Saskia’s Blog

Do school uniforms infringe upon students’ right to express their individuality? Do they effect children’s behaviour or academic achievement? Do they even emphasise the socioeconomic disparities they attempt to disguise?

Should they be part of a privilege of being in ones final year of high school?

In Cyprus, private institutions are rather strict about the uniform including where it should be bought from and made. Each child is expected to be properly attaired. In the public schools, it is far more lax and is really dependent on each school, and headmaster as to how the uniform is implemented. In the school my daughter attends, it simply states blue or black jeans with a white or grey T-shirt and in the winter, with a dark blue, grey or black footer. However, what about piercings, tattoos and a general sloppiness? In the winter, when many of the teenagers leave from the mountainous areas early in the morning, it is bitterly cold and jeans have no warmth…

Proponents say that school uniforms make schools safer for students, create a “level playing field” that reduces socioeconomic disparities, and encourage children to focus on their studies rather than their clothes.

Opponents say school uniforms infringe upon students’ right to express their individuality, have no positive effect on behavior and academic achievement, and emphasize the socioeconomic disparities they are intended to disguise

What are your thoughts?
#SaskiaUnreserved #philosophy #controversy #yourthoughts #broadcasterinCyprus #interviews #discuss #teachers #school #education

Broadcaster Saskia Constantinou is celebrating her 20-year career at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation with the launch of the Apollon International Photo Competition for Teenagers.

“I’ve always loved travelling and photography and thought this would be the ideal way to celebrate this journey in broadcasting. In my programme “SaskiaUnreserved” for “RIKClassic,” I have covered many social, environmental, educational and philosophical issues. Most, if not all of my guests continually stress the importance of our youth and education as the only way forward. Teenagers are of course our future leaders – they see things in a different way and we have a lot to learn from them. Hence, the concept of a Photo Competition for them, and because I’ve always had a rather global approach to things, made it open internationally. ”

The competition is open to all teenagers, from 13 to 19 years old and is themed “Embracing Diversity.”

As Saskia explains, “In this very troubled world, we need to try and see things from a more positive perspective. Our youth I believe, are confident and less jaded in their outlook. The theme is intentionally very broad for this first competition, in order to give as many as possible the opportunity to participate. The other aspect I’ve taken into consideration is not to restrict it to cameras, but to include mobile technology.”

Wary of competitions, especially in the arts and culture sector, Saskia has been careful to devise a judging system which she believes will be completely fair. Judges hail from around the world including Holland, Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, Greece and Cyprus. None of the contestants are identified to the judges, and the winning photos are taken from an aggregate of the judges’ marks. “It’s a big honour that all the judges readily agreed and were excited at the prospect of engaging our youth as were sponsors Aristo Developers. I’m very grateful to them all.”

An important aspect of a photographic competition is the opportunity to display and exhibit the work. This will take place in March 2020 year at the Makarios Technical School where the Awards and Cash Prizes will be given. “I would like to encourage all teenagers to participate and be part of the change we want to see in the world.”

Find out more

 

A major event for teenagers who turn 17.5 is that they are eligible to take a learner’s test to drive.

Great from one perspective, but I’m wondering if I’m the only parent who also is also concerned. We have 6 months, and then they are on their own – at the mercy of what seems to be pretty poor driving generally in Cyprus.

Talking on #mobiles, no seatbelt, motorbikes weaving in and out of the traffic, unsafe vehicles and the list goes on…And we won’t mention drinking and driving after a party…

While we think our kids are angels, the stats show that something happens after they have their licence, hence the very high insurance rates. This is something which we need to address and find solutions to. We have FAR too many deaths on the road involving young drivers.

Travelling with a Teenager: Jordan

“It’s not safe to go there” were the comments I received when telling friends that my teenage daughter and I were heading to Jordan. It’s one of the biggest misconceptions about travelling to the Middle East – and particularly to Jordan as the people are very peaceful and respectful of one another.
As we both dislike travelling like a herd of cattle on organised trips, we arranged our holiday with flexibility in mind. I found Hisham online, who promised he would drive us to Petra and bring us back to Amman the following day, and following some Whatsapp conversations, all was arranged. As promised, he was waiting for us at the airport. The service we received from Hisham was absolutely outstanding. It began from the comfort of his new car – and all the little extras he had thought of for his clients, from wi-fi, to antiseptic handwash and water/drinks and food.
Following his suggestion, we rearranged the itinerary and headed off to Petra, but included stops at Madaba, known for its 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land in the Greek Orthodox church of Ayios Georgios. This is where it was so good to have the #JordanPass – as entry was free to the Aracheological Park with artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras. Incidentally, the #JordanPass also includes the visa to Jordan, so quite a saving from the outset. I highly recommend it, and thanks to the #VisitJordan team.
We continued northwest, to the biblical hill of Mt Nebo which overlooks the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. March is a magical time to visit Jordan- the flowers are absolutely spectacular all over the valley with bright hues of blues and purples, mixed with yellows and whites.
Part of the luxury of having Hisham was that he was so willing and happy to stop en route, and even to take photos. There is something special about going off the beaten track and immersing oneself into the culture of another country and not only seeing the ‘tourist’ sights. The views of the Dead Sea provided some spectacular photos with the white salt shimmering in the bright light against the outcrop of rocks.
The quite renowned desert road to Petra is not the only route. We went around the mountains which was a paradise for a young and enthusiastic photographer to try out her new machine! Hisham, so obliging, even opened his rooftop so Sandra was able to snap away with fantastic results.
After relaxing overnight in Petra, instead of starting from the usual Tourist Centre, we were taken by jeep (again at the suggestion of Hisham) to walk to the Monastery. Somewhat alarmed at being left in the middle of nowhere, we were told, follow the path and you can’t get lost! In for the adventure, we started walking – it’s not really walking but rather climbing. If you don’t have stamina, don’t select this route as it’s quite tough, but the rugged beauty of the area was spectacular. The colours of the rocks were most impressive – and one can understand why they are used in the mosaics. We met some friendly bedouin women enroute, all friendly and offering us much welcomed bedouin tea, which is very flavourful.
We passed donkeys, goats, wild dogs and suddenly, there it was – the Monastery, carved into the rock. We had now reached civilisation, and continued the route throughout Petra. It’s quite far, and the pedometer measured over 30km to the exit. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential, as is a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a bottle of water. We had perfect weather conditions but I would not like to do this walk in July or August when temperatures reach over 40 degrees.
In the evening, one can chose to overnight in Wadi Rum – a very special and magical experience. One is taken in a jeep through the desert dunes, and because we were just the two of us, were able to go off the tourist path and so captured more magical moments of a baby camel (just a week old) with it’s mother. The quiet of the desert is perfect.
The following day, we headed to Amman and started off in the National Gallery of Fine Arts. A most impressive selection of contemporary Jordanian painting and sculptures as well as contemporary art from around the Middle East and the greater Muslim world. Renovated in 2005, it is in 2 parts – one opposite the road from the other, with the art on exhibition for sale.
The best way to travel around Amman is with Careem – the taxi app similar to Uber but with excellent prices, and safe service. Local taxi drivers complain that they undercut them, and that passengers are not safe in Careem, they don’t have insurance, but we found the service to be excellent and reliable. All the drivers were polite and respectful towards us.
When you have time constraints, make sure not to miss the Amman Citadel – a historical site known in Arabic as Jabal al-Qal’a, one of the seven jabals that originally made up Amman. There is a super little museum there, very nicely and clearly laid out with pottery from the Neolithic period right up to the Islamic period. The circular views of Amman are spectacular and there is a wonderful café en site with very reasonably priced coffee and warm snacks.
Jordan has a lot to offer its visitors – from the wealth of history to superb food and cuisine, to relaxation – whether at the sea or in the desert, to warm, friendly and hospitable people. We will definitely be returning soon!

