Oooo doesn't the title make me sound important?! Sadly my 'networking' really consisted of the usual random chats with whoever was nearest, although they were all illuminating in their own way. Meriem pointed the Ogunte Women's Social Leadership Awards event a while back and it seemed interesting so I signed up, went along, and turned out to be virtually the only non-female there - well certainly the only one not connected to a finalist in some way!
Anyway, I'm still not entirely sure what Ogunte does, but it was a nice event and great to see people getting recognition for the difference they make to other people's lives. Ogunte apparently is a social innovation and leadership development organisation focused on women. Unfortunately since 'innovation' is turning into a buzzword that is used in so many woolly contexts, you're no longer quite sure whether to take it seriously or not. Nevertheless Ogunte is about coaching and leadership, which can often be hugely valuable in effecting positive change. The winners consequently won support and mentoring.
3 things I learnt:
- Successful leaders are those who have a passionate love affair with the endeavour they're leading
- That 'networking' really isn't so bad when the people in question are fundamentally decent sorts - and social entrepreneurs almost by definition, are just that
- You really can't get away from exchanging business cards, so best keep a few on you!
