I figure it's time to inform people of what I'm doing, in a more clear way.
So, first of all, I am doing a third week of intensive French training, this time at the following school. http://www.buildingyourself.com/dialogue/business.htm (I have the full intention of posting a summary comparison of the 3 schools I attended, as each had its own pluses and minuses.)
Secondly, I will return to Kamloops on Aug 15.
Third, I am in the process of selling my house in Fort St John. It's been a pain trying to rent the entire place from far, far away, so it's time to cut my losses.... Actually, it's time to secure my profits, as I've happily done quite well on that. Am thinking of buying a "flatlet" in Central London, the equivalent of a permanent hotel room. Wish me luck finding something suitable that costs less than a gazillion dollars...
And to clarify, Africa job hasn't FOR SURE fallen through. Don't think they were aware that they've had me waiting for 6 months. The other day, Sam, my primary contact said, "Oh yah, wow, William has to come back from the Congo, as his ticket was only for 6 months. Can you believe that?" I said I could, as I left for Europe just a couple days after him, and I have to come home too. My medical insurance only allows me to stay out of Canada for 6 months at a time.... He tried to tell me to just wait a little longer, things are so close, but I explained that it would be ridiculously risky to go to Africa without insurance. He said the guys would be very disappointed about my going home, and I replied, "Not as disappointed as I am."
I think he was humiliated to realise that they've made me wait so long. As usual, he hasn't called since, as he absolutely avoids that sort of interaction.
Anyway, have to finish the sale of my house in FSJ (conditions due to be removed end of this week), and plan to run a half marathon in Banff at end of Sept. So they've got 6 more weeks where I'm "otherwise occupied".
Showing posts with label job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label job. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
La Belle Epoque, Parte Deux
I'm back in Provence for a second week of intensive French training. I take 6 hours a day of classes, 1 hour of that is one-on-one with a teacher. and they give us homework AND an mp3 player with oral/aural exercises on it, in case we're bored, or not exhausted, or somehow feel we aren't getting our money's worth.
Generally loving my french training though...... seriously, loving it. although my brain is awfully tired.... Stupid irregular verbs, they'll be the death of me...or at least the cause of the holes in my liver. it is because of them that I drink so much DELICIOUS wine FROM THE GRAPES GROWN IN THE VINEYARD OUTSIDE MY WINDOW, AND MADE IN THE CHATEAU WHERE I SLEEP. (no, not actually in my bedroom, although the entire place does smell a little of wine yeast)
Oddly enough, I am not yet fluent in French. Guess I need more wine.
Strangely, I have not seen any movie stars, although perhaps it's because I have not stepped outside the school.
Here are photos:
the main chateau
the main chat (oooohhhhhh baby)
And here is the link, in case you are curious about the joint:
http://www.millefeuille-provence.com/
Yes, this is what I'm doing while I wait for that dang job to start in Africa. We will work in French, so I really, really need to get better at French. I talk about the job all the time, as if it really will one day come to fruition. (Doing overtime with all those techniques from The Secret.) But seriously, my main contact in Cali has quit his day job, so he obviously thinks this is going to fly high and far very soon. One of the Congolese guys from Cali has been sent over to check out what is going on over there, and what is taking so long???? His initial reports are that all is ok, and he'll get things rolling. Obviously, I do not hold my breath, as I would have expired months ago, but....... I'm keeping the faith.
Incidentally, that guy had not been home to Congo in 7 years. Point of fact, it was 7 years to the EXACT day. Can you imagine not seeing your spouse or kids for 7 years? Yikes, wonder if there are more kids there than when he left.....these things happen... je suis mechante <-- that means naughty, FYI
Generally loving my french training though...... seriously, loving it. although my brain is awfully tired.... Stupid irregular verbs, they'll be the death of me...or at least the cause of the holes in my liver. it is because of them that I drink so much DELICIOUS wine FROM THE GRAPES GROWN IN THE VINEYARD OUTSIDE MY WINDOW, AND MADE IN THE CHATEAU WHERE I SLEEP. (no, not actually in my bedroom, although the entire place does smell a little of wine yeast)
Oddly enough, I am not yet fluent in French. Guess I need more wine.