Want to connect with Hisham? Send me an email: Saskia2017@cytanet.com.cy
JordanPass – www.jordanpass.jo

British artist Judith Constantinou says that “retirement” is not a word in her vocabulary and is now beginning her 8th decade with another exhibition titled “A 3rd Dimension.”
We met in her Tala Studio where she warmly welcomed me with a perfect frappe and assortment of Greek pastries. She’s quick to add that she hasn’t made them, but looking around her studio, one understands why – the walls are teeming with water-colours and acrylics.

Born in Surrey, Judith studied at the Bartlett School of Architecture, London University graduating with Distinction. Her architect father was a major influence in the development of her artistic life – “I remember being taken with my friend to numerous galleries and exhibitions, which were always a source of colour and excitement.”
Each weekday afternoon, Judith’s studio is filled with students for a two-hour class. She considers formal education essential, explaining “If you understand the technical aspects of what you are doing, one can express oneself fully and easily. Although the classes are informal, there is a structure. By giving people the know-how and skills, they can progress to paint anything, giving them limitless possibilities. In the annual class exhibition, I’m always amazed by the progress – with the growing number of retirees with leisure time, I often have people who’ve never held a paint brush in their life, but who now have time and inspiration. Teaching has always been an integral part of my life” and laughingly adds, “I think that bossy people always lean towards this path! Painting is often a solitary exercise, so I cherish the class participation to balance my personal artistic time.”

I am curious about her move from painting to sculpture. “Although I’ve always had a pencil in my hand and loved drawing and sketching, I now wanted to explore a more three-dimensional approach and was excited to discover the world of carving and sculpture 2 years ago. I joined the workshop of Turtle and Moon Art Studio run by Lise Constantinou-Briggs when I wanted to record some traditional and historical material and was quickly addicted.”

Judith offers me a sneak pre-view of the exhibition which is wide-ranging. Her work is a combination of historical references – from the 4th Egyptian dynasty, to Chinese motives as well as contemporary pieces inspired by the sea and landscape of Cyprus. I’m in awe of Judith’s diversity and output with her inspiration reflective of her deep interest in history as well as nature. She is very modest, but warm and eloquent with a delightful sense of humour.

“I actually began by making a small bird for my daughter’s garden, and my passion and excitement for the possibilities grew from there. This exhibition represents almost two years of work.”
Judith works in Y-tong which she describes as a magical concrete block. “It’s so versatile in its strength and yet easy to adapt and create and is also insect and termite proof.”

There are over 50 sculptures, which are all additionally treated to survive the weather conditions in Cyprus, so suitable for both inside and the garden. Judith is now not only regularly commissioned both for her paintings which hang in the USA, Japan, Singapore, South Africa and across Europe, but also for her sculptures.

The exhibition “A 3rd Dimension” will be opened on 28 September at 6.30pm by the horticulturist Patricia Jordan QEQM. “It’s a great honour to have Patricia open the exhibition which is going to be held in The Studio garden – I thought it would be more fun and relaxed than in a very formal, exhibition space. I hope everyone will join us for a glass of wine.”

Part of the proceeds will go towards the Tala Monastery Cats. “I’m full of admiration too for the wonderful and selfless work done by these few volunteers” says Judith, quickly asking “Do you know they look after over 800 cats? I think those are very special people.”

As interviewed by guest contributor, Anna Shepherd

 

The exhibition will continue on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm.

The Studio, Tala
4 Ayios Stephanos Street
Tala, 8577
Tel: 99722031 / Anna
Directions: From Casa Luna Restaurant, turn up Stephanie Hill and first right into Ayios Stephanos.
Saturday 29 September: 10am – 1pm
Sunday 30 September: 10am – 1pm

It’s happened to all of us – an argument, or disagreement in the workplace, whatever or wherever the environment…

There are many causes but the end result is always the same. One feels hurt, angry, misunderstood and wronged. Sometimes, it is the final straw to a list of events and circumstances which might not even be work-related. What is undoubtedly true though, is that repairing the communication and interaction in the workplace, is not always simple.

Pride is involved – where self-esteem, dignity, honour, self-respect and ego all have a place and role. Each has their own perspective and a different slant to the altercation or situation.

The effects of long term disputes in the work environment are detrimental not only to the parties involved, but often to the rest of the team. It can even affect the possibilities of promotion and inclusion in other work events. Career advancement comes from networking, so the quality of relationships at work can vastly impact ones chances for climbing the ladder. Toxic relationship that don’t improve drain time and energy. The relationship doesn’t need to be great – even neutral and respectful relationships are fine.

The primary solution is to actually sit down with each other when the waters have calmed and give each person an opportunity to put one’s point of view forward. It’s imperative that the one doesn’t interrupt the other and listens with an open mind. One needs to explain how you were affected by what the other person said and did and apologise. Obviously a good-faith element is needed with a good enough working relationship to warrant this effort in preserving and developing the relationship.

A few ideas for improving relations at work:

• Practice Humility and say Thank You – who wants to work with a ‘know-it-all’
• Be an Active Listener – understand different cultures and norms
• Be Honest – Acknowledge strained relationships and have a conversation
• Engage and Encourage – everybody wants to matter and be valued
• Embrace Differences – not everybody is the same, so understand the different backgrounds and experiences make us what we are

 

Until next time,

Saskia Constantinou

2018 marks the 20^th anniversary of the Pharos Arts Foundation – do you believe your goals have been achieved?

Any objectives set at a given time are subject to development and transformation. They don’t just involve stiff and rigid ideals to abide by. The majority of Pharos’ short-term goals are certainly achieved, but these have evolved into new objectives, all part of a broader vision.

The Pharos Arts Foundation has become Cyprus’ leading exponent of chamber music and has gained an international reputation for the unwavering quality of its activities. Not only has it organised hundreds of concerts with some of the world’s most renowned soloists and ensembles, but has also established two annual international music festivals – of Chamber Music in 2001 and Contemporary Music in 2009, the first of their kind to be inaugurated in Cyprus and have garnered international acclaim.

The Foundation has also organised concerts abroad in venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall and the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory. And even though music absorbs the greatest part of our creative forces, we are proud of Pharos’ visual arts programme, which has organised over 20 exhibitions by major international artists. In addition, Pharos has published a number of brilliant catalogues and art-books distributed by Cornerhouse, one of the leading art book distributors in Europe. So, facts speak for themselves really.

Notwithstanding all of the above, however, Pharos’ most important activity in my opinion, is its Education Programme, through which over 75.000 students have been benefited at absolutely no cost to them. The programme includes a series of educational concerts, master-classes, workshops, a lectures series as well as a Residency programme.

