This week I had the pleasure of doing an interview with the CEO
of BASA (Business and Arts South Africa) Michelle Constant.
Michelle Constant - CEO BASA
Ten Questions with Michelle Constant.
1. Where were you born?
I was born in Marianhill Monastery in KZN.
2. What does it take to be on radio?
A lot of energy, preparation and often blind faith. Twenty years on, I have never done what I would consider the perfect show. It's like playing golf - you are constantly competing with yourself.
3. What is BASA?
Business and Arts South Africa (NPC) is a Not for Profit which leverages the relationship between business and the arts. We believe in the broader value of the arts in society, and this supports our mandate.
4. Tell us about a day in the life for you at BASA?
My job is incredibly diverse. I spend my time working with businesses, arts organisations and government. I attend an inordinate number of arts events on a weekly basis. I am involved in meetings, workshops, presentations, proposals, speeches and much more.
5. What does it take to be a CEO?
Hard work, exercise and an excellent team.
6. What tips do you have for young people starting out their career now?
Passion, Curiosity, Hard Work are an absolute requirement.
7. What are you reading now?
I am currently studying at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) part-time, so all my reading is study related - and is focussed on the Social Entrepreneurship space.
8. Notice you write columns for a few magazines, any tips for writers?
Writing is a bit like running - at some point you hit that infamous brick wall. You have to force your way through it to the next creative space. This can take a while, and sometime requires, as Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka suggests, a trip to the pub, in order to 'break on through to the other side'
9. Which South African Artist impresses you?
The intensity and purity of color in Robert Hodgins' works is wonderful.
10. How can Business help the Arts?
Through monetary support, pro-bono mentorship and in kind support. Business can help the arts in as much the same way that the arts can help business - it's an equitable partnership that offers true opportunities of Shared Value
What an interesting young lady dear readers.
You can follow Michelle on Twitter - https://twitter.com/MichConstant
To find out more about BASA visit their website - www.basa.co.za
Don't forget to enter the BASA Awards supported by Anglo American - Entries close 10 May 2013
http://www.basa.triangularx.com/
Interview by Fred Felton ( @fredfelton )
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