The National Retail Association’s Future Leaders Lunch this year was held at the Cucino Vivo restaurant at the Star Gold Coast on 16 September and welcomed all the nominees across the categories of the 2022 HR of the Year, Store Manager of the Year, and Young Retailer of the Year. This also included gold sponsors to the awards ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions, Latitude Finance, and DotDigital as special guests and speakers.
National Retail Association has formed a resilient influence built upon innovation and perseverance in responding to the ever-changing retail demands within the industry and has formed many pathways for retail employees that are only in the directions that are moving forward. This has created an abundance of leadership across various businesses from Hospitality, Department and Specialty stores, Health, Convenience, Discounts, Technology, Warehouse, Superstores, Supermarkets, and many more. Once again, we are leading the change in how we approach the future of work and by doing this, we offer a Future Leaders program as part of our National Retail Awards.
Mentoring has been a popular strategy in many types of organisations to promote successful career advancement, especially for those in fast-paced working environments such as retail employees working within the community. Leadership Lunches provide a unique opportunity for either the young guns in the industry or individuals climbing the ladder to interact with each other and share insights, support, and common interests over a very enjoyable lunch.
Over the course of the lunch, National Retail Association’s very own Chairman Tim Schaafsma was the presenter along with gold sponsors ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions who also provided an interactive networking activity at each table to bring forward a challenging and collaborative atmosphere. In addition, the former 2021 Younger Retailer winner Hannah Hales stepped up and presented a very motivational, awe-inspiring speech to the finalists which lifted each spirit prior to the awards ceremony.
Mentoring and networking programs address a number of challenges and increase the number of advantages and strategies, especially in the retail industry where we are in constant interaction with the public. By contributing to the future leaders in our industry today, will benefit and shape the way of the future.