It's a tough time for the global airline industry right now. Let's face it, it's a tough time for many as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic halt in business activities are still being felt. As the world begins to normalise, however, there are opportunities to be had. This is Dubai-resident Kelly Lundberg's mantra as she looks to host a free one-hour online business master class on Wednesday, July 22. The former Emirates cabin crewmember, who hung up her wings 15 years ago to pursue the dream of becoming her own boss, knows what it is like to suddenly find yourself without a regular job and routine. "The biggest challenge for me was certainly the loss of a steady income but the opportunities in a new business set-up kept me focused and determined," Lundberg told City Times ahead of the class. " I knew that it would be only a matter of time before the money would flow in."
In 2005, at the age of just 24, Lundberg launched the Middle East's first personal shopping and styling agency, Style Me Divine, with almost immediate success. Over the years she has propelled herself to becoming a mentor and international speaker. By combining the best in catwalk and commerce, Lundberg launched The S.Academy - mentoring business owners on how to launch and grow their presence. She also has a number of best-selling books under her belt and regularly presents keynote speeches and motivational sessions across the world on a host of entrepreneurship and style led topics, such as a TEDx Talk entitled The Currency of Life.
"I always loved connecting with people when I was crew and this didn't change when I started my business," Lundberg said. " I was constantly networking, learning and growing personally and professionally. "I quickly learned that there is a wealth of knowledge to tap into. I immersed myself into personal development and hired my first business coach a couple of years after. It was by far my biggest and best investment made." The bespoke teaching helped Lundberg ride out the 2008/9 recession and stay afloat while many competitors fell by the wayside. "It's really crucial that in business (and in life) you have someone that can help support and push you. We all have moments of self-doubt and working with someone who can recognise those moments and enable you to maximise on those moments of doubt is powerful." Lundberg's Wednesday seminar from 11am to 12pm is titled BRAND YOU and will aid participants in building their personal brand - a crucial element in finding employment, looking to expand on your current situation or to do as Lundberg did and build an enterprise from scratch. "I am all about wanting to share my experiences with many sectors. This particular offering is focused around the airline industry and I will be sharing relatable stories. I do however host a number of other masterclasses, check out my Instagram page for more details."
What do you look for in a potential employee? When I employ I look at their personal brand! Employees are the ambassadors of my business with the power to make or break its reputation. I look for someone who will continue to build business credibility. They need to demonstrate initiative, creativity and flair, which is my industry after all. A sense of humour and positivity goes a long way for me: being able to see the bright side in adversity. Join Kelly on Wednesday July 22, 11am-12pm. Sign up here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5690283144219477261 david@khaleejtimes.com