Not every student is destined or talented enough to be a musician. That’s not our aim. Music significantly increases an individual’s perception and ability in problem prioritisation. It was extremely important in the education curriculum of all great ancient civilisations. Plato actually maintained that music is more important than physics and philosophy because its patterns are the keys to learning. Nowadays, we make so much effort in teaching children how to speak, but what about the great art of listening? This is the most important coordinate of the communication process and is our focus.

Are you satisfied with the progress of Cyprus as far as Arts and Culture are concerned?

I am happy to see more people, especially younger people, showing interest in the arts, in music, in literature, in everything that expands their horizons and strengthens their intellect. This is a great relief, at least. But any progress as with regards to an official cultural strategy is strictly fortuitous. Nobody should be satisfied with idleness.

You recently stated that Cyprus doesn’t have a written, systematic and actionable cultural plan. Can you elaborate?

I didn’t express an opinion, but a fact. Cyprus doesn’t have any serious cultural plan, written or unwritten. You will often hear me talking about the “three” concentric evils of our cultural status quo:

First, there is an absence of vision, which leads to the total lack of long-term policies and concentrated synergies. Then comes the nonexistence of a serious cultural strategy, something which results in the nonappearance of tangible benefits for our society and country.

The chronic invalidism in the country’s cultural agenda is ultimately entrenched because it becomes too complicated and problematic to work around.

Every year, we see countless cultural initiatives making the news. They might all be beneficial in their own wonderful ways, but which of them are pyrotechnics and which of them are longstanding so as to support the evolution of our country? That is why the implementation of a strategy is more imperative than ever.

The lack of financial and cultural planning means that funds are wasted. How do you believe this can be solved?

To begin with, there should be a solid internal synergy between the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Finance and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation. They in turn need to closely collaborate with all the major cultural bodies in Cyprus – state and private. It is not really wise, for any state in the world to keep highlighting the importance of the business private sector while ignoring the existence and importance of private cultural and creative industries.

The current scheme is so faulty by nature that it does inevitably shadow any good intentions for meritocratic practices. Annual subsidies are offered only for particular events, maximum of three per cultural body, without really taking into consideration the overall work, background, nature and objectives of said body.

A charitable foundation, for example, has a different perspective and different needs than those of a limited company. All cultural institutions should be part of the cultural agenda and should all be supported, but, we cannot apply the same evaluation methodology for all. Otherwise any seeming benefits are just ephemeral.

Take a look at how many cultural foundations are set up every year, only to disappear a couple of years later. In the meanwhile, all those hundreds of thousands of Euros which were granted to them for their random events are basically thrown into a deep black hole because there wasn’t a coherent course of action. And the rhetorical question remains: How do they think a Foundation like Pharos, which maintains a full annual programme of over 30 events can survive? I cannot help but think, “they don’t expect it to survive and they don’t care”. And it is exactly this attitude we ought to change first.

More countries now invest in creative strategies as they have been proven effective for economic, social and environmental goals – how can Cyprus do this?

Let’s start with the self-evident, “Get the right people in the right chairs”. I am sorry for being so bluntly undiplomatic but it is the truth.

You don’t need a lot of chairs, just the right people in them. Get them in the right positions and you’ll see miracles happen. There are dozens and dozens of such people in the cultural industry in Cyprus, but whom are mostly brushed aside.

Pharos is a living example of what can be done when there is passion, dedication and hard work. Its administrative structure can actually be a model for smaller-scale cultural enterprises. It employs only three people who are wholeheartedly devoted to Pharos and Pharos only. How many people do you think would have been employed if Pharos were a state-run-controlled organisation, and how dilatory the Foundation would have actually been if its artistic matters were subject to shifting opinions, arguments and interests? There should consistency and persistence because in the artistic efforts for they need time to be manifested and yield results.

Then, let’s examine the models and practices of other countries to see what can be done on a large-scale. Take the example of South Africa which I am sure you are well aware of. In recent years it has methodically invested in culture in order to reinforce its economic growth. Its latest cultural industry mapping study actually revealed that approximately 200,000 new jobs were created, accounting to about 1.5% of the country’s employment and contributing about 3% to its GDP.

It is crucial for authorities to comprehend that the cultural industry is far too important to keep begging for crumbs falling from the government’s table. They must really reconsider the basis on which their cultural schemes and programmes are designed. Culture can be remarkably advantageous in the economic growth and social welfare. It encourages social integration and stability. It can be a game changer. Do invest in it. Invest in cultural tourism. Prioritise, select and be focused. Give incentives to the business world to support the arts for it has to give back to society if it is to survive in the course of time. Capitalise on tomorrow and invest in creative ventures of high artistic merit. Set objectives which correspond to the country’s own needs. All these generalised, EU-induced, so-called ‘objectives’ are good in theory but rarely fruitful in practice.

Music and the arts do not need to be accompanied by superficial terminologies to defend their raison d’être. It is a shame to boycott them by using them dogmatically. Develop long-term alliances with cultural bodies and support their efforts. Each case is different, and it deserves to be approached as such. We should really embrace these principles first.

In times of economic hardship, it’s always the arts and cultural budgets which see the first chop!

It might seem reasonable but it’s not. We cannot sectorise growth and welfare. The approach should be holistic. Culture does not equal entertainment, showbiz and lifestyle and it should never be approached as such, otherwise we are in peril of losing our sense of cultural judgement and identity.

A good cultural environment is not a luxury. It is a human right and perhaps the only answer to extremism, fanaticism, anger and despair. It is the groundwork for tolerance and respect for diversity and it will give back much more in the long run. It can enlighten people and truly help them expand their way of thinking and decision making. Because you know, sciolism, can be very dangerous. It can spread over the deeper strata of our social fabric and twist the integrity and future of humanity. It is therefore the responsibility of the state, any state in the world, to adopt a holistic approach and safeguard what is vital for its culture and society, irrespective of any other agendas.

Too often, we hear that Cyprus is not a country with a classical music tradition – but without a concrete goal, we will never move forward. How can the masses be mobilized and is it important to do so?

I haven’t heard that one in ages to be honest. To my ears it rings more like an excuse to justify our inadequacy. So, these people, and I really hope they are not that many anymore, suggest that only 5-6 European countries should invest in offering their society the inalienable right to classical music? It’s silly… people striving to live in a denationalised continent, yet nationalising music which has always been pan-universal. So silly and myopic.

Pharos is often accused of being elitist – what is your response?

I defy populism, I cannot tolerate villainy and I don’t respond to plain ignorance. But I would kindly ask them to explain what they mean exactly by ‘elitism.’ Because anybody can attend a Pharos concert, tickets are priced between 10 and 15 Euros. If their definition of ‘elitism’ is “a cultural event of high artistic and organisational standards” then Pharos is guilty as charged. In The Shoe Factory, Pharos’ recital venue in Ermou Street, you will encounter people of any age, colour, ethnic, social and academic background interacting with each other on equal levels, simply because they are obliged to forget all their differences and concentrate in what they truly love. Quite frankly, whoever speaks of elitism is surely one who has never attended our concerts and he is either maliciously misinformed or malicious by nature.

Being vocal and upfront about what needs to be changed sometimes provokes reactions, which can be intimidating personally and for the Foundation. Do you worry about being outspoken?

