Executive Edge: Disabling prejudice

A book to help the disabled job-hunt has been published by Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the popular What Colour Is Your Parachute? His new publication Job-Hunting For The So-Called Handicapped (Ten Speed Press, $39.95) is set squarely in the US and reflects the anti-discrimination legislation there. But it offers universal advice in chapters looking at issues such as employer fears and how to handle them, how to persuade potential bosses you are qualified, examples of botched interviews, and overcoming internalised oppression.

Totem exercise

The new Totem networking club in Auckland is offering an uplifting day called Inspiration, Enterprise and Entertainment on May 4 from 10am to 4pm. Leading 30-minute "conversation cafes", which founder Roslie Capper hopes will come to define Totem's culture, are Lisa's Hummus founder Lisa Er, Cuisine publisher Julie Dalziel, Business in the Community's Sarah Trotman, wardrobe adviser Michele Harrod, and show director Tricia Macpherson. Entertainment, food and wine are included in the prices of $95 for members and $195 for non-members. Check out www.totem-auckland.co.nz or send a message to inquiries@totem-auckland.co.nz

Happy fellows

Katrina Ings, Waikato regional commissioner for the Ministry of Social Development, and Terry Patterson, executive director at Audit New Zealand, are off to Harvard Business School, the Centre for Creative Leadership in Colorado Springs, and the London Business School on Management Development Centre fellowships. The fellowships are funded by public service departments which contribute to the Management Development Centre.

Achieving balance

Australia-based training company FranklinCovey holds two workshops in Auckland next month. The three-day Seven Habits of Highly Effective People runs May 8-10 and centres on thinking, acting and seeing differently to secure life balance and success. What Matters Most is a one-dayer on May 7 and focuses on life balance and self-awareness. Contact (0508) 509-222.

Back in business

A pilot scheme set up by the Government to give businesses access to skilled students is likely to be repeated this summer. The four Snap pilot schemes, in South Auckland, Waikato, Gisborne and Invercargill, were run by Student Job Search, and aimed to match students to jobs using their primary skills. This year SJS wants to increase the number of placements available to tertiary students. For more information phone the Auckland regional manager of Student Job Search, Sina Aiono, on (09) 309 7800 ext 701 or email: sina.aiono@sjs.co.nz