The Week 2008
Coaching Workshops in Paris
The Finalists arrived on Sunday night. On Monday morning, the program was already in full swing. The coaching workshops focused on preparing the oral presentations for the Jury, the most challenging day for the finalists. The finalists worked together in the morning and then in small groups to discuss their businesses with the other entrepreneurs. Even continents apart, they realised they often encountered similar challenges.
Jury Presentation in Deauville
After two days of workshop and countless changes made to their presentations, the finalists are finally ready for the pitching in front of the Jury Panels. This exercise allows the finalists to present their projects for half an hour and to answer questions for another 20 mintues. At the end of the day and after many discussions, the Jury members have made their choices, kept secret until the Awards Ceremony.
Day 4
On Thursday, the finalists are much more relaxed. The oral presentations are over! They attend the Women’s Forum where Wendy Luhabe, Cartier Awards jury member speaks about What kind of progress do we want in the 21st century. Indeed, this year’s meeting takes place in the context of the world financial crisis, giving it an even greater dimension and importance to the Forum’s original theme of progress. 1,200 women and men of influence travelled from 90 countries to confront and exchange their points of view. A unique opportunity for the finalists to network!
Day 5
Friday is the night! After an intense day at the Forum meeting such diverse people as Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Renault Nissan and Diane von Furstenberg, the finalists are dressed up for the Ceremony. The tension is at is height. The Laureates of each continental Award category are finally announced: Mame Diene from Senegal (Africa category) makes an impressive shout as she hears her name, followed by Renee King (Asia), Laura Chicurel (Europe), Cynthia Guy (Latin America), Mona Jhaveri (North America). Congratulations to all the Laureates!
Watch the Ceremony
Day 6
Saturday, the last day of the week for the 2008 finalists and time to part. “The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards were the best experience in my career! I was treated with so much care and attention throughout the week and getting to know the other women has inspired me in many ways. Entrepreneurship feels much less lonely now!” concluded Cynthia Guy.
