Rebuilding Our Tomorrow

THE AICI GLOBAL MAGAZINE TEAM’S TAKE ON THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

BY MARIA MONICA F. PRADO, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The world has changed. Social distancing has replaced hugs, kisses, and handshakes. Lockdowns have put a halt to travels and social gatherings. Virtual meetings and classes have taken the place of classroom learning.

Indeed, it has been a difficult time for the whole world and we, the members of the AICI Global Magazine editorial board, are there with you. As we worked on the magazine’s July issue, we took some time to reflect and share with you what we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and a message that we hope would help you rebuild your career and your life.

SONIA DUBEY DEWAN, AICI CIP

Editor-in-Chief, AICI Global Magazine Managing Partner, Indian School of Image Management

What has this whole experience with the pandemic taught you?

Gratitude! With our ambition and maximalist lifestyle, we tend to overlook our blessings. This pandemic made me more aware and thankful for what I have than what I want.

This issue's theme is REBUILDING. It aims to help AICI members rebuild, restart, or relaunch their careers. What advice can you give to our fellow AICI members?

First, trust your core knowledge. What you already know about business is enough.

Second, learn new ways to deliver your core knowledge, for example, remote consultations. Remember that you are the generation that has learned TV, radio, computers, mobile phones, and many other things. You will get this too.

MARIA MONICA F. PRADO, AICI

Associate Editor, AICI Global Magazine Master Trainer and Founder, Communicare Training and Development

What has this whole experience with the pandemic taught you?

This pandemic is a very humbling experience for mankind. It has taught me to simplify and detach from worldly things. It has also reminded me to have faith no matter how difficult the situation is.

This issue's theme is REBUILDING. It aims to help AICI members rebuild, restart, or relaunch their careers. What advice can you give to our fellow AICI members?

No one can really say what will happen to the world after this pandemic. What we can do now is plant the seeds because whatever we sow today we will reap in the future.

ROOJA DESAI, AICI

Associate Editor, AICI Global Magazine Image Consultant and Founder, Caterpillar Image Consulting

What has this whole experience with the pandemic taught you?

There is always enough time, enough love. I pray with my family as we hope for a better tomorrow.

This issue's theme is REBUILDING. It aims to help AICI members rebuild, restart, or relaunch their careers. What advice can you give to our fellow AICI members?

Invest in yourself. Learn new techniques and read books. Introspect about the services that you provide and think about how you can improvise them. Think of how you can collaborate with others to give solutions to the exact problems that people are facing now.

CARRIE MCCONKEY, AICI

Business Editor, AICI Global Magazine Owner, Carrie M. Image Consulting

What has this whole experience with the pandemic taught you?

To appreciate the small things in life such as the freedom to move about, and the smile on someone’s face not hidden by a mask. And to not take hugs or handshakes for granted.

This issue’s theme is REBUILDING. It aims to help AICI members rebuild, restart, or relaunch their career. What advice can you give to our fellow AICI members?

To face your demons and identify what fears are holding you back. Then, courageously take this moment and make any changes needed in your business to fit YOU. When you truly follow your heart, the doors will open.

LENORE AGUILAR

Fashion Editor, AICI Global Magazine Freelance Writer and Founder, Muse Personal Styling

What has this whole experience with the pandemic taught you?

For years, I’ve heeded the advice of financial expert Suze Orman, who says: People first, then money, then things. I’ve been keeping this in mind as I progress through this period.

This issue’s theme is REBUILDING. It aims to help AICI members rebuild, restart, or relaunch their career. What advice can you give to our fellow AICI members?

I heard one news report where a business guru said that once quarantine has ended, the next step isn’t about restarting or relaunching—it’s about rethinking. That’s good advice for our lives in general, not just business.

BERNIE BURSON, AICI CIC

Copy Editor, AICI Global Magazine Personal Image Consultant, Bernie Burson Color & Image

What has this whole experience with the pandemic taught you?

First, people are generally resilient in a crisis.

Second, many of my colleagues are coming up with great ideas for working with clients virtually and I plan to implement some of them.

This issue’s theme is REBUILDING. It aims to help AICI members rebuild, restart, or relaunch their career. What advice can you give to our fellow AICI members?

Get together with your AICI friends and colleagues on Zoom or another platform and brainstorm ways you can continue to serve clients. There are so many ideas out there, and so many members who are happy to share their expertise and ideas.

JULIE KAUFMAN, AICI Copy Editor, AICI Global Magazine Principal, Julie Kaufman Wardrobe Consulting

What has this whole experience with the pandemic taught you?

I have found that I actually do have the ability to be patient when there is no alternative. I am trying to take solace in little pleasures.

This issue’s theme is REBUILDING. It aims to help AICI members rebuild, restart, or relaunch their career. What advice can you give to our fellow AICI members?

This is a good time to be thoughtful about what you want from your business and put systems in place. Do all those little things you keep putting off, so you will be organized and so you can concentrate on the important work when business gets going again.