FI D I N E WS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FIDI FIDI Focus meets the newest addition to the FIDI team, Shola Gallard SHOLA GALLARD Digitisation is key for any business today, and this will become increasingly the case. This is also where my generation the digital generation can help FIDI Focus (FF): Tell us about yourself Shola Gallard (SG): I was born and raised in Kigali, Rwanda, with my younger sister, my mother and grandmother. Growing up, I was naturally observant and curious about things. At the age of 19, I decided to move to Belgium to get an education and experience things I always wanted to discover, such as having international friends, seeing snow (which I dont enjoy much now!), and more. I am passionate about personal development and like to challenge myself to do anything that will shape me into a boss one day. In my free time, I like to be creative, writing random stories in my journal or creating videos that tell stories. FF: Why did you decide to study marketing and communications? SG: My dream was to do IT in business, but I chose to get into marketing a few months after moving to Belgium because I was overwhelmed by the range of products available in stores something I was not used to back home. I wanted to understand how companies brand themselves, how they convince customers to pick their product over others that are similar and sometimes cheaper. I decided to pursue a degree in business management with a major in marketing. FF: What has your experience been like working for FIDI as a student? SG: Working at FIDI as a student for the past three years was a dream (and Im not saying this because Jesse will be reading). I had heard many stories about students being treated like cheap labour and I was Skyline of the business district of Kigali, Rwanda 76 FF306 June-August 22 pp76-77 Interview Shola.indd 76 not expecting to have my own desk in an office full of experts, especially so early into university. But I was touched by how respectful, professional and welcoming everybody was. What I have enjoyed the most is having the space to be myself, come up with ideas and initiatives, make mistakes and learn from them. Its also very exciting to become a full member of the FIDI team just when the association is getting started on such thrilling projects as the new FAIM 2022 Standard, sustainability in the global mobility industry and crucial topics such as diversity, parity, and so on. FF: You will now be part of the FIDI team full-time. What will be your main tasks and responsibilities? SG: I will be part of the FAIM Coordination Centre (FCC) and the marketing and communications team, where I hope to put my skills to good use. My main tasks and responsibilities will be to develop and coordinate segmented communication campaigns, assist the FCC in its day-to-day communications around FAIM, and help in the management of FIDI 39 Club projects. FF: What do you believe will be the main challenges and opportunities for FIDI and its members in the near future? SG: One of the main challenges will be managing data and processes without delegating and automating through digital tools available in the market. COVID has shown how digitisation is key for any business today, and this will become increasingly the case. This is also where my generation the digital generation can help. Another challenge I see is around diversity, as there is a lack of diversity at senior management levels, on advisory boards, and in other influential areas of the industry. I also feel there is a lack of awareness about sustainable and social projects and initiatives. In this area, FIDI and its members have an opportunity to use their existing global network to bring their wide experience and diversity into play. I find FIDIs truly international community really enriching, and I believe its a great added value for the industry. There are also many young professionals from all around the globe with the years of expertise needed to make strategic decisions that will help. I look forward to participating in shaping the future of FIDI and our membership, and to connecting with the FIDI community from all corners of the world. WWW. F I D I . OR G 07/06/2022 10:34