Words can be very cheap when actions are not strong enough to support them. I can’t possibly be offended or intimidated. I shall let the 20-year-old history of the Pharos Arts Foundation, as well as its extraordinary concerts, verify the fact that it has indeed delivered the greatest classical music on the island and I shall use my democratic right to keep making noise about the fact.

Where do you see Pharos in five, ten years?

I hope that it overcomes all obstacles and continues to benefit our society with creative initiatives of the highest quality. Of course, the ultimate ambition of the Foundation, and this has always been the vision of its Founder and President Garo Keheyan, involves the creation of a cultural centre in The Olive Grove, situated on the crossroads between Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca in the wonderful area of the Delikipos forest, which will foster all the arts together.

We are perfectly aligned on this and we are endlessly working towards that direction. We don’t really need another old cinema in the city renovated into a concert hall with terrible acoustics. We don’t need a colossal megaron in the capital which will result in hosting pop bands in order to be sustainable. We need an all-embracing state-of-the-art centre that unifies the arts and respects the natural environment. Because this is what culture is about, it’s not only about ‘events’.

I remember back in 2012, a leading property developer company was planning to create a stone quarry in that area. We had to fight very hard against such a disastrous notion, attending parliament meetings and writing endless letters to the authorities expressing Pharos’ strong opposition. This is an area of incredible beauty and while Pharos envisioned the creation of a world class arts centre there, the pristine forest of Delikipos might have actually been chopped off and destroyed with air and sound pollution. Suffice it to say that no building can be a panacea or substitute the role of a meticulous artistic plan and a qualified human infrastructure.

Pharos has proved that it has both the vision and the know-how to sustain and expand such a venture.

As interviewed by Saskia Constantinou

Yvonne Georgiadou
Artistic Director
Pharos Arts Foundation
E-mail: yvonne@pharosartsfoundation.org
Website: www.pharosartsfoundation.org

How to deal with Snitches

Snitches in the workplace are odious. They are the people who secretly tell the management that someone else has done something bad, often in order to cause trouble. In serious cases, this could even cause the loss of a job.

Every workplace seems to have them – the workplace snitch! So what can one do? From my experience, there are 5 golden rules, especially if you know who they are.

1. Limit their access to information – that means, don’t talk. Your words can easily be manipulated, so don’t give out information about your work or personal life.

2. If you work in an open space, keep drawers locked and don’t leave important documents out. Also ensure your computer has strong passwords and keep the browser history cleared.

3. Don’t discuss them as doing so lowers you to the level of the snitch by discussing him/her with other colleagues. An ‘eye for an eye’ will undoubtedly backfire, and being defensive might lead colleagues to believe you are actually guilty.

4. Exceed performance expectations by proving your value to the company. If your job performance has slackened, any accusation leveled against you could be the last straw.

Trust is a key component in the workplace, and just one problem employee can kill the atmosphere. Who wants to be friendly with people who might stab you in the back?

I’m not referring to whistle-blowers or exposure of illegal, dangerous or unethical behaviours. I’m talking about tattletales, who can make life a misery.

You need to retain strong self-esteem, self-confidence and professional courage to deal with snitches.

Have you had any experiences? Please share and let us know if you have any other advice!

Warmest wishes

Saskia

 

The carnival period is usually one of festivities and happy reveling, but it also gave me time to contemplate the masks we wear as women the rest of the year in our different roles as wives, mothers, sisters, friends, employees and bosses.

Women use masks all the time and unlike most men, use a multiplicity of masks which they change constantly.

Women have to manage our identities and the resulting masks. How many of us though, actually take the time to reflect on how wearing these masks impacts our lives?

Most of us constantly feel the need and urge to strive for perfection and present an ‘ideal’ image to the world. In the business environment especially, women believe perfection is needed to be successful.

I’ve discovered that reaching my golden jubilee year was very liberating. I no longer had to sit in meetings in fear of having my ideas ridiculed and/or judged. Not all ideas are brilliant and revolutionary, but how will one know if they are not even verbalized? The mask hiding the insecurity fell, and as that happened, other strengths came into play, including the realization that my achievements were numerous and that I could focus on my strengths. And yes, I did and do have them and the resulting self-confidence.

That journey leads to an openness which in turn attracts other like-minded people. It was at that point that I realized, that those wearing masks, rather than their honest hearts on their sleeves needed to be left behind.

Removing masks can reveal the successful you!

1. Express yourself and don’t be afraid to speak out.
2. Trust yourself to execute
3. Learn to manage the differing situations and expectations people have. You don’t need to hide from your decisions.
4. Acknowledge your vulnerabilities and insecurities.
5. Build a social support system so that you have a network of trusted people who understand you.

As always, I love to have your feedback, thoughts and impressions.

Until next time,

Yours,

Saskia

I believe without question that the two most important words in any language are “thank you” whether we are in the business or social environment. And yet, they are often just not used, or not said often enough.

Most people go to work every day aiming to give of their best and in return receive payment in the form of a salary. But research shows that there are two things people want more than sex and money, and that is recognition and praise.

They want to be acknowledged for their efforts – and if one studies volunteer groups, one can see that recognition and a thank you is what drives them forward to give of themselves and their time.

Fostering a culture of gratitude is definitely a game changer for sustainably better performance. It is so easy for a manager to say it verbally, but has an even greater impact when an employee who has been working really hard on a new project for example, receives a hand written note.

Why is it then that so many companies do not foster this environment which seems to be particularly prevalent in Cyprus. Is it seen as a management weakness to be grateful? Is there a fear of some type of revolution within the work environment?

This culture of gratitude can also extend into service industries where tellers for example can give a smile to their customers and say hello. It changes the atmosphere, fosters good will with the clients and will without question, encourage them to shop there again.

At home, I wonder how many parents say thank you to their children? If one is expecting them to say thank you, surely it has to begin by “do as I do rather than do as I say?” I believe that we can definitely nag and complain less, laugh more, listen to what they have to say – especially teenagers who have some interesting perspectives and insights, and say thank you to them for sharing of themselves.

I challenge everyone to make a difference to someone today and say thank you.

I will start the ball rolling by publicly saying thank you to my daughter and mother for all their unconditional love and support, and in business to the sponsors and supporters of my upcoming Cyprus International Food Festival. To all the exhibitors who believed in my concept and dream – THANK YOU.

By Saskia Constantinou

Preparing the Cyprus International Food Festival has naturally led to an interest in food and wine pairing. The most common question seems to be “What wine goes with everything?”

Common consensus amongst the professionals is that there is no right answer to this question. The goal is to make both the food and wine taste better when consumed together, so the pairing depends on what you’re eating, how it’s prepared and of course, what type of wine you like to drink.

The pairing can accentuate the mild sweetness in some foods and also contrast with salt – think of salty Stilton cheese with a sweet Port. Sweetness in a wine can balance tartness in food, especially if the food has some sweetness – think of dishes with sweet and sour sauces…

Can you imagine the top pairings for a Burger? It is not as simple as pairing with a steak, but a big, lush, gourmet burger would be well accompanied by a serious red wine. Burger sauces and ketchup make it more difficult so it’s best to keep to riper wines.

Cabernet works well with cheeseburgers, and especially those with blue cheese as well as the Tuscan reds such as Bolgheri and Maremma.

