Spotlight Magazine Oct-Nov Issue 7 Vol 5

OCT/NOV 2020 ISSUE 7 VOL 5

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Th a SA nk s V giv E TH ing E W D eb A TE ina ! r

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RELATIONSHIP CENTRICITY Beyond Customer Experience: Through Digital; Shannon Quilty shares insight on Retail Centre Management

MANAGED REPUTATION

WHO / WHERE ARE YOU? The first step when it comes to your online reputation.

Thought Leadership 101 As Ladies Who Latte Ceri-Jane shares her top tips A lot build lifelong relationships:

Boosting your audiences: Target Asia!

300 major brands continue their Earned Media communication efforts by adopting 'Breaking News' digital newsroom beyond borders

Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor Paula Elliott swears by the cuppa!

Company Culture Before Cash

Your employees are your most valuable innovation asset says Christine MacKay

TLC Think Tank!

Black History Month Special Edition of Wired Women

Our Editor-in-Chief Tells All! Fashionably Late! Says who? Jennifer graduates first class from her PR degree and reveals the inside scoop to her student life and her whys!

The magazine illuminating a Spotlight on the Thought Leader in you!

Special Wired Women Edition to honour Black Women Challenging the Status Quo in the Global North

Katrina Ffrench.

Ruth Dhliwayo.

Krishma Vaghela.

Tadiwa Karumazondo.

EXPERT RESEARCH FROM LOCALLY CONNECTED GLOBAL EXPERTS

How to Fine-Tune Your Thought Leadership Skills

Authentic conversations ignited by industry experts and plenty more

new membership site ARKandBROOK.Com is here!

TABLE OF

contents 7 Editor's letter 9 Ceri-Jane's Reputation Management 101 15 Paula Elliott 's 'Ladies Who Latte' (a lot!)

17 Relationship Centricity' by Shannon Q 19 Company Culture Before Cash Christine M 23 Wired Women Special Editions unveiled 29 The Gift of Giving...Webinar Line-Up! 31 Boosting your audiences: Target Asia! Op-Ed 33 'Fashionably Late' upcoming book!

35 Editor's Pick: The Chef's Manifesto 39 The ProtĂŠgĂŠ: Casting Call Now Open

Disclaimer: Personal , Op-ED or Business articles published are personal views of the author and published with their permission. We do not however, endorse, verify any references quoted by author, although, we do the very best to our abilities, to clarify and verify as much of this information from the author - through 1-2-1 chats to clarify context in their own words prior to print. Therefore, Spotlight magazine cannot be held responsible for any omissions or misinformation contained therein.

REGULARS + FEATURES Introduction Exclusive Features Discover Cover Story The Scoop The Spotlight View Explore TLC Profiles PR Trends The Protege Thrive Careers Advertisements Contact Page

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A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Jennifer Nash introduces the content in this Spotlight issue. Starting with acknowledgements of our fabulous team to whet your appetite. As a Bibliophile and copywriter, using a drop of ink to make a million think, has been Jen's motto since she learned how to read and write professionally.

PAGE 7-12

EXPLORE: EXCLUSIVE FEATURES Our beginners guide to Thought Leadership provides ethical survival toolkit of techniques that SME business owners can adopt to sustain and scale up in any type of business environment. By Ceri- Jane Hackling, Founder and Director of Cerub Public Relations agency

PAGE 13-20

DISCOVER Our Discover section is a movement to take our readers to experts in relatively distant geographical locations that they wouldn't normally dream of. We find local Thought Leaders in spaces and places that help business to thrive.

PAGE 34 The Chef's Manifesto

In honour of World Food Day 2020 and F.AO. 75 year anniversary,we pay tribute to all chefs who have been providing meals for front line workers.

"A corresponding Action Plan has been developed off of the Manifesto that will act as a practical guide on how chefs can contribute to the SDGs in each of these 8 areas" Page 35

THRIVE This is where you'll find your takeaway self-care or work-life balance productivity and doodle hacks for small business owners to live a healthy and sane life!

The magazine illuminating a Spotlight on the Thought Leader in you!

Acknowledgement: In the Spotlight Welcome to our Spotlight magazine (issue 7 Volume 5.

EXPLORE DISCOVER

THRIVE

We have previously magazine as Direct version which went email subscription. was the first one to accessed platform.

published the To Subscriber (DTS) to subscribers via our The June 2020 issue be hosted on a publicly

Welcome back into the Spotlight. Our gratitude as always goes out to all our clients and small but mighty army of contributing editors for their continued support by supplying us with valuable content. A special and BIG thank you and welcome to our additional Spotlight team who have joined us in the last few months.

Together we are happy to be navigating these uncharted waters, challenging the PR industry status quo with a Thought Leadership magazine owned by a startup for the Startup audience which includes but is not limited to SMEs, Artisans, Freelancers and every type of small business that perhaps doesn't fit into the categories we have named above.

It is with great pride and joy that we bring you this global phenomenon with exclusive content for you to Explore what it means to be a Thought Leader in this complex and cluttered digital space where everyone is a prosumer.

We hope you can Discover tools and insights that will help you to sustain and scale up your business, but much more so, amplify your voice as an expert in your industry.

