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Dec 12, 2021 Features / Columnists, Special Person
“It may be minuscule on a global scale, but locally and even regionally, I’m eager to do my part in this global (for the want of a better word) fight for gender equality and women empowerment.”
By Rehanna Ramsay
Kaieteur News – Prior to the global pandemic occasioned by the COVID-19 virus, the word “virtual” was seldom used to describe any event or phenomenon and if ever, part of a conversation or a piece of writing, it was usually skimmed across without a second thought.
Fast forward to today, and it seems like almost every sector has acquired the means to operate in a “virtual” setting. That word now holds the closest meaning for the realistic continuation of the human interaction and existence.
More than ever, people today depend on technology such as (Zoom and Microsoft Teams) to carry out their essential day-to-day functions, and at almost every corner of the globe, people continue to conduct virtual schools, work, company meetings, workshops, seminars, and even churches.
This week Kaieteur News’ ‘Special Person’ feature is of a young professional, who just happens to be the face of a company: ‘Regus’ located at Waterloo Street, Georgetown, which is part of a global brand that among other things, specialises in setting up “virtual offices” for individuals and companies in more than 100 countries around the world.
Though at 32 she may be considered young by some people, Rowena Andrea Elliot has done her fair share of work serving in Guyana’s private sector, serving in various capacities along the corporate ladder. Commitment and dedication to her roles in corporate Guyana, has landed Elliot the role of President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Guyana (WCCIG), a position, she esteems amongst her greatest feats.
Elliot is qualified in her field. Holding a Diploma in Banking and Finance, a Degree in Business Management, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, University of the West Indies (UWI), she comes highly recommended by her peers.
When Kaieteur News caught up with the young professional, she explained that her work sometimes requires her to do a balancing act. Elliot, a member of Guyana’s catholic diocese noted that she sometimes joggles practicing her faith, work, and other social responsibilities. However, if ever called upon or required, she is always willing to play her part.
Elliot told this newspaper that when the work gets too hectic, she finds harbour in her quiet, simple home front. For this young professional, family and some of her closest friends have been a source of strength and continuity.
ENRICHING EXPERIENCES
During the interview, she reflected on her early school days which were spent at the St. Gabriel’s Primary and St. Joseph High schools, and spoke of how her experience there groomed her for adult life. She asserted that “those days were definitely like a roller coaster, but as people say, it builds character. I made friendships that have survived the test of time. One friend I am still quite close to now, we first met in primary school. I have a group of friends from [St. Joseph’s] High School days that I am also still close with to this day.”
Elliot noted too that being “raised in a simple nuclear family home with mom, dad, my sister and I,” also offered her the foundation she needed for a holistic perspective on life. “Growing up I lived in a number of places in Georgetown, so it is safe to say I’m a town girl. But I ventured out when we visit my family members out of town; East Bank Demerara, Bartica, and even Mahdia,” she explained.
Elliot believes that her upbringing offered enriching experiences which was a solid enough foundation that helped with what she has been able to accomplish to date. She emphasised too that none of her achievements are without its fair share of labour. As it is with some students, Elliot recalled that soon after finishing high school, she sought to take her academic profile to the next level.
She said, “I attended the University of Guyana with the hope to start on my degree, however, due to registration deadlines and the programme being full at the time, I started off my University life reading for my Diploma and followed that up with the Degree. I have a Diploma in Banking and Finance and a Degree in Business Management.”
After some time passed, Elliot started reading for her MBA with the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, UWI. That programme, she said, took her on a rollercoaster ride.
“Completing that Masters programme. I had a few setbacks and I low-key was ready to call it quits and I had disclosed that feeling to a few people around me at the time. It was challenging for me at various points… When I got that final email about my successful completion, I was elated. I had made it through and now, I’m happy that I stuck with it and for that, I’m forever grateful to my support system,” she said.
As mentioned before, this young professional has worked in various capacities climbing to the top of the corporate ladder. She shared that her work experience began back in 2007, while still attending the University of Guyana.
“That is when I started my first job. That job was at Digicel Guyana as a Call Centre Agent, and I spent the majority of my work life there. I moved to other roles and worked along with other departments as well. Like many other things, I am grateful for the experience, overall, my tenure there was enriching. I feel like I got a good introduction to the world of work with Digicel,” she added.
STEERING ROLE
In her capacity as the Community Sales Manager at Regus, the internationally branded office solutions company which operates locally out of the Lot 165 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown address, Elliot’s roles and responsibilities include overseeing, managing and expanding the operations in Guyana.
She explained that Regus is the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace solutions, with customers, including some of the most successful entrepreneurs, individuals, and multi-billion-dollar corporations across the globe.
According to Elliot, the network includes almost 3,500 business centres, spanning almost 900 cities across 120 countries. She explained that the core products of Regus are private offices, co-working, virtual offices, and a business lounge. “Through our range of office solutions, as well as workplace recovery options, we enable people and businesses to work where they want, when they want, how they want, and at a range of price points all. Key features of Regus include all-inclusive pricing, complete office solution, global access, administrative services, 24/7 security tailored to our clients’ needs.”
The company, which opened its doors in Guyana even as oil and gas production here is at a peak, is offering fully functional and ready to move into office spaces which enable businesses to operate without the need for set-up costs or capital investment.
Elliot revels in the chance to make an impact.
She noted that for her, “helping customers to find the right solution and seeing how well it works is quite a rewarding experience.”
She continued that, “The diversity of the environment, opportunities, and scope for growth, I believe the corporate environment helps a lot in personal and professional development. You are exposed to many things that turn out to be teaching moments and people who turn out to be great teachers or mentors, so to speak.” Within the next five years, the Community Manager hopes to fill up Regus Centre and make the company a household name in regard to office solutions in Guyana.
“Then hopefully, we can set our sights on expanding and setting up a second location here,” She revealed.
WOMEN IN COMMERCE
In her capacity as President of the WCCIG, Elliot leads a team of professional and entrepreneurial women whose main goal is to advocate for, and create equal and fair business opportunities by fostering an environment that nurtures the growth of women-owned businesses in Guyana.
Elliot says her role in the WCCIG has brought her a newfound drive.
“It may be minuscule on a global scale, but locally and even regionally, I’m eager to do my part in this global (for the want of a better word) fight for gender equality and women empowerment,” she said. In this regard, Elliot relishes any opportunity to offer advice to women in business.
She noted that some of her tips for women in business include “being confident, using your words, as I am a firm believer that communication is key. Be accountable and hold your integrity, no one wants to work with someone they cannot trust. Build your network, as your network is more important than you can imagine. Be open and constantly evaluate yourself to understand your own value and what your strengths are.” Despite her achievements, the young corporate executive still considers herself, a work in progress.
She said, “I do try to carve out time for myself so as to maintain my peace, it really is an important variable to our overall well-being. I like watching movies, I like dogs so, once I have my own home, I will definitely be getting a pet. In the meantime, to find some balance, Elliot, a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church youth group, volunteers when called upon to do so. She also assists her friends who do a lot of charity work and projects. “And, when they ask for assistance whether tangible or intangible, I try my best to support them,” she said.
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