It works in antithesis as well – what goes well with wine or prosecco for example, which is so often drunk on its own that one might have not given much thought to the kind of food it can be paired with. Prosecco is generally sweeter than other sparkling wines, so is best for a tea party. The drier ‘brut’ styles of prosecco are best with parma ham, mini quiches and frittata, mild cheeses, sushi and the extra dry proseccos pair really well with macarons, Italian-style biscuits and even Popcorn!

The Cyprus International Food Festival is a wonderful opportunity to do your own pairing with food from so many countries as well as over 40 wines and prosecco. There will be experts on hand too for you to advise on what works best.

www.cyprusinternationalfoodfestival.com

23 & 24 September 2017

Molos, Limassol (Old Port Area)

4pm – 10pm

FREE ENTRANCE

“If you truly get in touch with a piece of carrot, you get in touch with the soil, the rain, the sunshine. You get in touch with Mother Earth and eating in such a way, you feel in touch with true life, your roots, and that is meditation. If we chew every morsel of our food in that way we become grateful and when you are grateful, you are happy.” Thich Nhat Hanh

My mother always instilled family dinners and eating together so, when I left home, it was really one of the most noticeable differences of being alone. Now with my daughter, I see how easy it is to fall into the trap of eating separately. Although my cooking is not particularly amazing, we have both worked on setting time aside to be with each other. It’s a time to talk, to reflect on the day and on recent events – where serious or banal.

Sadly, many families no longer eat together despite knowing that , not eating together has negative effects both physically and psychologically. Research shows that Americans rarely eat together , with the average American eating one in five meals in a car and the majority of families eating together less than once in a week.

Data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development found that students who did not eat regular family meals had a much larger truancy rate and were also 40% more likely to be overweight.

In many countries though, mealtime is still sacred. In France, most employees are given at least an hour for lunch as it is not acceptable to rush a meal. In many Mexican cities, townspeople eat together in central areas and in Cambodia, villagers spread colourful mats and bring food to share.

Alice Julier in her book “Eating Together” makes another extremely valid point when she argues that dining together can radically shift people’s perspectives. “It reduces people’s perceptions of inequality, and diners tend to view those of different races, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds as more equal than other social scenarios.”

So is there a solution? Yes, but it is one which will take effort and discipline from both the parents and children. Children need to sit down without electronic devices – and needless to say, that goes for parents too. Parents need to take a genuine interest in their children’s day – and listen to them while they voice their thoughts. The response from a child who is heard is heartwarming.

Children should be given smaller quantities of food rather than having a huge pile of food. It must be so daunting to be told “You must eat what’s on your plate before you can leave the table.” The idea is not to ‘punish’ the child but to encourage it to savour the food, listen and be heard. Parents should also not be running around trying to put a spoonful of food into the child’s mouth – (I’ve witnessed this so many times in Cyprus especially)-they will never learn how to behave in a restaurant. But eating out with children is a whole other subject for next week!

Until then, take care and remember Hippocrates “Let food by thy medicine and medicine be thy food”

 

Cyprus International Food Festival

23 & 24 September 2017

Molos, Limassol

4pm – 10pm/late

www.cyprusinternationalfoodfestival.com

 

 

 

 

My love of travel began when I was 11 and put on a plane from South Africa to visit my grandmother in London. It was a huge adventure and I’m ever grateful to my parents for the sacrifices they made to send me.

Now as a mother, I share that passion for exploring new countries with my daughter to expose her to other cultures, lifestyles and differing approaches which people have. When she was younger, it was more challenging as her patience and attention span was limited, but now as a teenager, it’s much easier and a lot of fun.

Sandra has proven to be a wonderful travel companion and each year, we look forward to planning our trips. This year, we went to the Netherlands and were entranced by the spectacular scenery and canals with the bonus of beautifully cold weather forcing us to buy socks and a jersey!

We both enjoy trying to be as ‘local’ as possible. We hired bicycles and even with cranky knees, managed to cover many kilometers although the longer trips from Amsterdam to The Hague on to Utrecht, we did by bus. (too many hours sitting at the computer and broadcasting)

Amsterdam has a wonderful selection of museums, and so spent many days there. Starting at the NEMO Science Museum, we by-passed the hordes of school children and began on the top floors. The interactive and hands-on approach is of course very effective, coupled with very concise and easy to read explanatory notes in both Dutch and English. Although so busy, because of the numerous floors and good layout, we didn’t have to wait in long queues. It’s also great for parents, who can participate alongside their children. A visit to the coffee house on the top floor is a must if only for the spectacular views over Amsterdam.

After a short walk, we reached the Botanical Gardens – not on a par with some others we have visited in Italy, Spain, Austria or UK as in Amsterdam it was quite small, but interesting and a good opportunity to perfect ones patience levels taking photos in the butterfly section.

Body Worlds in Amsterdam is another ‘must see’ activity with teenagers. Covering 6 floors, it poses and questions about what makes us happy. I won’t give it away, but do leave sufficient time!

I have no difficulties in getting Sandra into art museums and galleries – and we spent another whole day in the Rijksmuseum. The great masters are there but it is busy, not only with tourists but locals too. Make sure to book in advance for the van Gogh Museum, otherwise, you’ll not find tickets. We intentionally left some museums out, so have a good excuse to return!

The Hague captured our hearts. The atmosphere is completely different to Amsterdam where we left behind the pungent smell of weed, sex and the rather seedy Red Light District. I don’t understand why, but teenagers seem to be fascinated by prisons, so we began at the Museum De Gevangenspoort. I thought it rather grisly and graphic but it was deemed to be ‘part of history’ and interesting. It’s easy to travel in Den Haag, so do make the effort and catch the Tram 1 with its 20km tracks and go from Delft to Scheveningen Beach. It was bitterly cold and windy, so needed a quick detour for jerseys and socks. Lots of antique fairs in Delft, food and boutique shops with very reasonably priced clothes!

The last part of our journey was to Utrecht – the university town which has some beautiful lakes. This was to be the relaxing part of our holiday, but thanks to a gym and indoor pool, turned out to be hard work as I was put through my paces by ultra fit Sandra! Again on our hired bikes, we shopped locally and got drenched in showers with our shopping. Where oh where was my little car?!! Laughing though, and relieved not to be experiencing the heat wave of Cyprus, we forged ahead giggling and enjoying ourselves. All too soon, we were on the Transavia flight home. We will be going back though, sooner than later.

 

Till next time, take care and don’t burn if you’re in the sun!

Saskia

This week, I’ve been observing some of the most awful vitriol on FB on one site in particular – “Where we went and we didn’t like.” The more anger and vitriol which is spewed out, the more ‘excited’ members seem to become . Presently, the group comprises 68,466 at the time of writing this, with the number growing weekly.

I first became aware of this site when under fire by a few who were unhappy about the entrance fee of an event. It was then that I realised that I was unable to defend myself, or to make amends to any clients not satisfied and that it was just a place where people could sit behind the safety of their computers and spew hatred for their fellow human beings. While some of the comments may have validity, the destructive style of commenting is frightful and has put quite a few companies, quite unfairly, into disrepute.

In 2015, feminist writer Clementine Ford reported an employee for calling her a ‘slut’ on FB. He was subsequently fired and she was subjected to a surge of online abuse. Germany took a stand on anti-refugee hate speech that year, and the biggest names in technology vowed to clean up community hate speech within 24 hours of it appearing.