Shout out to our fabulous contributing editors: Ceri-Jane Hackling, Paula Elliott Christine MacKay and Shannon Quilty for your contribution to this issue. As Nelson Mandela once said; "It is always impossible until it's done".

More than anything else, we want to grow with you all our readers as we share and interrogate what it means to be a Thought Leader. Our expert articles and advice will do just that. So take the front row seat enjoy the view and Thrive.

Together we illuminate a spotlight on what matters to us and thrive

Our articles may contain affiliate or brand partner links.

Read our full disclosure

 SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL 5

A NOTE FROM

THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hello, Ciao,

你好, здороваться, Bwanji, Jambo everyone!

Black History Month (BHM) “is an American import, a concept brought to Britain in the 1980s. In the US, it is celebrated in February and began life as Negro History Week in the 1920s. Transplanted from there to here it has slowly grown to become a modern tradition, an established part of the calendar for many people of all races.” says David Olusoga, (The Guardian), whose quotes are also highlighted in orange below.

WHY IT MATTERS

What BHM is NOT, is a time to act out your Saviourism or antagonist tendencies toward anyone. It’s certainly not a fashion statement that you proudly display as a hashtag on your social media account or even inferring to it by announcing that you support a poor black underprivileged child in Africa or anywhere else for that matter .

Neither is it an excuse to be rude to and or pointing fingers at people who may or may not have a clue of what they did wrong. It is a time though, for mutual human respect.

And every year, as regular as clockwork, as inevitably as death and taxes, Black History Month is greeted with the same fatuous and disingenuous claim that it is somehow unfair, as there is no white history month, a ploy every bit as cynical as the phrase “All lives matter.

It's a time for both sides to use their inherent ‘human’ Public Relationship skills. To start engaging in persuasive and candid yet mutually respectful dialog to understand what this month is all about In proper context and avoiding the pitfalls of subliminal nuances of either having a superiority or entitlement complex (depending on which side of the coin you’re on - white or black race wise). It’s having the emotional intelligence to not post offending poverty porn or antagonist text on social media.

The issue is that any proper debate about black history inevitably entails discussions of parts of the British past – slavery, imperialism, the development of racial thinking – that have long been brushed under the historical carpet.

This means that once a year black Britons become the delivery system for parts of British history that many people are deeply uncomfortable discussing On the other hand, it’s time for us black people to take the chip off our own shoulders to lovingly educate our allies about what it means to be black and finally recognised, seen and heard without sounding aggressive or entitled to anything.

I’m personally always sandwiched between two sides of these arguments as a POC married to a Caucasian, I usually find myself defending both sides of the argument. This is no mean feat, but I’ve learned over time, to listen and assimilate what one is saying- (seeing beyond skin deep differences) to understand the human meaning behind what is being said. It’s not always easy to stay neutral as with most subjects, racial discourse is most certainly the most divisive and subjective.

So, to put my Editor-In-Chief hat on as head of a global magazine, I extend my olive branch to anyone who might have found me wanting in any shape or form on either side. I believe social justice is the only term that best explains how one should approach the subject of race and indeed BHM as a topic for the remainder of October in the UK and during the February BHM in the USA. Ultimately, it is my hope and privilege to be at the centre of this discussion and to present what I hope is a diverse and inclusive magazine that transcends racial and physical borders. Hats off to all the amazing Wired Women guests who have shared their wisdom in this issue and happy binge watching of the upcoming Oct - Nov series that we’ve dedicated to people of colour that are breaking barriers and challenging the status quo in the global north.

The usual awesome Thought Leadership 101 tips on establishing and and keeping online reputation intact by yours truly Ceri-Jane comes in especially handy during these heightened digital business times.

As always, I truly hope you continue to enjoy our ever evolving business and pleasure content to help you navigate life with ease to get you ready to re-emerge stronger with a positive mental attitude of gratitude that you're still well and safe. Whatever you do, we hope you continue to look to a brighter future and thrive.

Jennifer Nash

EDITORS LETTER| SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL 5

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GREAT CONTENT & USEFUL TIPS SHARED BY OUR AWESOME TEAM IS

THE WAY WE GET BY THANKS

Ceri-Jane Hackling

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The Wired Women Guests Paula Elliott Christine MacKay Shannon Quilty

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CONTRIBUTING

EDITORS

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 101 REPUTATION MANAGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL AGE

WRITTEN BY

EDITED BY

Ceri-Jane Hackling

Jennifer Nash

SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL 5| PG 9

CERUB PR

Digital Reputation overview

ARE YOU THERE? Reputation Management in the Digital Age Maintaining a good reputation has

If you have a particularly visual brand, then

always been essential for businesses but

Instagram or Pinterest might be the best

with a plethora of channels available for

platforms for you to show off your product

customers to leave reviews and

or services. If you’re a consumer brand then

comments, any negative feedback can

Twitter and Facebook might be better and if

reach a wide audience very quickly and

you’re a corporate, LinkedIn could be more

can have a significant impact on how you

appropriate.

are perceived and on your business as a

It’s up to you to decide where you need to

whole.

be, but a good place to start is to think

An Ipsos MORI survey released in

about what you want to achieve from your

2018 which focused on the travel sector

social media. Which platforms are your

which relies heavily on positive reviews,

audiences using? There’s no point investing

revealed that 98 percent of respondents

your resources into a Facebook campaign if

believed that online reviews were

your target demographic spend most of

essential to their success.

their time on Instagram.

