I am a senior leader with a proven track record, working in both private and non-profit sectors. I am passionate about connections, be it connecting people or ideas, which led me to have varied and wide-ranging paths in my career.
In the 5 years I spent in the private sector, I gained experience in management consultancy, sales, market research, human resources and project management roles at senior levels. I also started my own business, a market for second-hand children’s clothing and toys; and publishing a quarterly regional magazine for families.
My non-profit sector experience of almost 20 years has focused on programmes and projects that invest in the next generation, by supporting the development and empowerment of young people. I have taken on roles in governance, operations, change management, strategy development and project management; connecting with young people, their adult mentors and a variety of other internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Since 2015, I have built from ground up the impact measurement strategy and tools to demonstrate the impact of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which is a global non-formal education and learning programme. In addition, more recently, I am leading the development of a new global alumni network, bringing together communities across the world who have achieved a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in the past 60+ years.
Through these and other roles, I have had the opportunity to work in and with a wide range of countries and cultures. This has given me a wealth of insight and experience into a wide array of working and communication styles and how to deal with them when doing business. Since July 2018, I have been working remotely from Toronto whilst managing team members and projects across the world and developing unparalleled skills and competencies in leading virtual teams and working from afar.
I’m a serial learner and this has made it possible for me to take on projects and responsibilities in which I initially did not have an extensive knowledge or experience. Currently, I’m on a learning journey to discover more about approaches to futures thinking and strategic foresight. I am also playing an active role in the development of Turkey’s first impact investing platform Etkiyap.
And ultimately, I am an avid transmitter who believes in the power of sharing knowledge and expertise and that’s why this blog exists.
melekdewint.com 