Congratulations to 2024 SITE Mentee of the Year Akhona Fakudze! 

Here are mid-year musings from Akhona, as he reflects on how being part of SITE's Mentoring Members program this year has helped his career as an incentive professional. 

The first 6 months of 2024 have seen me grow as a business professional — approaching business in a more pragmatic and sustainable manner. 

This growth has been catalysed by the guidance I have been receiving from my mentor, Pat Sandall. 

Pat and I meet on a weekly basis for 45 minutes via Zoom video call. Our initial discussion focused on sharing my goals and aspirations with Pat. Subsequent discussion topics have been tailored to meet my needs and specific requests.

After a few discussions, it become evident to me that the goals submitted were not SMART. 

Given the magnitude of the tasks and extensive coordination required, the goals were unrealistic, and would not be attainable in the stated time frame. 

The goals were adapted to be SMART based on situational analysis, and each goal is now tracked as a project. I have set up recurring weekly calendar events to ensure that adequate time is set aside to work on tasks set out for each goal. 

Progress is being made on all of my goals and has resulted in tangible steady business growth, particularly in enquiries from local corporates for incentive travel and team building trips to Maputo, Mozambique.

Additional support received from my mentor has included: 

Sharing of industry knowledge in relation to building world-class incentive programs, with emphasis on meticulously paying attention to every step from planning to post-client surveying

• Using SITE Crystal Award winners as a benchmark for excellence
• Sharing lessons on the incentive travel value chain 
• Sharing of network contacts to follow and connect with
• Sharing of best practice tools to assist with stakeholder relationship management, risk management, and budgeting of tours 

The mentorship program has been beneficial to my personal and professional growth. I could not have asked for a better Mentor as Pat is patient, and selfless — allowing me to express myself — and giving of her time. 

I further look forward to interaction with other mentees so as to expand my SITE network and to share knowledge and experiences.

Thank you, SITE!