These days, it’s really easy to find online

In today’s digital world, an unhappy

data about social media consumption among

customer is no longer just complaining

different audiences. It’s also worth having a

about their experience with friends and

look at what your competitors are doing and

family, they’re now sharing with

think about what your message needs to be.

hundreds and thousands of your

How would you do it differently?

potential customers. With that in mind it’s essential that you know your brand, you know your messaging, you know

Use it!

If you are going to establish a

what people are saying about you and

social media presence, then make sure you

that you respond appropriately.

populate it. There’s no point having

Are you there?

accounts and not using them and if your customers are connecting with you and

The first step when it comes to your

you’re not engaging with them it’s a wasted

online reputation is establishing your

opportunity.

online presence. Most brands use numerous social media platforms but before embarking on a social media campaign, decide which ones are right for you. Just because other companies have an Instagram account doesn’t mean you should get one for your business too.

CERUB PR

Travel & Hospitality

NUMBERS & STATISTICS

2018

An Ipsos MORI

98%

An Ipsos MORI survey released in 2018 which focused on the travel sector which relies heavily on positive reviews, revealed that 98 percent of respondents

online review survey

believed that online reviews were essential to their success.

Maintain your brand

Just as when you considered your brand for

However you do it, be consistent with your

your company – what you stand for, what

tone so you can ensure that your audience

impression you wanted to give etc. –

understands who you are and is comfortable

consider your branding for your social

with you. Communicating in this way can

media accounts. Do you want to be seen as

also help you build a long-term relationship

friendly and fun or professional and formal?

with your customers, encouraging them to

Some brands (who shall remain nameless!)

stay in touch with you and follow you

pride themselves on their puns and as a

because they’re entertained by you rather

result engage with their customers on a very

than because they want to complain about

informal basis but if you’re a solicitors,

you.

that’s probably not the route you want to go down.

Continued on next page

Cerub PR is a boutique agency which works across a variety of sectors including health, lifestyle, education and business. The company also works with entrepreneurs and authors to help them raise their profile nationally both through PR and social media support. Cerub PR’s clients regularly appear on national television and radio as well as in national newspapers and magazines.

CERUB PR

overview

HANDLING COMPLAINTS Which brings us neatly to the important issue of complaints!

The British reluctance to complain is now

If you do pick up something negative about

a thing of the past. Now that people can

your business, take the time to respond. Let

complain from behind a computer screen,

them know you’re sorry to hear that they

they have no hesitation in telling you

had a bad experience and you’re keen to talk

exactly what they think of you and what

to them to get to the bottom of what

they think has the potential to reach a

happened.

huge amount of people.

Once you’ve opened up a discussion with them, make sure you’re open and

While this doesn’t necessarily sound like a

transparent about the steps you’re taking to

good thing, it actually presents you with

solve the problem.

an opportunity to build a relationship

And remember, all complaints are equal

with a disgruntled customer…if you do it

regardless of how excessive they are or

properly!

what account they’re coming from.

The key thing to remember is that how you respond to the complaint is more

For example, you may think that a single

important than the complaint itself. By

Tweet from an account with only ten

acknowledging someone’s problem you

followers that looks like it was specifically

can take action to fix it and by taking time set up to complain about different to find out what happened, you can help

businesses doesn’t have the potential to

ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

cause any damage but is it worth risking it?

When a customer has taken the time to

Anyone searching your brand name online

leave a review, post a complaint about

could find that comment and if they don’t

your organisation or write something

see a response from you, they may assume

negative on Twitter, they’re not always

that the comment was justified in the first

just venting. They want their complaint to

place.

be recognised and for you to take them seriously so it’s vital to monitor what’s be

Managing your reputation in a digital

said about you on all platforms on a daily

landscape may seem daunting but it all

basis.

comes down to staying true to your values and dedicating the time to do it.

Ceri–Jane Hackling is Managing Director of award-winning PR agency, Cerub PR. Ceri-Jane has worked in PR for over 20 years working with global brands and started Cerub PR in 2003.

This post may contain affiliate or brand partner links. Read our full disclosure

SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL 5| PG15

Contributing Editor Guest Bio Paula Elliott, Personal/ Business Coach Leader, at Berelia Pitman Training, Located in the United Kingdom, is a badass fearless female multiple entrepreneur who doesn’t take no for an answer; as in she says ‘No is not forever’ when a prospect says no the first time, it does not mean they are shutting the door.

An experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the e-learning industry. Skilled in Coaching, Public Speaking, Training Delivery, Management, and Performance Management. Strong business development professional with a NVQ Level 4 Management focused in Business Administration and Management, General from Pitman Training. Qualified Microsoft Master Instructor & holds the Advanced Certificate in Education from Canterbury Christ Church. Innovative leader of Dover and Sandwich Ladies Who Latte networking group and Bra Recycler for Against Breast Cancer.

