Global Wellness Institute launches online mentoring platform
The Global Wellness Institute's (GWI) Career Development Initiative has launched an online mentorship platform.
Now in its third year, the Global Mentorship Programme is the first-ever international programme where seasoned spa, wellness (and now hospitality) executives can give their time and share their expertise (mentors) to guide spa, wellness and hospitality professionals with potential (mentees) for positions within the sector.
As one of the early Initiatives of the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the Global Mentorship Programme tackled a key topic: the staffing crisis.
Researchers examined industry challenges, made recommendations to increase the management talent pool and explored ways to spotlight available job opportunities.
In the recently published Global Wellness Economy Monitor, it was concluded that, "…since 2013, spas added 237,424 jobs to the global economy. Projections for the spa industry growth over the next 5 years indicate that there will be an estimated 2.8 million persons employed by spas in 2018 (1 million in Asia-Pacific ; 950,000 in Europe & 540,000 in North America). An additional 400,000 trained spa therapists and 70,000 experienced spa managers/directors will be needed by the industry in 2020."
With the launch of the online platform, mentors and mentees are now able to connect within 10 minutes: they simply log in, add a short biography and photo, and rate their skills within the framework of 16 main skills outlined in the Body of Knowledge suggested by ISPA in 2013.
The search is based on the top three skills that mentees want to develop, resulting in a list of possible mentors (with the best matches listed first) in their country, or across the world.
It is possible to switch roles: the programme offers the possibility to start a mentorship relationship as mentor - whenever you are available to guide and inspire; or as mentee - whenever you need to receive guidance in your career path, or want to become a better leader within your team or organisation.
Ideally a mentorship relationship lasts between three and six months, with a minimum of one 60-minute call between both parties every two weeks.
Relationships are guided and bound by a code of conduct, agreed to by the mentor and mentee, ensuring confidentiality. Mentees are asked to send their mentor questions or topics prior to each connection, then follow up with a recap.
This allows both mentors and mentees to have a clear picture of what was discussed, what actions were taken, and the progress made by the mentee.
The Global Mentorship Programme is spearheaded by a team of spa and wellness experts from around the world:
• CHAIR & regional director EUROPE: Jean-Guy de Gabriac - CEO of Tip Touch international
• TREASURER & regional director MIDDLE EAST: Shahida Siddique - CEO Altearah Bio• Regional director AFRICA : Emmy Stoltz - Owner Spa Fusion & board member South African Spa Association
• Regional director AUSTRALASIA: Kent Richards - corporate operations director Six Senses Hotels Resorts & Spas• NEW - regional director CANADA: Daryll Naidu - director of spa - Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie, Shangri-La Hotel & member of the board of directors spa industry association of Canada
• NEW - regional director CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA: Emmanuel Arroyo - regional director of wellness at Rosewood Hotel Group• NEW - regional director INDIA: Rekha Chaudhari - owner & managing director JCKRC
• NEW - regional director USA: Dawn Tardif - founder BodiScience Wellness Center & Spa & member of the board of directors ISPA
For the next two years they will supervise country ambassadors and work with associations, educational institutions and publications to spread the message about the platform.
GWI Global Wellness Institute spa industry wellness mentor online digital technology
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
