Elorne Duncan
Interview With Elorne Duncan

"This curriculum corresponds with my professional objectives by providing comprehensive information and practical insights for effective leadership."

Elorne Duncan
Events Manager at the Le Rêve Conference Centre
JT Allum and Company Limited
Trinidad and Tobago

Postgraduate Certificate in International Marketing Management, Batch 2024

Tell us about yourself and what made you choose your program at UniAthena? How do you think it will help you in your future career?

With two decades of expertise in Business Administration, Communications, and Event Management, I choose UniAthena’s program to refine my strategic skills, equipping me for senior positions in Corporate Communications and Public Relations. This curriculum corresponds with my professional objectives by providing comprehensive information and practical insights for effective leadership.

What are you most excited to learn or explore next in your studies?

I am very eager to investigate global market entry tactics and digital marketing analytics. Comprehending these domains will provide me with insights into engaging varied audiences, enhancing global brand positioning, and adeptly customising campaigns across cultural settings—crucial for manoeuvring within today’s interconnected marketing environment.​

Could you outline your career goals you have in mind for after completing your current academic journey?

Upon concluding my academic pursuits, my professional objective is to ascend to a C-suite position, preferably as Chief Marketing Officer or Chief Communications Officer. I intend to utilise my proficiency in International Marketing and Strategic Communications to enhance brand growth, formulate global narratives, and impact decision-making at the highest organisational tiers, aligning with corporate objectives while promoting innovation and market expansion.

How are you managing your studies along with the work in your personal life?

Effectively managing my academic pursuits, professional responsibilities, and personal life necessitates meticulous organisation and prioritisation. I adhere to a planned routine, allocating designated hours for study while establishing boundaries to fulfil professional obligations and safeguard personal well-being. Using time management strategies enables me to remain focused, efficient, and flexible in all aspects of my obligations.

Share a specific example of a challenging goal you set for yourself and successfully accomplished. What did you learn from this experience?

One difficult objective I set for myself was to lead the development of the business plan for Le Rêve Conference Centre. This included establishing marketing plans, producing financial forecasts, and doing market analysis. Through tenacity and teamwork, I successfully completed the task, thereby learning the importance of perseverance, extensive investigation, and teamwork in achieving challenging undertakings.

From your experiences so far, what personal qualities do you think are important for achieving success? 

Based on my experiences, I believe resilience, adaptability, and strong communication are essential for success. Resilience allows one to overcome setbacks, adaptability enables navigating dynamic environments, and effective communication builds trust and alignment with stakeholders. Together, these qualities help drive impactful results and foster meaningful professional relationships.

Tell us about a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone to take on a leadership role. What was the outcome?

When HDC Group tasked me with leading the reorganisation of the Corporate Communications Unit, I stepped outside my comfort zone. It required me to develop new strategies, mentor team members, and implement structural changes. The outcome was a more efficient, cohesive team and improved internal communications, reinforcing my leadership abilities and strategic insight.

If you could recommend one book that you believe everyone should read, what would it be and why?

I would recommend reading Simon Sinek's "Start with Why." This book stresses the need for purpose-driven leadership and how well having a clear "why" motivates others and drives long-term success. Anyone who wants to lead successfully, forge close bonds, and create significant influence in the personal and professional spheres will find it absolutely priceless.

What is your dream job and what motivates you about it?

Being a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for a worldwide brand would be my ideal job. The position excites me because it blends strategic leadership with creative innovation to let me influence brand direction, launch powerful campaigns, and interact with many audiences all around. This vision inspires me to keep developing my worldwide marketing knowledge and sharpening my abilities.

What advice would you offer to professionals who are just starting their careers based on your own experiences?

I advise young Professionals to maintain flexibility, actively seek out learning opportunities, and establish strong networks. Accept setbacks as teaching moments, prioritise communication, and focus on building relationships—these connections and resilience drive development and open up new prospects in any sector.

  • Share

    Get in Touch

    Fill your details in the form below and we will be in touch to discuss your learning needs
    Enter First Name
    Enter Last Name
    CAPTCHA
    Image CAPTCHA
    Enter the characters shown in the image.

    I agree with Terms & Conditions.

    Do you want to hear about the latest insights, Newsletters and professional networking events that are relevant to you?