She says “I operate a Pitman Training centre under franchise agreement from Pitman Training Group. On a daily basis I sell courses and diplomas to current, new and returning students. I support colleagues with their own personal development and create a lovely training and working environment for everyone.”

CONNECT WITH PAULA Paula was a guest on WiredWomen S1:E15, she has appeared on many platforms and interviews as a consultant

Watch #Spotlight #WiredWomen S1:E16

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IT'S NOT JUST A CUPPA! ITS LADIES WHO LATTE™

Paula Elliott

The thing about being self employed is that you have to put your heart and soul into the business because there are times when you really have to dig deep and remember why you jumped ship in the first place. I remember standing in my kitchen with baby Amelia in my arms and selling £6000 of training to a local ferry operator and feeling like I could do anything I put my mind to. I so loved the experience at Pitman Training, and I was fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to work there as a result of my Microsoft Word Expert training. I really picked up that ball and ran with it.

SPOTLIGHT

2 years later, when the business was for sale, I bought it. We literally paid more than we paid for our home for what has become the foundation for my ever evolving business. Franchises are great, so much is already done for you. The brand, the product, the platform for delivery. In fact, I love franchises so much that I am now involved in three.

THE

TLC PROFILE

After 12 years of being a sole trader, I decided to form a limited company. It created a corporate feel for our large clients and satisfied due diligence for funding organisations. It allowed me to begin the process of disentangling myself from the organisation and enabling it to operate without me in it at all times.

With the support of a superb business manager, I have been able to enjoy time with my daughters, attend school events and be there for them. In fact, I even named the Berelia business with a mash up of Amber and Amelia.

Working for myself has given me freedom to perform on my own terms. Not that its been easy, it really hasn’t, believe me I have had my moments, but on the whole I have been able to do what fulfils me.

I support people in their careers, point them in the direction of vacancies, assist with their employment applications and provide references where required.

Qualifying as a Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor in 2006 was a real highlight. A combination of the Advanced Certificate in Education and Microsoft Office Specialist and Expert exams has proven my competence and commitment to engaging people in learning and proving that qualifications really do count.

Three years ago I really found my niche. Bringing together like-minded business owners and managers at “Ladies who latte” for informal networking each month, has formed lifelong relationships.

The peer to peer support that we have created across a varied range of sectors is the ultimate reward of being in business. Even during the challenges of 2020, we have switched to Zoom networking and stayed in touch. We have also taken it one step further and collaborated with groups across the South East. Our motto is “There’s no point being fabulous on your own”. Spread your wings ladies!

My latest challenge to myself is embarking on the rewarding role as a Coach. Training with The Coaching Academy, I am undertaking the Personal Performance and Small Business Diplomas. All business owners need an exit strategy. Coaching and networking will be my reason to keep going in business for the foreseeable future. My daughters have their own lives to lead and I really don’t expect them to step into my seat as I move towards a long and happy retirement with my husband, Glenn.

However, if I can provide them with employment related skills, relevant experience, a strong work ethic and a positive mindset, I am sure they will hit the ground running when they embark on their own adventures into the wonderful world of business.

Watch #Spotlight #WiredWomen S1:E15

Paula was a guest on WiredWomen S1:E15, she has appeared on many platforms and interviews as a consultant

PAGE 12| SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 6 VOL 4

Contributing Editor Guest Profile Shannon Quilty, Partner at Senteo, located in Los Angeles, California is a highly experienced international real estate professional specializing in shopping centres in both growth and mature markets – excels at building, mentoring, empowering and leading strong teams while fostering positive client, tenant and community relationships that bring results even in the most challenging environments.

Known for her focus on educating and helping others grow their knowledge, career and professionalism, mentors and guides.

Shannon sits down with Jennifer Nash to explore her career journey and share with viewers her attributes that help her sustain her career with a smile 'empathy to a fault'

CONNECT WITH SHANNON

Website senteo.net (Company Website) Phone +1 562 310 4494 (Mobile) Email shannon.quilty@yahoo.com

Fab Fact: Her photography has been exhibited in galleries, offices and homes internationally

Watch #Spotlight #WiredWomen S1:E16

 SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL 5| PG 17

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Shannon Quilty

TLC PROFILE

Beyond Customer Experience: RelationshipCentricity through Digital

WEIV

Having built my shopping centre career in developed and developing markets, I have experienced disruptions of all kinds in our industry. Though this is one of the more challenging times, I believe it’s an opportunity to return to the role of Shopping Centre as relationship builder as well as solution provider. For context, when I began my career, the Shopping Centre Manager would rarely be in the office.

We were on property, talking to tenants, understanding their business & challenges. If not there, we were at community events, working with local government or associations establishing our property as an anchor for the community with ourselves as ambassador.

SPOTLIGHT

Building and maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders was priority. Over time, the role of Shopping Centre Manager evolved to managing by numbers.

Budgeting, forecasting, reporting kept us at our desks; no longer were we an active & visible part of the community.

We expanded our skill-sets to fill a more financially sophisticated role. It was uncomfortable but necessary and, once done, a new tool for understanding the health and well-being of tenants, customers and Shopping Centre.