In an analysis done by a leading UK newspaper, over 70 million comments were scrutinised and highlighted positive online comments which provided instant feedback, pointing out errors and new leads. However, the abusive side showed 1.4 million comments blocked. The largest amount of anger and abuse was incited by articles around elections and focused on nationality (33%), religion (31%), race (18%), sexual orientation (9%), gender (6%) and political views (4%).

Social Media is inextricably linked in our lives, in both a personal and professional way. Studies have also linked our usage to personality type. Facebook serves the emotional and psychological needs of introverts. It gives them a place to socialise and chat without having to deal with the elements of face-to-face dialogue which makes them uncomfortable. For extroverts though, the facial cues and physical contact which they crave are missing.

While the vitriol will never be fully contained, I believe that we are in control of how we use it and need to think extensively before simply typing away behind the anonymity of our computers and smart phones. Imagine being on the receiving end of what you are writing – if it doesn’t look good, don’t press the Enter button. Hit DELETE instead.

 

 

 

One must first ask what it is that makes a city or country a “food destination.” The answer is, a variety of elements. It needs not only a diverse mix of restaurants with an inviting atmosphere and excellent service, but investment and support in city planning, community development, tourism and marketing.

One of the most important factors however, is the creation of symbiotic relationships between restaurants and neighbourhoods with small businesses supporting each other. It’s about making the entire area the destination rather than an individual restaurant – if everyone is part of a bigger place and destination, there is more opportunity for success. It is also important to have a unique representation of food and beverage – something different to what visitors can get in their own hometown. I believe Cyprus has this potential.

Cyprus’ social life centres around food with the Mediterranean diet, world renowned. But as a crossroad of cultures from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Europe with links to the Far East, we have a diverse range of kitchens which can produce an array of exotic dishes.

Tourists to Cyprus still primarily come for beach tourism which, depending on external political factors could easily change. It is also a seasonal type of tourism, so we need to diversify the product and include more cultural tourism based components where food and drink are key contenders. This will of course also increase the area’s economy – the potential to be unlocked is huge!

A strengthened food tourism sector opens more local job opportunities and gives other organisations an added opportunity to participate in revenue generation. The spinoff benefits not only restaurant and food/spirit manufacturers, but builds a greater awarenesss of food products with greater export benefits for local producers. Various studies have shown that eating local food has a 3:1 impact on the local economy with wine consumption a 12:1 impact. Furthermore, the average culinary tourist spends double that of a generic tourist, and 40% more on accommodation. Need one say more?

The trends currently driving food tourism include authentic travel, health and sustainability, inconspicuous consumption and globalism. Can Cyprus possibly afford not to look forwards?

The Cyprus International Food Festival (#CIFF) is striving to present the crossroad of cultures and with the ideal backdrop of the Molos Area Boardwalk, in Limassol, provide an opportunity to taste differing cuisines in the form of street food, while sampling both local and international wineries and breweries. In addition to over 35 exhibitors, CIFF has a special area dedicated for children under 12 to take part in cooking classes under the watchful eyes of professionals. International chefs from South Africa, Mozambique, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea have all applied to participate as well as from Italy, Hungary, India, China and Lebanon. They will all be demonstrating unique dishes and talking about their country’s food culture!

The Cyprus International Food Festival is collaborating with the Limassol Tourism Company and are proud to have the festival under the auspices of the Interior Minister, Mr Constantinos Petrides who will officially open it on 23 September.

More information: www.cyprusinternationalfoodfestival.com

23 and 24 September 2017

Molos, Limassol

4pm – 10pm

Email: ciff@cytanet.com.cy

 

 

In March, I was recounting some of my difficulties of working in Cyprus to a Danish colleague who said: “Never give up, never!” At the time, I concurred but I’ve given it quite some further thought, and believe that there are times and extenuating circumstances when one simply does have to STOP!
The fine line and question is “When?” Does an entrepreneur give up because his first meeting didn’t go well – of course not, you tighten the bit and get on with it. Not once, twice or even three times – countless times as the difficulties will often seem insurmountable. However, when you’ve given it at least 6 months and look back, you will see either some progress or lots of lessons learned. That is progress in itself – it’s part of the university of life.
Does an author give up after the first rejection from a publisher? I can almost hear countless authors unanimously shouting a raucous no. But, it might be a good idea to have a few more people read the book and have their opinions. Something very simple in the story line which seems illogical might need a little improvement.
There are business situations though where stopping might be the only option. When one is sinking financially, over a long period of time and the stress is making one physically and emotionally ill, there needs to be a cut-off point. It may only require some outside help to turn the situation around, but continuing in a similar way, is sheer lunacy. I would also advocate an outside consultant – someone with no ulterior motives who will proffer a brutally honest reply. Remember – if you are spending your time on something that is not working, you are not spending the time on something that might!
Does a mother give up on her child? Well, this is a no for most situations, but I’ve been considering what would I do if I had a child who was a drug addict. A child who stole from me, who beat me, who implicated me in drug trafficking of which I had no knowledge? Where does one say “No More! This has to stop. I need to do ‘tough love’ in order to keep my sanity.”
Relationships and marriages come and go…and most often, it’s ones pride which is most damaged. I truly believe if we put ourselves in the shoes of the partner for a short while, we would have greater empathy, tolerance and understanding. But there are times when one must simply say, “Ciao” and move onwards.
Many people, including me, have given up a fairly well-paid job, to venture into entrepreneur land. It’s tough out there – make no mistake and one is in for a long roller-coaster ride, but those highs are so high, that one strives to get to the next mountain. I’ve thought often of giving up –personally and professionally but always say to myself – if I feel like this tomorrow and the day after, I will consider another route. It’s a matter of evaluating according to your beliefs.
These are 3 signs which might help one decide on changing paths…
The issue has taken over your life with the excitement about achieving it completely gone!
Lack of confidence and physical illness – when self-doubt permeates the day and you feel as if you cannot achieve anything.

Nobody is interested in solving the problem – particularly pertinent in relationships, where the outcome also depends on the other person.
A “give up decision” is like ripping a plaster off a wound. It’s painful but if you don’t change the plaster, the wound will take a long time to heal. The long and short of it is – it’s quite alright to say NO and STOP!

A few weeks ago, the Cyprus Computer Society did something good and honest by giving a second chance to my daughter to finish the first round of a competition which she had entered. There was clearly a glitch on the website on the actual day of the first round, and when informed about it, they responded. She subsequently went on to the other rounds, and came in the top 5 of all of Cyprus. This second chance had many other positive ripple effects.

This whole episode led me to question second chances in general. Mae West was clever when she said “All discarded lovers should be given a second chance, but with somebody else.” I think in the relationship spectrum, it’s quite common to give another chance, as after all, we are human and should be forgiven.

On the concert platform, one generally only has one chance to get it right – and it could be the make or break of an artist…

But what about in the case of prisoners? I do believe that under certain circumstances, practically all of us are capable of the most heinous crimes. Most criminals are driven due to dreadful circumstances from poor parenting, education, abuse, mental health issues, drug addiction etc. Rehabilitation and reintegration into society is important and civilised. I can already hear the shouts of “But so many go on to reoffend and won’t these second chances lead to more crime?” Prison officials are quick to reply that being unable to find honest employment is known to be one of the main contributing factors leading people released from prison to reoffend. The programmes where offenders and victims meet have yielded encouraging results.