Strangely, I have not seen any movie stars, although perhaps it's because I have not stepped outside the school.
Here are photos:
the main chateau
the main chat (oooohhhhhh baby)And here is the link, in case you are curious about the joint:
http://www.millefeuille-provence.com/
Yes, this is what I'm doing while I wait for that dang job to start in Africa. We will work in French, so I really, really need to get better at French. I talk about the job all the time, as if it really will one day come to fruition. (Doing overtime with all those techniques from The Secret.) But seriously, my main contact in Cali has quit his day job, so he obviously thinks this is going to fly high and far very soon. One of the Congolese guys from Cali has been sent over to check out what is going on over there, and what is taking so long???? His initial reports are that all is ok, and he'll get things rolling. Obviously, I do not hold my breath, as I would have expired months ago, but....... I'm keeping the faith.
Incidentally, that guy had not been home to Congo in 7 years. Point of fact, it was 7 years to the EXACT day. Can you imagine not seeing your spouse or kids for 7 years? Yikes, wonder if there are more kids there than when he left.....these things happen... je suis mechante <-- that means naughty, FYI
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Where in The World is Tara?
Many have thought I should wear a GPS collar, but it's big, ugly and chafes my neck, so I've done the next best thing:
I've worked with my superstar web designer Tanya, to create a corporate website for my wee consulting firm, Taramatarra International Consulting Services. She made a page that has my location and local time on it, plus an estimate as to how long it would take me to answer an email.
http://www.taramatarra.com/contact-taramatarra.html
Please save the link, and click whenever you are wondering "Jeez, where is Tara now?"
And if you want to be extra-groovy, have a look round the site, and tell me what you think. Yes, I do know it's gorgeous (that was in the initial bid offer from Tanya), but do you have any comments about content? Do any links not work? Typos? Strange things? What does it show my business does? How could it be improved? And do reply back and tell me it's beautiful, or anything else you liked.
Just follow the link on the contact me page, or send a note to: teleduc101 at gmail dot com.
I've worked with my superstar web designer Tanya, to create a corporate website for my wee consulting firm, Taramatarra International Consulting Services. She made a page that has my location and local time on it, plus an estimate as to how long it would take me to answer an email.
http://www.taramatarra.com/contact-taramatarra.html
Please save the link, and click whenever you are wondering "Jeez, where is Tara now?"
And if you want to be extra-groovy, have a look round the site, and tell me what you think. Yes, I do know it's gorgeous (that was in the initial bid offer from Tanya), but do you have any comments about content? Do any links not work? Typos? Strange things? What does it show my business does? How could it be improved? And do reply back and tell me it's beautiful, or anything else you liked.
Just follow the link on the contact me page, or send a note to: teleduc101 at gmail dot com.
RBS London
yes, you are right. I have not posted on my blog in a couple weeks. This is because things have been AMAZING and busy for me. And I'm a bit lazy and disorganised....
After being in LA for a month (really, a whole MONTH) I am back in the UK. Been moving around a lot. I returned to the UK to attend the Responsible Business Summit in London.
http://www.ethicalcorp.com/rbs/?t=europe%202007
It was amazing! I had such a good time! The topics covered everything related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - ethical sourcing for raw materials for manufacturing; partnering with NGOs; reducing your company's carbon footprint; community engagement; CSR in developing countries; ways to limit corruption; and a few case studies/reports out on successes companies have actually had with their CSR programs. Why do large corporations do green and/or ethical things? How does it affect their bottom line?
Perhaps an invigorating chat on the realities of child slavery and how children's wages may help a family to survive, had with the head of UNICEF Europe, is not everyone's cup of (ethically sourced, fair trade) tea? But I was thoroughly engaged, thrilled, excited, pumped...... WOW.
In addition to the man from UNICEF, I met lots of other incredible contacts. Some were people at a lower level, some were consultants like me. But others were "CSR Royalty": CEOs, ground breakers, people who regularly meet with Bill & Melinda, the White House, the UN, sit on councils that discuss international trade in Africa, etc. etc.