We face another deep disruption as digital is changing not just the way Managers do their jobs but also how we see the whole property. Now, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this change has accelerated. For many, understanding & learning the skills necessary is as uncomfortable as gaining the financial acumen was during the earlier disruption. It is, however, essential.

THE

A return to the ambassador role focused on relationship building, “Relationship-Centricity”, is the approach going forward. We must strive to be a positive force in the lives of internal & external stakeholders-to help solve their problems, achieve their goals & improve their quality of life (and business).

This sounds like a big task, however, embracing the digital environment that caused the disruption can be the solution. Doing so will also allow the time to properly lead our property teams and provide the financial analytics that are integral to understanding the health of our Centres.

Understanding the role social media plays in the Shopping Centre & retailer’s business is essential. At the most basic, platforms must be monitored with feedback quickly and properly addressed. The real benefits come, however, when you go further and proactively engage the customer in real time, i.e., proposing relevant offers and tips as the customer moves through the Centre. Collect all the data available through Wi-fi opt-in, facial recognition, wi-fi beacons, heat mapping, etc. This data (along with the social media) provides understanding of your customer beyond the typical segmentation. The rich data these platforms provide allow us to learn off-line and on-line behavior thus providing the opportunity to influence and guide. Consider opportunities to expand the Centre offer beyond the real estate into the virtual world.

Establishing external partnerships with complementary digital-native merchants gives opportunity to offer whole solutions while increasing income through revenue share.

The typical branded app has the potential to do far more than list shops, events & sales. For example, it can provide budgeting / planning tools to help customers prepare for life events, include a calendar with milestones & calls to action.

The Centre can use that data to orchestrate mutual interest group events like Mom-to-Be, etc. Orchestrated life event planning that assists in realizing goals & dreams will build loyal relationships far more long term & genuine than through cash, points or prizes.

Watch #Spotlight #WiredWomen S1:E14

Shannon was a guest on WiredWomen S1:E14, she has appeared on may platforms and interviews as a content srategist

PAGE 10| SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 6 VOL 5

TLC THINK TANK!

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU! To be our guest! Open to all passionate and emerging Thought Leaders and experts Series starts October 31st 2020

SEND YOUR RESUME AND PORTFOLIO TO TLCSUPPORT@ARKANDBROOK.COM

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www.arkandbrook.com DESIGNING THE FUTURE WITH ABN CIRCLE

Our re-imagined Thought Leadership Community website is being developed by our brand new affiliate partners ABN Circle who in their own words have this to say;

We develop and redesign business websites. We build secure mobile responsive sites with SEO in mind. Accept payments, sell products & services, and much more with our custom websites.

THE OVERALL LOOK You can ditch your Shopify store!

"E-Commerce solutions.You can ditch your Shopify store! Powerful versatile online stores. Integrate with Google, Facebook, Amazon, eBay to make your storefront more visible. Integrate with USPS, UPS, and FEDEX to automate your shipping. Manage sales, inventory, and store marketing all from our easy to use intuitive dashboard."

This is what we at Ark & Brook are bringing to the table. A membership site like no other. That's what we are known for, as our brand soul essence is to challenge the status quo.

For the first time ever, we are building a membership site where trade is allowed! Yup! You heard that right, all our members are allowed to sell their products and services on the site, thanks to AI and our super cool secret PR power tools, you can relax while your membership investment earns a ROI for you!

Contributing Editor Guest Bio Christine MacKay founded Salamandra.uk in 2014 which specialises in animation for business, advertising, brand marketing, thought leadership, digital PR strategy and visual problem solving.

Christine also has expert knowledge, working client and agency side on three continents, in creating collaborative frictionless teams, building a strong company culture and as a serial networker, business development and cross pollinating businesses. Her team works as visual problem solvers across 17 different industries, from children's book illustrations to corporate explainers, training videos or immersive augmented and virtual presentations. Her skilled team of creatives produce unique and powerful multifaceted visual assets and creates content that resonates with their clients’ target audiences memorably. With studios in Eton and Dundee, at Salamandra.uk we convey complex messages for our clients.

Fab Fact: Has lived and worked in Africa!

 SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL 5| PG 19

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COMPANY CULTURE BEFORE CASH

Your employees are your most valuable innovation asset for growing your business and religiously reflecting this is a sure-fire way to build your business from the base up.

A productive growing business ecosystem is a fragile and delicately balanced relationship between each team member and the company they work for which is why many businesses spend massive amounts of money hiring top notch candidates. I’ve found it’s less common, however, for employers to nurture their relationship with their employees in order to get the best out of them. This is so wrong!

How is this put into practice?

Every member of the lizard lounge is collaborative and supportive, and we naturally work together cohesively as a team. We seek advice from one another and share innovative ideas frequently.

Our studios have an open and honest ethos where communication is key, both internally and with our clients, to ensure we are working as productively as possible. We pride ourselves on always being professional, upfront and transparent in everything we do, and we don’t take life too seriously.

