StMaartenNews.com interviews CSMA’s CEO Natasha Gittens
PHILIPSBURG — “I am Dr. Gittens, a woman that experienced the storm firsthand; a woman who is not afraid to get up after observing much devastation; a business owner that has been rejuvenated to be more creative, innovative and reinvent services and courses that matter.”
This statement was made on the 3rd day of the 1st annual St. Maarten Customer Service week organized by the Customer Service Mobile Academy (CSMA) at the host venue Holland House Beach Hotel from Monday, November 27th to Friday, December 1st.
“Although many companies offering similar services have left the island, Training Professionals International Firm and its affiliate company Customer Service Mobile Academy will maintain our commitment to this country and the people of St. Maarten.” says Dr. Natasha Gittens to stmaartennews.com.
To buttress her point, Gittens added that “I will not abandon this country based on a disaster; I will not walk away because business is not as usual. You see true leaders reinvent themselves and find ways to change the mood. That is exactly what CSMA did with the First Annual Customer Service Week. We encouraged professionals to accept the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and embrace the future of the island.”
Speaking on the timing of the training, Gittens disclosed that this event was scheduled Pre-Irma and was rescheduled. She stated that “regardless of what happened to this country we must focus on enhancing our Customer Service Delivery. This issue was pressing Pre-Irma and it has greater importance now.”
Gittens continues her passionate plea: “When we viewed the media depicting our country and looters in a disaster state, it hurt us all. So, what do we do now? In my opinion we must rise, stand up, understand that we were in a dark room, a dark storm and uncomfortable situation and look for that one light switch. That switch that will brighten the darkness, illuminate the country and put a renewed feeling in our hearts.”
“As the President & CEO of CSMA, I personally observed professionals walking into this week’s sessions with a layer of distress, disengagement and fear of the unknown. What was key for me and my staff is that they came on time, against all odds and were looking for a purpose to transition to a new level of thinking, a new vision of the island, an enhanced feeling that will make their job performance rise.”
“The First Annual Customer Service week was that light switch.” says Gittens. “We watched men and women from diverse companies enter our training rooms with unenthusiastic body language and leaving jovial with illuminating attitudes, vivacious smiles, holding their course folders like a valuable family photo.”
According to Dr. Gittens: “What happened, happened, but the key is we must move forward and stop reminiscing in the experience. Lessons have been learned; some spoken out loud for all to hear; others whispered in nightly prayers. But the message is and remains we are on the uprise.”
Gittens’s message is clear: “Businesses re-open, professionals reinvent yourselves, students study harder, people of St. Maarten walk ten feet tall. The light is upon us! “
Gittens expressed satisfaction at the turn-out of the first annual Customer Service Week thus far and also used the opportunity to acknowledge the support from the Windwards Islands Bank Ltd, TELEM Group, and N.V. GEBE, to name a few.
Expressing concern at the present situation on St. Maarten, Gittens disclosed that CSMA’s took a proactive approach and its curriculum team developed a Job Readiness course that was specifically developed to cater to individuals that need to reposition themselves or reenter the job market. CSMA offered a price reduction that catered to the needs of the unemployed.
The accredited course integrated resume writing, interviewing skills, leadership, teamwork, role playing and aspects of effective communication in today’s workplace. Gittens: “We are hopeful that the leaders of St. Maarten see the value in the Job Readiness Course to support displaced workers as soon as possible.”
Explaining the reason for awarding a contract to the students of Charlotte Brookson Academy school, Gittens said that the idea was born out of the realization that children were affected by the hurricane Irma also.
To further encourage the public, Gittens noted that “The most important thing that an individual can do for themselves is to believe that there are no barriers that are un-achievable.” Gittens applauded those who are already rebuilding their lives, starting new businesses, changing careers, enhancing their professional game plan and pursuing innovative measures to impact their lives in a positive way.
The event will continue tomorrow from 8am. Please visit AcademyCSMA.com for further information.