So I think it's clear how fits into my Big Picture of What I Want To Do (= ethical and profitable work in Africa). But how does it tie to the small picture? How will I actually pay my bills? I did get head hunted by an executive search firm..... Probably the job is not quite what I want at this point, but it does seem that something will shake loose. I met people with Big Influence, and Big Budgets, who don't need to be sold on the wisdom (and positive effect on the bottom line) of working with communities.
"I can feel it coming on the air tonight." --Phil Collins
After being in LA for a month (really, a whole MONTH) I am back in the UK. Been moving around a lot. I returned to the UK to attend the Responsible Business Summit in London.
http://www.ethicalcorp.com/rbs/?t=europe%202007
It was amazing! I had such a good time! The topics covered everything related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - ethical sourcing for raw materials for manufacturing; partnering with NGOs; reducing your company's carbon footprint; community engagement; CSR in developing countries; ways to limit corruption; and a few case studies/reports out on successes companies have actually had with their CSR programs. Why do large corporations do green and/or ethical things? How does it affect their bottom line?
Perhaps an invigorating chat on the realities of child slavery and how children's wages may help a family to survive, had with the head of UNICEF Europe, is not everyone's cup of (ethically sourced, fair trade) tea? But I was thoroughly engaged, thrilled, excited, pumped...... WOW.
In addition to the man from UNICEF, I met lots of other incredible contacts. Some were people at a lower level, some were consultants like me. But others were "CSR Royalty": CEOs, ground breakers, people who regularly meet with Bill & Melinda, the White House, the UN, sit on councils that discuss international trade in Africa, etc. etc.
So I think it's clear how fits into my Big Picture of What I Want To Do (= ethical and profitable work in Africa). But how does it tie to the small picture? How will I actually pay my bills? I did get head hunted by an executive search firm..... Probably the job is not quite what I want at this point, but it does seem that something will shake loose. I met people with Big Influence, and Big Budgets, who don't need to be sold on the wisdom (and positive effect on the bottom line) of working with communities.
"I can feel it coming on the air tonight." --Phil Collins
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Here Are The News
This is an info post, rather than just a regular entertainment post. I've had a few people ask me the same questions, so here are the news.
Q1: What's going on with the Congo job?
A1: Things are very much parked at 'hurry up and wait' for the Congo job. The history was that I pushed the company a little, and proposed that I do a little investment fund-raising for them, and then accompany the funds to Congo. My point was that I was already booked and leaving to go find work in Africa, they had work, they liked me, I like them, yadda yadda. The timing was not perfect, as I already had my ticket booked, and the Berlin conference arranged. Oh well, why let a few details stop us?
We frantically got stuff kinda ready, but realised that we really needed some face-to-face time to define roles and responsibilities, get to know each other, etc. We had hoped that some deals would complete very quickly in Congo, evryone would go to Kinshasa, and we'd do planning and strategising in Africa. Just to be helpful, but hoping not to be serious, I said maybe I could come back to LA later.... Famous last words.
Africa being Africa, the deal has not gone through yet. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems it should be. They should sell patience in the market there. Actually they probably do, but the side effects would likely be terrible.....headaches? upset tummy? dramatic hair loss??
As well, W, who founded the company, has been really busy and frantic in DRC, waiting for deals to come together, creating new deals, working with people, renting a house, etc. etc. etc. Although it would be awesome if I could fly down and help him, now is not the time to have a white girl turn up who knows no one, doesn't speak the local language, doesn't know the area. I'd be a burden.
So........ I've been cooling my heels, and waiting in the UK for weeks now. I stay with my 85 y/o aunt at her assisted care facility. I make my own fun there, but....I'm the youngest person around by three decades. Going a little looney, actually.
So, me being me [impatient], I proposed that I fly back to LA. So right this second, I am using my groovy mobile broadband dongle, and posting on the net from a train heading for London. This afternoon, I'll fly to LA. We'll have that meeting of all the company members who are still waiting in USA to go to work in DRC. I hope we'll figure out how we'll function together, define roles and responsibilities, etc. Because my background is a little of this, and a little of that, we are not sure how I would best be used.