To cement our collaborative work style, we have daily morning Stand Up meetings and Rushes at the end of the day. As we work out of two studios, we all catch up over Zoom, setting out our aims for the day and checking that the team is not overwhelmed and that we are all on the same page with creative work.

So, how is it done? It all starts with company culture.

For bigger successes, I do like to make more of a fuss. We keep track of film festivals throughout the year so that we can nominate a team member’s work and celebrate recognition on a grander scale. We’ve now been recognised at 14 business awards and film festivals this year.

SPOTLIGHT

If you don’t value your employees, you will never create an effective, innovative and productive work environment despite having employees who are full of potential. In order to get the most out of your team and/or company, they absolutely need to continuously feel supported and valued.

Your employees should feel like a crucial part of the team from the second they step through the door… because they are! For a business to be successful and produce real innovation, the employees must enjoy their work, contribute and collaborate.

Communicating a business’ core values that reflect this, should be a focal point in your strategy. At salamandra.uk, the whole team worked together to define the core values that we live by. Check them out!

THE

TLC PROFILE

We contribute to our communities in both Eton and Dundee as a team.

We continue to support the charities wherever possible through marketing initiatives and fundraisers.

Continued on next page Christine was a guest on WiredWomen S1:E16, she has appeared on many platforms and interviews as a consultant

PAGE 12| SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL5

Second to company culture is well-being.

A good work life balance is imperative as this goes hand in hand with wellbeing. Over the Summer, I started what became our very popular ‘Wellness Wednesdays’. This is where we all get out of the office for the afternoon and take part in a team activity which is unrelated to work. This can be (almost) anything the team would like to try their hand at - from kayaking to ballet!

Something we are working towards this year is transitioning our Wellness Wednesdays into a 4-day week. By working together as a team to streamline our workload, distribute tasks more effectively and find ways to work as productively as possible, we are freeing up an extra day each week. The aim of this is to give the team a better work life balance, lowering stress and improving motivation.

So, what are the benefits?

It is up to you to find the best innovative ways to gel your team together. The benefits of building your business from your employees up include: Higher staff retention rates Efficient communication between team members Less risk of ‘burnout’ Employees engage more with company life Increased productivity Higher work quality We use innovation every day for client work and within our corporate culture. The bottom line is that you would not have a company if it wasn’t for your employees. Nurture them. Value them.

Celebrate them. Success will follow.

CONNECT WITH CHRSTINE

Watch #Spotlight #WiredWomen S1:E16 Christine was a guest on WiredWomen S1:E16, she has appeared on many platforms and interviews as a consultant

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SPECIAL EDITION EPISODES! It's the final count down...

Series one of wired women has reached its apex with the October Black History Month box set special edition paying tribute to badass fearless (black) female entrepreneurs living in the UK. The box set running through 21st October to 11 November, showcases interviews with StopWatch CEO Katrina Ffrench who unapologetically discusses her frustration on lack of Fair and accountable policing in the Metropolitan Police. While Ruth and Tadiwa share their thoughts on their motivation behind their Social Business Enterprise start-up ‘Route To Be’ which they established to fill the gap in employability skills for minority groups.

Krishma is a self made award winning Franchise Futures an independent franchise consultancy. See their full bios on page 26.

The pen-ultimate episode, to add a swirl of vanilla to the BHM episodes, we have Emma Ewing who discusses the broad challenges and opportunities that the the Covid-19 pandemic brings to the PR industry and businesses as a whole. The conversation with Emma brings a well rounded conclusion to the PR led Wired Women series whose main objective was to amplify minority voices and magnify the visibility of emerging Thought Leaders as experts in their fields. offering up the true purpose of PR! The series concludes with Jennifer looking back on the conversation she's had with sound bites from the global women who for the most part have been challenging the status quo for a combination of 100 years. Below, is the line up to the last five Wired Women shows for 2020.

Watch the Wired Women on Spotlight NetTv Channel on YouTube

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THE ART OF PERSUASION

NUGGETS SPECIAL EDITION OF WIRED WOMEN

Ruth Dhliwayo

Krishma Vaghela

Katrina Ffrench

Tadiwa Karumazondo

Their Untold Stories

Our October - November Special #WiredWomen edition box set pays tribute to honour Black Women who are 'Challenging the Status Quo' in the Global North. These women are first or second generation immigrants whose parents moved from their native countries while they were young. Living in and fitting into their new lives in the diaspora has not always been plain sailing. Despite facing systemic racial injustice, they have also overcome these obstacles and barriers to become badass fearless female entrepreneurs of a kind. Among, others working in C-suite positions in male dominated roles, where they were outnumbered by both gender and ethnicity.

Climbing this ladder is no mean feat. In the interviews, they share the uncomfortable truths, fighting their own 'social heredity' demons and the classic stereo typical assumptions that come with the territory of their inherent identity. Equally, they raise awareness of their own biases and rising above the impostor syndrome.

n o l t i a i ed n c e e m o p W S ed ir W

THE SCOOP

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” MLK

Ruth Dhliwayo: A change agent empowering and helping others to unlock their true potential. I am the founder of Route to Be, an organisation that aims to inspire, empower and enable people from underrepresented communities to advance their success in their professional and personal development!