An even greater debate is that of the death sentence, recently again highlighted because of the debacle in Arkansas. In those cases, there is no second chance and before one cries out that there wasn’t a second chance for the victim, (which I totally understand and agree with) what happens in the cases such as Michael Morton, who spent 25 years in prison for the murder of his wife, and who was found not guilty after DNA evidence implicated another man.

I believe we all deserve a second chance – but need to ensure that it is respected and made the most of. As Confucius said “Wisdom, compassion and courage are the three universally recognised moral qualities of men.”

What do you think?

Last week at Ikea, I noticed on the cleaning rack that there was almost not one single plate which did not have food wastage. I’m not referring to one extra spoon but to whole portions. This Easter, there is going to be similar wastage and excess while others, and especially children around the world go hungry.

This worldwide problem seems so huge and so daunting that most people feel they cannot help or actually make a difference. I defy that theory and believe that we need to look at this in terms of global wastage. On average, almost 180kg of food per person is thrown away. Another sad statistic is that Cyprus in 2016, fell behind in implementing the directive on the reduction of green waste in landfills.

So, what can be done? There are various steps each and every family can take but the primary one is to make less food. Easter is traditionally a time when excess is taken to new heights and the hospitals are full of people suffering from indigestion. What a nauseating situation to be in!

I would like to urge people to make less food, or arrange for families who are getting together, to co-ordinate and make quantities for the number of people who will be around the table to ensure the food is finished. Train your children to only take the portion they can manage, and if there is excess, keep it for the next day.

Restaurants too need to address food wastage. Why serve such large portions? Make them smaller and charge less. So many studies have shown that profits will not be reduced but instead increased.

A big subject which I will be tackling over the next months in more detail. I welcome all your comments about what can be done, individually, as companies and as a nation to make a difference! Let’s do it together…Happy Easter everyone.

It is such an intrinsically good feeling to do something for othersand see the joy and difference that you can make.
Last week, a teenager lost his life on a road I travel each day to work. The day after (in Cyprus, the dead are buried the next day) as I turned into the road, there were two figures, dressed in black standing in the road just looking down as if searching for something. Something compelled me to stop as I understood they were the family of the teenager. I helped them to the side of the road and offered my condolences for their tragic loss. It was important for me to let them (the uncle and aunt) know that they had the empathy of another human. So, it’s not only about money.
I’ve alwaystried to give back wherever and whenever possible, rememberingthe many acts of kindness given to me. So, I was astounded when I contacted various charities in order to offer them my support, that I cross questioned to such an extent that it felt as if I was doing them a disservice. I understand that there is a need for charities to align themselves with good and like-minded companies, but mine is not of the size that they would need to worry about corruption or money-laundering!
I’m pleased to say that after much searching, the #CyprusAutismAssociationis grateful for our small contribution, and hope that this will be the beginning of a long relationship.
What is autism? It refers to a range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. There is not one autism disorder, but many types caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. The most obvious signs appear between 2 and 3 years of age, with some developmental delays identified and addressed even earlier. Parents with concerns need to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes.
Please help me to make a difference – April 2 is #worldautismawarenessday – The #CyprusAutismAssociationis arranging a walk in #Nicosia on April 2 where you can #walkforautism or go to the concert on 6 April at the Presidential Palace.
YOU can help too – by being aware – #AutismAwareness #lightitupblue #worldautismawarenessday

My life-long passion for travel and exploring the world began at 11, when I went from South Africa to see my grandmother in London. That excitement I felt-still pervades my every fibre as I’m on the runway waiting for that last flight check before we take off.

One of the most pleasant aspects of travelling alone, are those encounters we have where there is a meeting of the minds. Last week, I was in London for the London Book Fair and International Food Exhibition. It was at the latter, where I met someone with whom I instantly ‘clicked.’ The conversation just flowed, there were no awkward moments, and we covered so many topics where we found similar patterns of thought.

After three days, there was the inevitable farewell as we both returned to our respective countries. But, with all the conversations still in my mind, I wonder what is that X factor which leads us to foster instant connections with some people.

The first factor is similarity. Feeling understood is essential to forming bonds. So, if when you first meet someone, you perceive similarity, you feel more at ease about disclosing information about yourself as you believe the other person will understand you.

Another issue is the wide array of subjects covered. The theory of social penetration shows that if initial discussions are rewarding, more personal information is usually disclosed. However, psychologists state that revealing too much too soon is not the best strategy. It’s all a matter of balance – and it’s this certain element of mystery which maintains the excitement within friendships.

There are definitely other factors too which make someone likeable. Confidence, body language and a smiling face sends a lot of positivity. Good conversation skills touched with wit, humour and sincerity go a long way, as well as the ability to listen – truly listen to the other person. One of the clinching factors for me personally is knowledge and experience – and with confidence I can say that for me, “Intelligence is very sexy.”

Are you prepared for a crisis in your home? In your business? Or at work? Do you have an action plan and more importantly, has it been discussed with the relevant parties?

As Confucius said “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.”

Aircraft accidents are rare, especially in developed countries, due to high safety standards set by national and international authorities. However, when they do occur, they are serious incidents with a high rate of mortality.

An airline incident can be considered a true crisis and considered by airlines as their worst nightmare. Media give enormous amounts of attention to these incidents which make international headlines. The attention places a great amount of pressure on the airline in addition to dealing with the actual crisis. So, the communications and actions during the crisis will effect and influence how the airline is perceived by stakeholders.

In 1982, Johnson and Johnson’s had a crisis when seven people died after taking extra-strength Tylenol capsules that had been laced with the deadly poison potassium cyanide. The killer was never found. However, the company put customer safety first and pulled 31 million bottles of the shelves which had a market value of $100 million dollars! They also stopped all production and advertising and put up a $100,000 reward for the killer.

When the company reintroduced the product post-crisis, they had new tamper-resistant packaging and discount coupons for the product. As the media appreciated the lengths that Johnson and Johnson had for public interest, the company was generally portrayed in a good light and the brand recovered.

This highlights the importance of businesses being prepared for abnormal operations. Should disaster strike, companies need to reduce casualties or even avoid them with proactive planning and Crisis Management.

Kratis Training & Consulting are approved and certified by the Human Resource Development Authority of the Republic of Cyprus and have numerous awards and recognition by leading authorities, agencies and organizations around the globe.

Andreas Hadjixenis, with over 25 years experience in the aviation industry and crisis management, will deliver an in-depth course from 3 – 6 April on Disaster Management. A course of interest to all managers.

Details: 3 – 6 April 2017 EUR199

Where: 8 Costa Ourani Street, Nicosia

Coffee and lunch included.

Tel: 22449088

Email: registrations@kratisconsulting.com

Web: www.kratisconsulting.com

It’s Sunday evening and I’ve had 24 hours away from the computer, office and recording studio. Sunday was spent in the picturesque village of Kakopetria with my daughter, where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch (edible as I hadn’t cooked it) with time to talk, followed by a brisk walk along the banks of the meandering stream surrounded by beautiful scenery.