The options include: A) I run a branch of the company that primarily focuses on humanitarian works such as community development, public health, education, and that sort of thing. Or B) I could be responsible for whatever natural resources business dealings we choose to pursue. I'd liaise with western business types, and help them to be in touch with appropriate people in the DRC. Or C) I could work with one of the other company members, assisting them in what they are doing. Hmmmm, lots of possibilities. Pluses and minuses to each, but all appealing.
Yes, it is exciting! And frustrating.
Q2: What the heck is going on with Mutarr and me? What caused me to break things off?
A2: Long story. I just spent a week in The Gambia. I went to see my friends and colleagues and get some sun. That part was great. And I went to sort stuff out with Mutarr, plus pick up all my African clothes that were at his place. That part of the trip sucked.
It had been a year since I last saw Mutarr. Obviously this is a ridiculous way to try to have a "relationship". We've had lots of fights over the year, the most serious from my perspective were about money. When I met him, he had lots of it, for a poor African. Over the 2.5 years that we've been seeing each other, I've sent lots to help him and his family. Suddenly last fall, he told me he had nothing left in his savings account. This was particularly a big deal to me because when he submits his visa application to attempt yet again to come to Canada, they review his account statements. It's easy: no money = no visa. And WHY does he have less money now, than before I met him?
We fought about all this, and many more topics. How sordid.
He now has more money than ever! How? He was initially really vague about it ("My friend sent me money, and I bought and sold goods") and when I accused him of selling drugs, he then put some further details in: "I bought 4 or 5 goats and sold them." Was it 4? Was it 5?
Anyway, the long and short of it is that I am suspicious. There are too many inconsistencies in so many stories, I have no idea what's true and what isn't. I don't know what is a result of culture, what is dishonesty, or what might be a result of a circumstance I don't understand. Regardless......not a healthy thing for me to do.
Lesson learned (again)
2 very important things for me in a life partner/husband/whatever: money management skills and honesty.
OK, this took a while, I'm now at Heathrow, and they will call my flight pretty soon. California, here I come!!
Q1: What's going on with the Congo job?
A1: Things are very much parked at 'hurry up and wait' for the Congo job. The history was that I pushed the company a little, and proposed that I do a little investment fund-raising for them, and then accompany the funds to Congo. My point was that I was already booked and leaving to go find work in Africa, they had work, they liked me, I like them, yadda yadda. The timing was not perfect, as I already had my ticket booked, and the Berlin conference arranged. Oh well, why let a few details stop us?
We frantically got stuff kinda ready, but realised that we really needed some face-to-face time to define roles and responsibilities, get to know each other, etc. We had hoped that some deals would complete very quickly in Congo, evryone would go to Kinshasa, and we'd do planning and strategising in Africa. Just to be helpful, but hoping not to be serious, I said maybe I could come back to LA later.... Famous last words.
Africa being Africa, the deal has not gone through yet. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems it should be. They should sell patience in the market there. Actually they probably do, but the side effects would likely be terrible.....headaches? upset tummy? dramatic hair loss??
As well, W, who founded the company, has been really busy and frantic in DRC, waiting for deals to come together, creating new deals, working with people, renting a house, etc. etc. etc. Although it would be awesome if I could fly down and help him, now is not the time to have a white girl turn up who knows no one, doesn't speak the local language, doesn't know the area. I'd be a burden.
So........ I've been cooling my heels, and waiting in the UK for weeks now. I stay with my 85 y/o aunt at her assisted care facility. I make my own fun there, but....I'm the youngest person around by three decades. Going a little looney, actually.
So, me being me [impatient], I proposed that I fly back to LA. So right this second, I am using my groovy mobile broadband dongle, and posting on the net from a train heading for London. This afternoon, I'll fly to LA. We'll have that meeting of all the company members who are still waiting in USA to go to work in DRC. I hope we'll figure out how we'll function together, define roles and responsibilities, etc. Because my background is a little of this, and a little of that, we are not sure how I would best be used.