Krishma Vaghela: Founder of Franchise Futures and Business Futures - Franchise and Business Development Consultant and Mentor - also known for franchisee recruitment, franchisee support and new concept development.

Katrina Ffrench: A chief executive with a wealth of experience in community development and a demonstrated history of working in government administration and supporting the voluntary sector. Skilled in Grant Administration, Public Policy, Facilitation, and Stakeholder Engagement; Katrina is a confident communicator that possesses a strong commitment to community empowerment and social justice.

Tadiwa Karumazondo: Founder of Career Connexion 24 - A social enterprise that aims to inspire, enable and empower young people from underrepresented communities to advance their success in the professional and personal development.

TAKE THE FRONT ROW SEAT EXPLORE. DISCOVER. BECOME.

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SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL 5| PG 29

unpacked Research Op-Ed

Boosting your audiences: Target Asia! Deploy a newsroom!

Globalization, (at least in form of cross border trade) is becoming part of the 'new normal phenomena. Global audiences are even more so accessible to everyday Joes, mom and pop businesses as much as they are to big brands. Our recent research unpacks the trend in reaching new audiences across the language barrier thresholds as the 'new normal'. Especially in the advent of Covid-19, more and more businesses are getting confined into territorial physical spaces, while they are extending their virtual reach into markets that they normally would not export to or be allowed to trade in. This is the unintended gift that this modern pandemic has presented small businesses with.

Deploy a Newsroom! Says epresspack.com as a way to 'boost your audiences, you must target Asia!'

In their research they unpack mind-blowing stats that back up the idea of deploying your communications in several languages and make use of Asian social networking apps.

This is especially useful if you have products or services that transcend national boundaries like professional services, i.e. Translation, Public Relations, Immigration services etc. Their Google Analytics also provide indisputable data that might as well win you over just in case you're a 'doubting Thomas'.

Despite the context, brands and companies have continued their Earned Media communication efforts. Over the first 9 months of 2020, towards their European and international audiences.

On its panel of 300 major brands and companies, Epresspack, publisher of digital newsrooms, notes a sharp increase in the audience of their "Breaking News" towards the media and influencers compared to the first 9 months of 2019:+ 49% of visitors to nearly 3 million VU *+ 41% of sessions to 3.35 million views *+ 21% international audience (excluding France) which represents 37% of the total audience *+ 52% of consultations for European content *

While audiences for content in the Asian area (which account for 5% of global sessions compared to 10% last year *) have slowed down, Japan (17% *), China (15% *) and India (14% *) remain the most active content in the region, followed by Australia (13% *), Singapore (8% *), Hong Kong (6% *) and South Korea ( 5% *).

Disclaimer: In this article, Ark & Brook takes on the role of a reporter giving an editorial opinion. Our team have not verified this information and did not receive any permission to duplicate or compensation for this article. Readers are encouraged to carry out their own independent research and due-diligence before embarking on any ideas presented herein. Therefore, A&B cannot be held liable for any loss or misleading information as a result of this article

R E D W! R JENNIFER NASH TELLS ALL O O E KN R P OO B FASHIONABLY LATE

Says who? I graduated first class from my PR degree and here is the inside scoop of my student life...my What. When. Why. How! My tell-all book comes out Spring 2021. In the book, I candidly reveal my wins and challenges of being a fashionably late undergrad student in the United Kingdom and USA allwhile being married and a mum! Each chapter ends with a reflection of life lessons learned.

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Dedication

Special dedication to my late dad, Henry Morrison Limula who passed away when I was 22 years old - way before I had the opportunity to appreciate higher education that he so passionately pursued.

Furthermore, this book is dedicated to all the people that have selflessly opted to dedicate their careers and lives to founding and or working in non-profit organisations as opposed to choosing capitalist gains. I also dedicate it to all Pan-Africans who have left their native countries and sometimes young children and families to pursue further education in the diaspora in search of economic emancipation.

Immense gratitude goes to the Student Finance of England as a non-profit organisation without whose financial help I would not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education in England. It’s such ‘social good’ organisations as these that inspired me to undertake my studies so that I can be more enlightened in my own pursuit to becoming a Philantropreneur through The Henry Morrison Limula Foundation; an NGO which I founded to advocate for access to literacy for all.

A special dedication to all my guests on the Wired Women show. Thank you for trusting me with a dip dive into unchartered waters to amplify your voices whilst defying the Public Relations’ industry norm and status quo, sharing your own badass fearless female entrepreneurship authentic stories in an unorthodox platform and manner.

Finally, this book is dedicated to all the ‘victims of poverty’ whom by no choice of their own, find themselves underprivileged and sometimes overlooked and even exploited by unscrupulous individuals that hide inside the shell of non-profit organisations literally.

Acknowledgments I thank God for his providence in all things. I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank my husband Tim Nash who selflessly sacrificed our need for additional income by allowing me’ to take the plunge in pursuit of my career ‘happiness’. My gratitude goes to my daughter Sherrifa Whitney Nash for putting up with the social media posting embargo I imposed in order to protect my personal relationships and background from prying Uni students. I wish to thank my friends for cheering me on and not judging me when I announced I was going back to school as a mature student aged 48!

