The 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in Lumination's Learning Lab and offered members the chance to enjoy great food, wine and networking as well as a professional development workshop focused on compassion and emotional intelligence. Members also had the opportunity to have a free professional headshot taken at the event, thanks to local photographer, Monica Cugnier.
We also heard from our Charity Partner, Catherine House, with Jaylee Cooper, Manager – Philanthropy and Engagement giving an impactful presentation on the work that Catherine House does and he way donated funds are used. It made us proud to know that Spence Club was contributing to such an important cause as the charity services the whole of South Australia, and is the only dedicated women’s homelessness service in SA.
The workshop component of the event titled: 'Is Empathy Enough? Leading with Compassion' was facilitated by leading Adelaide psychologist, strategist and consultant, Jenny Harvey. Jenny shared some fascinating and important insights for our members, including the differences between sympathy (to feel for the other person (i.e. sorrow at others’ misfortune)); empathy (to feel with someone, i.e. the ability to understand and share others’ experiences); and compassion (to take action: to support, prevent, alleviate or enable).
We also took away some key insights, including: 1. It is far easier to show empathy for those that are most like us as we can better connect and identify with their experiences. 2. Empathy absolutely matters, but compassion creates change. 3. Compassion starts with ourselves. Like anything - authenticity counts. The benefits outweigh the effort – it’s worth it!
We farewelled outgoing board members Rebecca Bendikov, Spence Club Chair of Events Committee, and Kacy Ratta, Spence Club Chair of Communications, and thanked them immensely for their efforts. We also welcomed five new board members: Laura Cremen, Zviko Masiiwa, Catherine Maynard, Sara Siami and Beth Shimmin.
A huge thank you to our event sponsors Lumination, Jenny Harvey Consulting, Monica Cugnier Photography and Whistler Wines.
Read the 2023 Annual Report here.