The options include: A) I run a branch of the company that primarily focuses on humanitarian works such as community development, public health, education, and that sort of thing. Or B) I could be responsible for whatever natural resources business dealings we choose to pursue. I'd liaise with western business types, and help them to be in touch with appropriate people in the DRC. Or C) I could work with one of the other company members, assisting them in what they are doing. Hmmmm, lots of possibilities. Pluses and minuses to each, but all appealing.
Yes, it is exciting! And frustrating.
Q2: What the heck is going on with Mutarr and me? What caused me to break things off?
A2: Long story. I just spent a week in The Gambia. I went to see my friends and colleagues and get some sun. That part was great. And I went to sort stuff out with Mutarr, plus pick up all my African clothes that were at his place. That part of the trip sucked.
It had been a year since I last saw Mutarr. Obviously this is a ridiculous way to try to have a "relationship". We've had lots of fights over the year, the most serious from my perspective were about money. When I met him, he had lots of it, for a poor African. Over the 2.5 years that we've been seeing each other, I've sent lots to help him and his family. Suddenly last fall, he told me he had nothing left in his savings account. This was particularly a big deal to me because when he submits his visa application to attempt yet again to come to Canada, they review his account statements. It's easy: no money = no visa. And WHY does he have less money now, than before I met him?
We fought about all this, and many more topics. How sordid.
He now has more money than ever! How? He was initially really vague about it ("My friend sent me money, and I bought and sold goods") and when I accused him of selling drugs, he then put some further details in: "I bought 4 or 5 goats and sold them." Was it 4? Was it 5?
Anyway, the long and short of it is that I am suspicious. There are too many inconsistencies in so many stories, I have no idea what's true and what isn't. I don't know what is a result of culture, what is dishonesty, or what might be a result of a circumstance I don't understand. Regardless......not a healthy thing for me to do.
Lesson learned (again)
2 very important things for me in a life partner/husband/whatever: money management skills and honesty.
OK, this took a while, I'm now at Heathrow, and they will call my flight pretty soon. California, here I come!!
Monday, February 18, 2008
A Tooth Crunching Week
So, my HUGE news this week is that I have achieved my goal of finding international work. While in LA, I had a 2nd meeting with a company based there, but doing work in Africa. This week, I sent them a proposal to work with them, and they went for it!! Very exciting. And pretty sweaty armpits, holy shit, can't believe I'm doing it, wow, kinda scary. I guess I might be a little more stressed than I really thought, as a piece broke off my tooth this morning - YIKES.
Anyway, this company is really amazing. They are only 8, well now with me, 9 people. 6 of them are from the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Yup, one of the most dangerous places on earth. More on that later.) The founder wants to prove to the world that honest, reliable, fair business can be done in DRC, which is the richest country in Africa in natural resources. He has been working to do this for about 5 years now, and is starting to have a great reputation, and local sellers are approaching him to work with him, as they prefer to work with someone local, and working to give back to the DRC. Also, the guys are extremely well-connected and all well-respected within their various tribes. They tell me that I will not need a visa, as I will be provided with a letter of invitation from the President. [Feel free to say Holy CRAP, as this is blowing my mind too.]
The other guys are Americans, and also well-connected in business.
This company is acting to facilitate business in and out of DRC. So they will buy resources, export them, and sell them. And they will find sellers, and find buyers, and connect the deal. Also, when a western company wants to access the DRC market, they will act as a mediator, and help to connect them with the right contacts in high levels of govt.
The brilliance, in my opinion, of this structure is that they have well-connected locals on both continents, working very closely together. It's not easy for foreigners to do business in Africa, as we have no clue how the Africans think, and we don't know who to trust. BUT, it's also not easy for the Africans to work with Westerners. We all need to learn, and be really flexible.
My job will be to act as a liaison between the Africans and the Western way of thinking. I will spend lots of time in DRC - maybe as much as 9 months a year? I am great with other cultures, so will help the Africans to work with the foreign businessmen, and vice versa. It will be super-fun, as the Africans are pretty relaxed, and love to hang out, drink tea (or beer), and get to know the people they work with very well. I will spend a lot of time telling stories, and laughing!
I will also be assigned to work with one of the guys in a particular resource field. Not totally sure what that will be at this point.
