The Kindred blog

EVENT REVIEW: Stylist : "Confidence. The Final Frontier."

The night before last Anastasia Scott and I (both Client Service Directors at Kindred) went to the second Stylist (http://www.stylist.co.uk/) networking event; Confidence: The Final Frontier.
 
As well as a fine selection of canapés (well it was hosted at Claridges (http://www.claridges.co.uk) !), there was a great line up of entrepreneurial speakers: Sara Murray – Buddi (http://www.buddi.co.uk), Lisa Stickley - Lisa Stickley, London (http://www.lisastickleylondon.com/) and Jo Newton - Newton Network (http://www.newtonnetwork.com/), Jessica Huie - JH Public Relations (http://www.jhpr.co.uk/) & Colour Blind Cards (http://www.colorblindcards.com/), Kanya King MBE, MOBO Awards (http://www.mobo.com/awards) and Lisa Merrick-Lawless, Stylist. (http://www.stylist.co.uk/)
 
One thing that really stood out was how many obstacles these incredibly successful women had overcome. Two were single teenage mums, most had overcome initial failure in their business, all had been told they’d never make it. What they had in common, was not (they claimed!) any amazing talent, or a unique idea; it was simply hard work. Words like “persistence”, “stamina”, “passion”, “dedication” and “strength” came up again and again. As Kanya King said; “if you do what it takes for as long as it takes, success is inevitable.” I found that very inspiring.
 
Another thing that came across was the power of networks – Jessica Huie had started her career at Max Clifford Associates, and so had a fantastic network and Kanya King had built networks through sheer persistence – calling Tony Blair’s office repeatedly until he eventually agreed to attend her first event. She also advised of the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive, likeminded people. And Lisa Merrick-Lawless demonstrated a technique overlaying a mind-map of everyone you know onto a mind-map of your business, to see who could help you.
 
Inspired and motivated; we set about networking. I was once advised to go to networking events seeking what you can give rather than what you can get, and by this measure, we did quite well! I met a lady who wanted to know more about media buying / selling and invited her along to a lunch with one of our media partners, we gave some PR ideas to a lady setting up a dating site for Northeners, and we hooked up a wedding cake designer with a wedding stationery designer.
 
Fingers crossed for some good karma!   

- Katie Treggiden

Kindred does Egypt but not like others do Egypt.

We've been wrestling to answer "How was Egypt?" when asked by many Kindred folks when Matt, Anastasia and I returned from our recent trip to Cairo. Why? Because it’s hard to sum up just how overwhelmingly busy, humbling and inspiring the city and its people are. Nigh on impossible actually.

Our co-funded visit was to support the work we are doing with Plan colleagues here to raise awareness of their brand in the UK. We wanted to see first-hand what a positive difference the child-centred international development charity makes to communities around the world. And boy does it...

Our itinerary was action-packed – a visit to a Central Cairo youth employability program one minute, and on to a literacy class for young mum’s in one of the most deprived areas of Cairo South the next. And more. Having that opportunity to see and hear for ourselves what really happens on the ground gave us an amazing insight into the impact of the charity. Powerful stuff.

Anastasia recalls, “Talking to some of the children we met about the issues they face was a real eye opener.” Young boys and girls, who aren’t even yet 14, are old beyond their years. Childhood norms like play and even schooling are cut short by the need for them to go out and support their families. Some work in incredibly dangerous situations for 12 hours a day to earn a wage, whilst others are married off. Yet, despite this, the children we met were chatty, cheeky and full of energy. A real inspiration.

Thanks to the community programmes supported by Plan, these youngsters are given the space, knowledge and tools to improve their lives for the better. Plan’s work empowers them to address the challenges they face in practical ways that bring lasting benefit to both them and their wider communities. Their spirit and positivity is the thing that will stay with us...forever. Yes, that’s what we’ll all remember about Egypt. [CS]