What inspires you?
Real life role models who I can look to for models and insight, both those who are publicly celebrated as well as the more underground and low-key leaders.
Which leadership development programme did you attend?
Peach Placement and Powerbrokers Hothouse
Why did you choose the programme?
I chose the Peach Placement to have the opportunity to live, work and contribute to a city away from London, specifically Liverpool, through a hunch that it would be a fantastic crucible
How do you relax?
Dancing, reading, strolling, watching films, spending time with loved ones
What single thing would improve the quality of your work-life?
An amiable patron (smile). Do they still exist?
What is your greatest fear?
Can’t think of anything
What pearl of leadership wisdom would you offer an emerging leader?
Nothing is more important than the way that you make others feel
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Watching films in the afternoon
What words or phases do you most overuse?
Cosmopolitan,
What has been your most challenging situation as a leader?
Letting go of bad mistakes
What did you learn from that experience?
Time and reflection changes your perspective and karma exists
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being present to life
Which book(s) are you reading at the moment?
The Fountainhead
Where would you like to live?
I’d like to live in New York, Trinidad and London at different times of the year
Did you experience any eureka! moments during your leadership development programme? If yes, what?
Well, I fell back in the water and almost drowned
If you were a super hero, what would your power be?
Invisibility
Have you found your leadership development beneficial?
Definitely
Why?
It’s given me the experience to access mentors and to meet a range of interesting people
What do you consider to be your greatest (professional or personal) achievement?
That I do what I love to do as a living
What would your 'leadership' motto be?
Leadership is a gift
If you were stranded on a desert island what 5 things would you want with you?
A very capable robot, a radio, and then the usual things people want on a desert island – swiss army knife, canoe/boat/rescue vehicle and so on…..
What is your favourite song?
At the moment ‘All I do’ by Stevie Wonder.
What keeps you awake at night?
nothing
What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
Keep on keeping on
Do you plan to do more leadership development? If yes, what area do you plan to focus on?
Yes, I’d like to focus on building networks
Name: Melanie Abrahams
Title: Director
Organisation: Renaissance1/Tilt
Location: London-based, works nationally, internationally
renaissance one is an independent organisation which supports and nurtures writers and producers through brokerage, mentoring, book launches and touring live literature; Tilt is a company of spirited practitioners who instigate activity and further self-expression, creativity and oratory through the spoken word.
