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| Gina |
What’s the background?
We live in a world today that is constantly changing. There is no one career or job for life any more. Most people starting out on their career path today will likely have to re-learn what they are doing at least 4 - 5 times during their lives. That means those who have learned how to be flexible and adapt to change are the ones who are more likely to succeed in future years. This month’s 'Champion' is a good example of this global trend - which is now beginning to impact here in T&T.
Who is our ‘Champion’?
Our 'Champion' is Gina Hardy who lived much of her life in Singapore and moved to T&T in 2007. She is a person who is in her mid-thirties and has already experienced a number of different career directions.
What’s her background?
She did a deal with her father that she would complete a university degree if he would then let her choose what she wanted to do in life once she completed it. She was always interested in the culinary arts and, after completing her first degree in history and philosophy in Singapore, was hoping she could explore opportunities in the culinary field. But, as often happens in life, things didn’t quite go in the direction she was planning.
What happened?
She ended up travelling to London and completing a law degree. After graduating she worked as a lawyer for a year but didn’t see herself having a future in that field. So she then studied accountancy and after qualifying, worked in that field for six years. Her husband, a Trinidadian, was also working in the UK. In 2007 they both decided to move to Trinidad and try something different in life.
How did that impact on Gina?
After arriving in Trinidad she really had no idea what she wanted to do. Both law and accounting were not fields she really wanted to continue with. So what happened next was really more by way of an accident than a plan. Her mother-in-law was organising a dinner party and asked Gina what she could contribute. She answered by saying ‘I’ll make truffles’, something she had never done before in her life! She is a quick learner and, after a bit of research, produced her first batch of chocolate truffles. The dinner party guests were really impressed. To cut a long story short, this led her to develop a business in the culinary arts field that she always wanted to become involved with. Her products are superb and been praised by very discerning persons at the highest level. They were even provided as gifts to the Commonwealth Heads of Government.
What makes Gina so special?
You really have to meet her in person to understand. Gina is a person who has travelled a great deal, already had several different career experiences in life, and always had a dream. Her dream is now becoming real and the reason that is happening is because she came up with a unique idea that other people love. It is also happening because she is totally passionate about what she does, is a perfectionist, a compulsive networker, and is not fazed when faced by challenges.
What does this mean for T&T?
It is 'Champions' like Gina who see new ways of doing things and turn innovative ideas into a commercial proposition that exploits unique ingredients that are available here in T&T. She is totally focused and shares her ideas with others so they grow into something bigger. It’s people like her who are needed for T&T to diversify its economy and provide a more exciting future for its people.
Key Link:Gina
Key Question: Are you personally prepared to cope with a change in your career path 4 or 5 times during your life and excel in spite of that?
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