“Leaders should influence others in such a way that it builds people up, encourages and edifies them so they can duplicate this attitude in others.” ― Bob Goshen
The above description of a leader strongly reminds of my MBA courses in Tanya Chapman Class at the UMBSJ MBA program a few years ago. As an instructor, Tanya came to the lecture rooms with a wealth of experience drawn from her vast years of professional career in human resources and public affairs.
In addition to being a university instructor, Tanya Chapman heads The Chapman Group, a human resource management consulting company which specializes in developing human resource strategy and planning, building human resource programs, learning and development, and facilitating change.
In 2018, I organized the maiden edition of Fashion Power, an annual charity fashion show which champions the cause of local charities and girl child education through fashion. I had sent out over forty letters of sponsorship and received many rejections. Still, I didn’t give up because I couldn’t bear to lose my brainchild - Kaima Designs. Just when all hope was beginning to fizzle out, Tanya was one of the few who gave me a ‘yes’! She showed up with such an overwhelming support that stirred me beyond words could ever describe.
Photo Credit: DoubleYou Forum./Tanya Chapman, President of Chapman Group
A few months ago, I reached out to Tanya again regarding this year charity fashion. As soon I mentioned the purpose of my call, her response was electrifying! “Absolutely, I would love to work with you again!” She accepted to speak at the event as well as provide material support to boost the show. And when I thought we were done, she threw a question at me. “Would you like to display one of your designs on our window to promote the event?” I couldn’t believe what I had just heard and screamed a resounding “yes!” The picture on this post is the outcome of my discussion with Tanya on that fateful day.
Every great business started small and many of such businesses scaled up and gained traction as a result of their support network. Great leaders do not wait for others to beg for a helping hand onto the ladder of success, they identify the need and move to fulfill it. Tanya Chapman is indeed every inch an authentic leader and I’m thankful to God that our paths crossed. Thank you, Tanya, for being such a great leader and mentor to me. I will be eternally grateful to you for the immense support and show of love to an aspiring entrepreneur and other women.
Kaima Designs outfit on display at The Chapman Group on 117 Germain Street
Fashion Power 2019 is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2019. For more information, please visit our event page. Tickets are available on Eventbrite
It's never too late to support a good cause...