Stacey Bossenger is a senior recruitment consultant and has been with Ad Talent Johannesburg for the last 5 years. She trained as a graphic designer and studied advertising at the AAA. After qualifying and a few stints as a graphic designer, she soon realised that her passion was for people and communications and so began her career in this field.

Prior to joining us, she worked in Public Relations for two of the most prestigious PR consultancies in Johannesburg, handling many major campaigns. She has also worked in advertising in client service as well as working for major publishing houses as a media sales consultant. Her years working in the communications industry and her 5 years in recruitment have afforded her a vast network and so she is well-connected in the industry.

We asked her these questions to find out who the real Stacey Bossenger is.

What drives you?

Being able to make a difference and what better place to be than at Ad Talent. I strive to make my clients and candidates happy and enjoy the challenge of finding the right person for the right job. Other than that my children drive me - they get me up in the morning and make me positive and make me face the challenges that lie ahead.

What one thing would you like to do before you die?

I want to give my children every opportunity to realise their full potential.

Which charity is close to your heart and how do you assist it?

The Organ Donor Foundation. I am involved with Ochre Media - a fabulous advertising agency - who have just agreed to do the advertising campaign for the foundation. Look out for their campaign in August.

With the global recession and economic times getting tougher by the day, it is no surprise that budgets are being stretched and cut. Stacey Bossenger, Jo-Anne Strydom and Krida Pillay who recruit in the Public Relations and Communications industry portfolio have seen this up close, as companies and agencies put a hold on recruitment.

What does this mean for the immediate future of PR? They spoke to some of their clients, leaders in the industry, on the prospects for PR going forward.

Melanie Behan, Managing Director - Y&R Johannesburg

How did you get into the industry?

Before joining Y&R in 2005 I worked at some of South Africa's leading managing consulting firms across both public and private sectors. Then I struck out for myself as the founding partner and shareholder at the Fearless Executive, a specialist Brand agency. It was the blend of these experiences that brought me to the attention of the then CEO of Y&R Yossi Schwartz, who lured me away to first head up the MTN business, then later to run the whole of the Johannesburg set-up. It's been a non-stop whirlwind ever since.

JOHANNESBURG:

CAPE TOWN:

Nigiro appoints Kite Advertising & Design
Kite, a Cape-Town based creator and custodian of brand identities, has been appointed to represent the Nigiro Specialist Tea Merchants.

After being with my company for 2 years, in spite of, in my opinion, being a star employee, I have recently been retrenched. Although I don't need to stay on until the end of the month I'm still in the middle of some key design projects. They have said I can leave immediately, but the truth is there is no one else to do the work. Should I leave with all the work up in the air or would it be best to complete all projects prior to leaving?

Diligent but Destitute

Dear DD

This is, indeed, a pity that you're finding yourself in this situation. The current economic situation has hit the advertising industry fairly harshly and many talented people have been retrenched.

Although you don't need to stay on, chat to your Creative Director and ask him whether he would prefer for you to complete current projects. If he does, then complete them. Not only will you feel better about the projects, you'll be leaving the company on a good footing which will shine through in a reference at a later stage. Should it be agreed that you remain on board while completing the projects, ensure that you are given flexibility to go for other interviews. Should they release you of all responsibilities, leave gracefully and don't forget to keep copies of all your design work for your portfolio.

Although things may seem dismal at present, it's not all doom and gloom. There are opportunities still available; however, they might not be exactly what you had in mind. Use this opportunity to explore alternative avenues in your industry and broaden your skill set in the process. We wish you all the best with your new search.

Mama

Happiness is laughing with my friends.

 Kim Meredith, author of the book, "Work Diva," had an official book launch last month. All money raised, after  expenses, was generously donated to Leratong and an animal charity of her choice. A cheque of R3000 was presented to Peggy and the children. Thank you, Kim, for your on-going generosity to this little school.

 Thank you to Gabriella Sinclair who has outgrown her teddy bear collection and has donated all of them to Leratong.

 Kristen and Kayla Henry did a major spring clean recently and gave boxes and boxes of clothes and toys to the children. Thank you girls for your generous donation.

Safe secure in their colourful classroom.

If you want to donate, these are the bank account details.

First National Bank, Bramley - 252 105,
Account number - 503 000 125 02.
Their registration certificate number is 002298.
(Alexandra Learning Pre-School Centre's bank account)

Click below to read more about Leratong.

"He who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger"
Japanese Wisdom



Till next month
Brenda