Q & A with Jaylene Naidoo, our intrepid GM

meet our graduates » Johannesburg »

Tell us about your career path and how you found yourself at Terrapinn?

I have my Honours in Psychology. When I finished university, I decided to put my degree in psychology into good use as a restaurant manager – one of the few opportunities available to a small town gal J Thankfully, I decided that that was not how I wanted to spend my time, or the best years of my life, and I made the decision to move to Johannesburg. The rest, as they say, is history! I joined Terrapinn close to 6 years ago. I started as a Conference Manager, worked my way to Senior Conference Manager within a year and half, and within 3 years became GM of the Telecoms and Enterprise Team. Its been a fulfilling journey that has taught me much about my own strengths and weaknesses.

What have you enjoyed most about working at Terrapinn?

My team, my events and being onsite. Being at the event is the best part of the job in my opinion. It’s  where everything comes together and the magic happens!

What advice would you give a graduate who is just starting their career?

Don’t be afraid to take chances and initiative. In a world where so many people think that success is just going to come to them, employers are looking for individuals who make their own success and are hungry to achieve.

What do you do for fun?

Rockclimbing; reading; dancing; chilling with my mates. I’m a very social being and enjoy the company of others. I love a good night out on the town – I believe in working hard and playing hard!

What would you say are your greatest achievements?

I have a can do attitude. I set my mind to do something and I usually achieve my goals. A few more noteworthy ones are overcoming my fear of snakes and heights – yes I’m afraid of heights and love to rock climb! Professionally that would be building a very rewarding career for myself and finding my fit in the corporate jungle.

What book are you currently reading?

The Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind

What is your untold secret?

I’m an adrenaline junkie – fast cars; extreme sports; anything to get the blood pumping!