Sunita is an Executive Coach, Trainer and Consultant. She is of Indian origin and was born in London before moving to Geneva in 1992. She has a Psychology background (specialising in Occupational Psychology) and a Post Graduate in the Development and Training of Adults. She also completed a Masters in Ressources Humaines, Coaching et Gestion des Carrières at the University of Geneva.
During her 25 years experience Sunita's drive has always been to help people to do their best and hence led her to create Walk The Talk.
In her free time Sunita is a Mentor for the Branson Center of Entrepreneurship and a proud member of the School in The Cloud Team.
By Sunita Sehmi, Walk The Talk
As we go through life, we may all from time to time experience challenges that can sometimes feel too difficult or overwhelming to cope with alone. These could be anything from relationship difficulties, bereavement or loss, cultural issues, depression, anxiety, managing stress, problems at work or low self-esteem. Whatever the issue, having a safe, supportive and confidential space to be able to talk through and explore these feelings can help you understand more about yourself. Gaining insight into your past and present way of being can lead to acceptance of who you are, and growth, and enable you to find new ways forward.
I was lucky enough to sit down with Sonia Vohra a professionally qualified and experienced Integrative-Relational Counsellor.
“There is no shame in seeking help because mental health is just as important as physical health.”
Tell us about yourself, your childhood, growing up, etc.
I was born and brought up in North London. I have an older sister and a younger brother. When I was 8 years old my father died. This was a massive loss to our family and devastated us all in different ways. Historically in our culture, widows were expected to throw themselves on the funeral pyre with their deceased husbands, as they were not valued in their own right. Although times had changed and this was not expected of my mum, as a family we felt quite isolated and felt we did not hold the same credibility in society due to the significant male figure of our household no longer existing.
By Sunita Sehmi, Walk The Talk
The relationship between a mother and daughter remains constant, with their unconditional love for one another….But imagine taking this relationship into the business world? Gabrielle and her daughter, Valerie, have done just that! They have figured out how to complement each other's strengths and together they have created a contemporary bistro/boutique called L’Adresse.
The “disease to please” is prevailing in this warm, friendly welcoming restaurant. A red staircase leading you to L’Adresse has the atmosphere of a cabaret. When you reach the first floor you are far far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and you are met with chic décor, great food and a large terrace overflowing with greenery.
Tell us about yourself.
This is my first job that I ever had. Before this I was a housewife. So I had nothing to lose. I think it is so important to pass on this message to all stay-at-home mums, either because of choice, or because you were forced out by the labour market: yes, there are still ways for you to have your dream job! There are opportunities; granted, for me it was a slow transformation from housewife to restauranteur, but I had courage and conviction. Sometimes I feel all housewives have great talent but they remain hidden, as they get no exposure or recognition.
I have been very fortunate to know the Ralda family for more than 25 years. They welcomed me like family when I moved to Geneva in 1992. Since then some locations and contexts have changed but the Ralda family remain kind, considerate and united. It is my privilege to bring you their exciting new project, Ralda and Friends.
Enjoy!
The Ralda family has its roots in Godall, a typical Mediterranean village, where 80% of people in Catalonia with the Ralda surname are from. In keeping with a tradition that has Greek and Phoenician roots and which was introduced by the Romans in their country, they are passionate about our artisanal vocation and, of course, their product: the unique flavour produced by their olive trees. That’s why they invite you to share their passion by adopting an olive tree.
Ralda and Friends was set up with the aim of promoting not just the olive oil culture, but also the values associated with artisanal production principles: quality, traceability, respect for tradition, sustainability and support for small-scale producers. They also want to preserve the valuable heritage of rural areas like Godall, where their olive trees are located, a small village in the province of Tarragona, in Catalonia (Spain). So alongside olive oil, they also sell other typical products from the Terres de L’Ebre region, at affordable prices. They want to build a close relationship with customers and friends, and to offer them the chance to adopt one of their olive trees.
The International Link team consists of Elodie Gysler-Buchheim, Head of International Link and Laurine Chiarini, International Link Officer.
I have had the great pleasure of working with Laurine and Elodie on several occasions at International Link and their dedication and commitment is second to none. Their mission is an initiative created by the CVCI, (Chambre Vaudoise du Commerce et de l'Industrie), which aims to represent and support international entities of the canton of Vaud. International Link promote excellence generated and shared by companies, organizations and universities, thus helping to create a common strategy and convey a positive image for both local and global entities. Moreover, facilitating integration into the local economy and providing a platform for sharing experiences is a key part to their best practices.
Amongst all this, the International Link activities are intended for the following groups:
• Management of international entities
• Representatives and staff of international entities
• International employees
• Spouses of international employees
I was lucky enough to sit down with them and discuss their fabulous work, including the upcoming event, the Vaud International Business Award.
I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did!
Carsten K. Rath's early stages in the service industry began in the Upper Black Forest in a family-run hotel at tranquil Lake Titisee bordering on the town Hinterzarten. But Carsten wanted to see the world so he took off into the world of hospitality; this included global positions as Opening Deputy Director of the legendary Grande Roche Hotel in Cape Town and as Opening F&B Director at Lufthansa City Centre Beijing.
Particularly influential was his commitment as a preopening and opening professional in the Grand Hotel industry. Indeed, there is almost no continent where Carsten K. Rath has not opened a Grand Hotel. With his vast experience, Carsten K. Rath has also been a management board member of several companies including Design Hotels ™ and aovo AG.
In November 2008, Carsten K. Rath finally decided to go into business for himself and that gave rise to the Richtigrichtig.com Academy.
