write down the work you need to accomplish, because there is a limit to how much information you can recall and process at one time. Examine the remaining projects, including research and written assignments, and estimate the amount and type of effort that each requires. Identify any tests and quizzes that are scheduled and determine what preparation is necessary.

Breaking big projects into smaller and more manageable tasks allows you to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Your assigned tasks should follow a logical sequence. Some tasks are basic, like locating articles in the online library for a research paper. Others, like proofreading, are best left to do later in the process. Work steadily, and record your progress as you do, because you get more done when you can actually see the progress youre making.

When you set specific and difficult goals for your work and make them public in some way, it can boost your performance and enhance your motivation.

Setting generic, vague or easy goals is less helpful. Set goals related to effort. For example, plan to spend three hours one day studying for a certain class. Also, set goals related to the completion of specific tasks or products. For instance, give yourself a deadline to read and take notes on a specific article for a certain paper you must write.

Further, make time in your plan to deal with any interruptions and challenges that may occur. For example, when my 7-year-old gets bored or needs some attention and interrupts me in my work, I plan to spend 20-30 minutes doing something with her. We take a walk or a bike ride, or create some art. Then I can return to work. I even set a timer to keep myself honest.

It pays to clarify the rewards at stake this semester whether those rewards are internal, such as the feeling of accomplishment that comes from understanding a difficult concept well, or external, such as getting a good grade.

Many universities are adopting pass/fail grading systems in the short term, so the external reward course grades provide will likely be different. Learning is what matters now. Focus on the course learning outcomes and make sure that youre meeting them, because these skills will be the ones required of you as you progress toward your degree.

This is an unprecedented crisis, and we are all scrambling to make it work. You didnt expect to spend these months at home, learning online. Some days wont go as planed - and thats alright. Forgive yourself when you dont do your best, then move forward and overcome the setbacks.

Eventually, this pandemic will be over. Face-to-face classes will start again, and this semester will be but a memory. The good habits you build and the strategies follow now to manage to learn and work independently will bear dividends in the future.

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Originally posted here:
6 ways to build motivation to do your schoolwork now that you're forced to learn online at home - The Conversation US