As for the danger.....
Many would think that being a white woman would be a disadvantage - not so. For one, it is not macho to kill women. And I have a friendly personality, great smile, and body shape that really appeals to other cultures. All of the "gorgeous girls" who make movies in Hollywood - they are considered scrawny and unappealing in other cultures.
And I can talk my way through anything. I am very good at charming men with guns! :-)
The intent of this company is never to make a deal that does not benefit all parties. In addition to making plenty of money, they want to spend to help develop the country, focusing on the basics - education, infrastructure, public health, etc. So WHY would anyone local want to give us a hard time? We are the good guys.
And lastly, you know that spidey sense that tells you not to walk down that dark alley? Well, that's the same sense that keeps me out of trouble. Just steer clear of crowds and tension. You have to be incredibly unlucky or incredibly stupid to get into major trouble overseas. Try being nice - you'd be surprised how much trouble that will save you.
Once I get settled, and get everything all figured, and know how to be safe and secure, you could pop over for a visit! Africa is so interesting - I've lived there for a few months, and it's so fun to see what the local customs are like, go to weddings, baby showers, and other parties. It's a blast. I look forward to seeing you there!
Anyway, this company is really amazing. They are only 8, well now with me, 9 people. 6 of them are from the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Yup, one of the most dangerous places on earth. More on that later.) The founder wants to prove to the world that honest, reliable, fair business can be done in DRC, which is the richest country in Africa in natural resources. He has been working to do this for about 5 years now, and is starting to have a great reputation, and local sellers are approaching him to work with him, as they prefer to work with someone local, and working to give back to the DRC. Also, the guys are extremely well-connected and all well-respected within their various tribes. They tell me that I will not need a visa, as I will be provided with a letter of invitation from the President. [Feel free to say Holy CRAP, as this is blowing my mind too.]
The other guys are Americans, and also well-connected in business.
This company is acting to facilitate business in and out of DRC. So they will buy resources, export them, and sell them. And they will find sellers, and find buyers, and connect the deal. Also, when a western company wants to access the DRC market, they will act as a mediator, and help to connect them with the right contacts in high levels of govt.
The brilliance, in my opinion, of this structure is that they have well-connected locals on both continents, working very closely together. It's not easy for foreigners to do business in Africa, as we have no clue how the Africans think, and we don't know who to trust. BUT, it's also not easy for the Africans to work with Westerners. We all need to learn, and be really flexible.
My job will be to act as a liaison between the Africans and the Western way of thinking. I will spend lots of time in DRC - maybe as much as 9 months a year? I am great with other cultures, so will help the Africans to work with the foreign businessmen, and vice versa. It will be super-fun, as the Africans are pretty relaxed, and love to hang out, drink tea (or beer), and get to know the people they work with very well. I will spend a lot of time telling stories, and laughing!
I will also be assigned to work with one of the guys in a particular resource field. Not totally sure what that will be at this point.
As for the danger.....
Many would think that being a white woman would be a disadvantage - not so. For one, it is not macho to kill women. And I have a friendly personality, great smile, and body shape that really appeals to other cultures. All of the "gorgeous girls" who make movies in Hollywood - they are considered scrawny and unappealing in other cultures.
And I can talk my way through anything. I am very good at charming men with guns! :-)
The intent of this company is never to make a deal that does not benefit all parties. In addition to making plenty of money, they want to spend to help develop the country, focusing on the basics - education, infrastructure, public health, etc. So WHY would anyone local want to give us a hard time? We are the good guys.
And lastly, you know that spidey sense that tells you not to walk down that dark alley? Well, that's the same sense that keeps me out of trouble. Just steer clear of crowds and tension. You have to be incredibly unlucky or incredibly stupid to get into major trouble overseas. Try being nice - you'd be surprised how much trouble that will save you.
Once I get settled, and get everything all figured, and know how to be safe and secure, you could pop over for a visit! Africa is so interesting - I've lived there for a few months, and it's so fun to see what the local customs are like, go to weddings, baby showers, and other parties. It's a blast. I look forward to seeing you there!
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