I’ve been an AuSAE member since…
August 2009. When I pursued the Certified Association of Executives (CAE) certification, I was referred to AuSAE.
The most valuable thing about my AuSAE membership is…
The opportunity to network with association executives and pursue professional development opportunities in Australia. Since there isn’t an Asia Pacific association of executives it was an easy decision for me to join AuSAE. Now that I am based in Dubai I still plan to continue my AuSAE membership primarily because of the opportunity to interact with fellow association professionals.
Before I was a director of an association management company I was…
Working with Singapore’s largest charity. I worked there for several years and have also worked in the financial industry. At MCI I have worked with various international associations such as the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers and the Project Management Institute.
If I wasn’t a director of an association management company I would be…
Designing clothes! I have been meaning to join a fashion designing course and I do secretly dream of being in Project Runway and designing my own collection.
The thing that gets me out of bed every morning is…
My alarm! No, to be honest it’s the fact that MCI is doing a lot of work with international associations and helping them to understand international markets. I love bringing world-class international associations and their products to members across the world, helping them to develop themselves professionally and build an international network. I have helped associations understand the intricacies of working with the diverse Asian market through consulting projects and am now doing the same with the Middle East market.
My career highlight would have to be…
I’m still experiencing it – the opportunity to lead and set up the Dubai Association Centre, which is a unique collaboration between Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Convention Bureau, Dubai
World Trade Centre and MCI to enable not-for-profit associations to set-up and operate in Dubai, which is not possible today.
I love working with the not-for-profit sector because…
The passion and commitment of volunteers amazes me. I rarely find time to go the gym or for social commitments and then I see these individuals who are so incredibly committed to their cause and commit so much time to attend committee meetings, and even to travel for meetings. This commitment to volunteerism in Australia is somewhat an alien concept in Asia and the Middle East where every action tends to have a ‘what’s in it for me’ response.
The trouble with some associations is…
They are sometimes too slow to react to changes. I find that the larger the organisation, the more bureaucracy is in play, slowing down decision-making.
As a director it’s important to…
Sustain consistent dedication to the development of people and objectives, and to stay focused on the big picture.
The relationship between a director and a board is…
Similar to the relationship between a conductor and his musicians – in order for truly magical music to happen the musicians and conductor need to understand each other and be willing to work together.
I am inspired by…
People like Steve Jobs who have led organisations from near breaking point to exceeding the expectations of both critics and advocates.
When I am not working you can find me…
At the gym. I am on a mission to get in shape before my wedding next month!
