Babe Profile - February 2010

Annika Lewington

Name: Annika Lewington

Occupation: Executive Manager Business and Marketing at Hillstone St Lucia, St Lucia Golf Links

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Professional details: Bachelor Science; Bachelor Business Management in Psychology and International Business; Bachelor Business Management (Honours) in Marketing. Approved Manager Certificate - Completion March 2010.

I most feel like a Babe when: I am working from home in my pyjamas...

I love coming to work each day because: My role is so varied at the moment and there is always something happening either in our event venue or at the restaurant - every day brings new people through the doors!

I always knew I wanted to: Work with people.

The one thing that got me where I am in my career today was: Work experience in Year 11 at High School - after 4 days of trying out everything I was offered a job in event setup. I moved into the office 3 years later and have been here ever since!

I feel most challenged in my career when: I take on new responsibilities within my role - the challenge of constantly learning is a great motivator.

I feel most successful in my career when: I am training new employees - it feels good to know that I am confident enough in my role to be able to pass on my knowledge to others.

The highlight of my career so far has been: My recent promotion to Executive Manager. I have had experience in all facets of Hillstone St Lucia during my time here, and I am very excited to be able to take an overall approach now to managing the venue as a whole.

If I wasn't in my current role I'd like to be: In a job that allowed me to travel the world... The best piece of advice I have ever received was: Don't take yourself too seriously and every now and then, take the time to walk around in someone else's shoes.

Annika Lewington

Next on my professional agenda is: To master my current role, continue to learn and see where the experience leads me!

To me, work/life balance means: Good time management - being efficient at work, but also finding the ability to switch off at the end of the day and enjoy time with family and friends.

In ten years time I hope to be: Working in a role that continues to challenge me and finding a good balance between work commitments and my family life.

I relax by: Spending time with family - either on holiday together or just catching up over a good meal!

The best holiday I ever had was: A recent trip to Europe with my family and new brother in law - we spent Christmas in Venice together before celebrating New Year's Eve with his family in Italy.

My greatest love is: Travel, food and sharing both with friends and family.

My favourite time of day is: Once I'm home, the chores are done and I can sit down. Something that makes me really happy is: All kinds of music - there is always something to relax, inspire or cheer me up!

Something that makes me really mad is: The unmotivated.

My favourite childhood memory is: Playing with my older sister in our tree house up the back. The most interesting person I ever met was: Pianist David Helfgott - my sister got tickets for us though her work and we were able to meet him backstage.

My biggest regret is: being too shy or embarrassed to ask questions - it's something I'm working on!

My greatest achievement is: Finding a work/study balance in completing my Bachelor of Business and receiving first class honours in Marketing while holding down a job.

My word to the wise for all Babes in Business: Hire for attitude - train for skill borrowed from Richard Branson at Virgin who borrowed it from Herb Kelleher at Southwest Airlines