It’s had a multi-dimensional effect in that we had precious mother-daughter time, I was away from the glare of the computer screen and in fact, because relaxed, had some pretty good creative ideas for some other current projects.

Days like this didn’t just happen though. As with most things, there was a turning point, but once my decision was made to enforce certain rules to balance work and home life, that was it. It’s not only the culture of work which is important but also the culture of leisure and relaxation.

As we are constantly ‘connected’ through our telephones and devices, taking a break now has to become a conscious action. When you have your own office, you are in a catch-22 situation. You can stop when you want, but most entrepreneurs always push themselves to get just that extra bit done. While they are celebrated for wearing multiple hats and logging numerous hours, working without a break can actually jeopardise business and health. Those coffee and lunch-breaks, however short, are vital.

I’ve learned to switch the office phone off by 3pm and rarely schedule any afternoon or evening meetings. That allows me time to prepare my schedule for the next day, do mother duties, and keep updated with local and international news as well as latest trends.

Although it might seem strange, I found that productivity and performance actually begins with free time which in turn is the fuel for the energy, creativity and focus which leads to success.

Do you feel you have burnout? Unable to switch off? Taking work from the office home? I’m interested to hear from you…

“Patience is a virtue” is a phrase which has been around for ages – exactly how long, I can tell you as I looked it up. It was first recorded in the narrative poem ‘piers Plowman’ written by William Langland between 1360 and 1387.

It is not a virtue I believe one is born with, but one which can definitely be cultivated. I have also found that it leads to another phrase – “When one door closes, another opens.”

It’s important to remember that there are people and circumstances on each side of a door. There have been several occasions recently, when I’ve found it essential to close doors, but what is important to remember, is to close it quietly. Don’t slam them closed. Closed gently, they might open again under different circumstances.

Once closed though, you find yourself with more time and energy. Last year, I closed the doors on being a full-time broadcaster, knowing only that I could no longer spend my precious hours and days in a job where I was not appreciated and where there were no opportunities. Closing that, opened one to spending more time with my daughter. My reward came when she said “I’m so glad you are here for me every afternoon.” What could be better than that?

In the corporate world, it’s the same. I knocked on one in December 2014 which was cautiously opened, and in February 2017, has started a new and very exciting world for me which I will tell you more about soon. It will take me to the London Book Fair in March and allow me to develop so many other ideas I’ve had for a long time.

I spend every day looking at other people’s ideas, thoughts, and would like to hear from you – what doors have opened or closed for you? Are you open to new paths?

Share your experiences!

Last week Wednesday, I ordered some new kitchen appliances from Electroline and was told that they would be delivered on Friday.

I was amazed that on Thursday, they did call and confirm delivery on Friday at 2pm. I set aside the rest of Friday afternoon, never believing they would actually appear, but they did! Precisely at 2pm, the Electroline van came around the corner and I was greeted with a cheery “Good afternoon, we’re here to install your appliances.”

That made my day! It means that service and punctuality can be combined and delivered in Cyprus! It is a matter of good preparation and co-ordination. I’ve never accepted the phrase “Well, this is Cyprus!”

But, are you one of those who are always running late and then find yourself making excuses for it? What is it that makes you late? Leaving insufficient time? Unexpected traffic which you haven’t factored in? Or, do you just not care about keeping friends or business associates waiting…

As I’m one of those who hates being late, I wondered whether there was any link as to why some people are habitually late. There are quite a few reasons, but the most common was not wanting to be early! While many see it as a virtue, others don’t and believe it to be a waste of time. They don’t want to sit with nothing to do, and waiting also makes them feel awkward and uncomfortable. They also feel as if others are watching and judging, even if it isn’t true.

However, the cost – both fiscal and moral might make you reconsider! Wherever you look around, there are costs and penalties for being late. As a country, not implementing EU rules has garnered Cyprus numerous fines; institutions like banks have very high interest rates on loans not paid timeously; not getting back to the parking meter could result in a fine waiting on your windscreen and the list goes on and on.

Probably the worst cost though, is that of losing your friends. Friend A, who prefers to remain unnamed, said to me last week “Saskia, I can’t stand it anymore. Friend B just has no respect for me or my time. I left two sick children at home to come out and meet her for an hour because I’d promised, and she came after 40 minutes. It was just the last straw and I can’t put up with it any longer. It’s finally destroyed the friendship.”

Are you affected by friends or colleagues who are late? Leave your comments here!

 

Does your Team Contribution Count?

What is teamwork? As we all know, it’s more than just a group of people working together. Have you ever wondered or evaluated just how much your input and contribution actually counts?
As an orchestral violinist for so many years, I always felt that teamwork came naturally and each rehearsal and concert contributed to success. How was it measured? It was really a combination of two factors – one from within the orchestra where colleagues supported and congratulated each other and the other, from the audience, and how they showed their appreciation.

So, when moving to a more corporate environment, it was quite a shock to see that teamwork and the effect is often not that great. The general belief that working in teams makes us more creative and productive doesn’t seem to hold true. The team leader needs to be strong, with clearly defined goals and he/she needs a carefully selected team. Time is also needed for the team to become effective.

How does it feel to be part of a great team? For me in the orchestra, it was that my contribution was revered as much as each other person, and that skills, knowledge and experience was shared. It was definitely a shared collaboration.

Are you part of a team at work? Do you feel a sense of satisfaction and pride in being part of the team? Do you make suggestions which are actually discussed and implemented? Or, are you brushed off? How does that make you feel? More determined or less motivated? Does your team leader boost morale?
I would love to hear from you !

Well, finally it’s here – my finalised website and first blog! It’s rather strange but over the months which have led to this point, I’ve been considering that there is quite a lot to say about many issues but most importantly, I want to know whether you, my dear readers and followers think.
For those who don’t know me – this is my brief story.

Born in Famagusta – no dates to be supplied, but as a child, we moved to South Africa where I completed my schooling. With artistic parents, it was probably a foregone conclusion to study music and I graduated from the University of Witwatersrand majoring in Violin and Piano performance.

Many happy years followed – so many experiences and concerts as part of the National Symphony Orchestra of the South African Broadcasting Corporation. We were truly privileged to play under some of the greatest conductors with wonderful soloists including the late Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Victor Yampolsky, Pinchas Zukerman, Robert Cohen, Marisa Robles, Oxana Yabolonskaya, Vanessa Mae, Sarah Brightman…to name a few.

The entrepreneur in me, led to the formation of ITC Tours where we promoted the Mediterranean and Middle East. Its success gave me the courage to leave the orchestra, although music always remained in my heart and soul.

Living in what was termed “crime capital of the world” though, led to my return to the sunny island of Cyprus where I am now based. No longer wanting to be in the orchestral environment, I re-trained and started hosting my own classical music programmes at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation. I can’t believe that they have been going 16 years now…

Life is really a series of circles, and I see that to be true. I’m back in the music field with the Apollon International Arts Festival, which in 2017 is in its 4th year. I also edit and publish the Apollon Magazine and last year, launched the Cyprus International Food Festival.

I’m passionate about quite a few things including gardening, travelling, basketball, tennis and reading about new entrepreneurs and exciting business developments.

It’s really awkward writing about oneself, so that’s it for now, and if you want to be in touch, please post or if you prefer, email or do the social media thing – all of it is available here!
Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you

Till next time

Saskia