My student journey would have not been as rich, fun and fulfilling had I not met Mina Vucic who kept me smiling and reminding me why it was worth pursuing my degree. Her passion, zeal and tenacity reminded me of the younger version of myself at 18! When I was as innocently naïve, positively sweet and curiously passionate as she. It was like looking back at my own reflection.

This journey was made more complete by my study-buddies Karolina Ivanovska and Maria Petrova both who challenged me to keep my top performance momentum even when I saw no point in trying, especially during group assignments. So grateful for Nandi Cher my #BlackLivesMatter angel and confidant of endless wisdom and personal encyclopaedia and point of reference when I didn’t have clarity or was too lazy to check my course handbook. As a co-class rep and USA study-abroad buddy, we achieved more and inspired each other to the bitter end of our COVID-19 drama interrupted university life. In all, thanks to my entire class of 2020, attending module leaders and visiting lectures – each, and every one that challenged me to be a better version of myself.

My acknowledgement would be remiss without acknowledging Dineo Mabena for being a great Pan-African role model; the UoW faculty who respectfully and graciously stood by me and supported me. Carl Jones for carrying me through the Public Relations and Advertising degree from day one; without flinching - besides the many obstacles and staff changes he faced during his tenure.

Thanks to all the lecturers and supervisors I had in between especially John Brissenden, albeit short and sweet. But especially Monica Marie who provided me with an attentive ear and support while I studied in Boston in 2019. Finally, big thank you to Tarik Sabry for believing in me and giving me positive reinforcement to complete this dissertation without which I could have quit. Of course, there were many more people who supported me and mentored me above and beyond their call of duty, like our brilliant Library liaison Sara Hafeez. All-in-all big thank you to the entire University of Westminster for giving me an opportunity to attend such a beautiful and well-planned campus and learning environment. pre-order book here SPOTLIGHT PG 33

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This years #WorldFoodDay marks the 75th Anniversary of the founding of FAO, with a view to looking towards the future we need to build together and the theme “Grow, nourish, sustain. Together. Our actions are our future.”

SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL 5| PG 35

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For October we spotted #WorldFoodDay2020 themed “Grow, nourish, sustain. Together.

Our actions are our futureas it marked the 75th Anniversary of the founding of FAO.

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World Food Day 2020 This year's #WorldFoodDay marked the 75th Anniversary of the founding of FAO, with a view to looking towards the future we need to build together and the theme “Grow, nourish, sustain.

Together. Our actions are our future. ”As countries deal with the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, World Food Day 2020 will highlight how food and agriculture are an essential part of the COVID-19 response. World Food Day 2020 will call for global cooperation and solidarity to help the most vulnerable to recover from the crisis.

It will call on countries to build back better by making food systems more resilient and robust so they can withstand increasing volatility and climate shocks, deliver healthy and sustainable diets for all, and decent livelihoods for food system workers.

World Food Day 2020 celebrated the people who produce, plant, harvest, fish or transport our food and call on the public to thank these #FoodHeroes who, no matter the circumstances, continue to provide food to their communities and beyond - helping to grow, nourish and sustain our world.

WATCH WFD VIDEO

In every issue of Spotlight magazine, we illuminate a Spotlight on a small and relatively new not-for-profit organisation/ social business enterprises , or human interest story or project happening globally! If you spot one, please email the story to our editor at jennifer@arkandbrook.com PAGE 36| SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL5

COOKING THE MANIFESTO Over the last two years, a global community of chefs has been formed with the aim of working together to deliver a better food system for all. Thus far, chefs have come together to create a Chefs’ Manifesto, a thematic framework that identifies food issues that matter most to chefs that is summarized in 8 thematic areas.

A corresponding Action Plan has been developed off of the Manifesto that will act as a practical guide on how chefs can contribute to the SDGs in each of these 8 areas.

The Action Page takes this project one step further by compiling and showcasing recipes created by the participating chefs that are in line with one or more of the Manifesto’s 8 thematic areas into a single database. These recipes will promote ingredients grown with respect for earth and its oceans; the protection of biodiversity and improved animal welfare; the investment in livelihoods; the valuing of natural resources and reduction of waste; the celebration of local and seasonal food; a focus on plant-based ingredients; the education on food safety and healthy diets; nutritious food that is accessible and affordable for all.

Please consider joining us by contributing your recipes and ideas to paul@chefsmanifesto.com and we will look to add them to this growing group.

The Chefs’ Manifesto is a network facilitated by the SDG2 Advocacy Hub. Find out more about the SDG2 Advocacy Hub here.

brunch [ br(eakfast) + (l)unch ] wwwsdg2advocacyhub.org

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By passion, I am a change agent empowering and helping others to unlock their true potential.

-Ruth Dhliwayo

 SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL 5| PG 39

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contributing editor's gallery

Paula Elliott Trainer Berelia Pitman

Cer-Jane Hackling Managing Director Cerub PR

Christine MacKay Founder of Animation Studios in Eton & Dundee

Tim Nash Illustrator / Copy Editor Chestnut Grove

Jennifer Nash Editor-in-Chief Spotlight Magazine

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