• Features
    • In Conversation
    • Her Story
    • Young Seychelloise
  • Wellness
    • Relationships
    • Family
    • Health
    • Mindfulness
  • Living
    • Food & Drink
    • In the Kitchen
    • Decor & Styling
  • Career & Finance
    • Life & Work
    • Career Profiles
    • Finance
    • Seychelloise in Business
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • Skin
  • Arts & Culture
    • Art
    • Music
    • TV-Film-Books
    • My Life in Books
    • Travel
  • All Stories
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Features
  • Wellness
  • Living
  • Career & Finance
  • Beauty
  • Arts & Culture
  • All Stories
  • About
  • Contact
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    cosmocreole

    CONNECT. INSPIRE. SHARE

    cosmocreole
    Happy Independence Day Seychelles! #Seychelles Happy Independence Day Seychelles!
#Seychelles
    Seychelles will remember Geva René as a woman wit Seychelles will remember Geva René as a woman with boundless love for children. Her passion for the welfare of children was at the forefront of all that she did, and she worked tirelessly to create a better environment for the young people of Seychelles. Her passion and devotion to this cause were enduring, and her legacy in this area is the epitome of the power of compassion and empathy. Story on Cosmocreole and link in the bio

#inspirationallife
#Seychelles #firstlady #loss #children
    Seychellois sisters, Dominique and Camilla Ernesta Seychellois sisters, Dominique and Camilla Ernesta have joined forces to create the swimwear brand Aimée Swim – Inspired by Seychelles, Aimée Swim is an eco-conscious swimwear brand based in Seychelles that currently offers 18 pieces, some of which can be mixed and matched to taste. Dominique and Camilla settled for Aimée Swim as their brand name as the name Aimée has sentimental meanings for them as well as for the family.Read their story on Cosmocreole. Link in the bio
#womenentrepreneurs  #youngentrepreneur #swim
#swimwear #ecofriendly #Seychelles #summer
    Three life coaches originating from the beautiful Three life coaches originating from the beautiful island of Seychelles but living on three different continents have joined forces and will be hosting an online Summit, "She Sparkles" on the 28th and 29th of April. The three Certified Life Coaches, Marsha Parcou, Enda Gilbert and Lucy Dogley-Darani have come together to support, inspire and hold space for women all over the world. The message behind this gathering is that "One woman can make a difference, but together, we're mighty."

Read on Cosmocreole.

#shesparklessummit #seychelloise #lifecoach
    Three Certified Life Coaches originating from Seyc Three Certified Life Coaches originating from Seychelles, living on three different continents, have come together to host this online summit to support, inspire and hold space for women all over the world. 
#Seychellois #shesparkles #lifecoach #burnoutprevention #griefsupport #womenentrepreneurs #seychelles
    Elaine Desnousse, 33 years old, from the Seychelle Elaine Desnousse, 33 years old, from the Seychelles islands, was born with a respiratory disease diagnosed as bronchiectasis when she was a teenager. With repeated infections over the years, the disease was progressive and led to respiratory failure. This affected Elaine’s wellbeing and quality of life, which meant she would ultimately need a lung transplant; without it her future was bleak—her life ending sooner than expected. 

Despite many challenges, both her lungs were replaced with those received from a donor. Read Elaine’s journey to a new lease of life and breathing easier than before on Cosmocreole. Link in the bio.

#lungtransplant #respiratorydisease #inspiration #organdonation #Seychelles  #newleaseoflife
    Huge congratulations to Sarentha Luther on her rec Huge congratulations to Sarentha Luther on her recent selection as a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow.The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). YALI was created in 2010. Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 5,800 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries. 
You can read Sarentha's story on Cosmocreole. A truly inspirational young Seychellois.
#mandelawashingtonfellow #youngafricanleadersinitiative  #seychellois #clinicalentrepreneur #seychelles #Cosmocreole
    To all mothers, we hear and we see you —love mak To all mothers, we hear and we see you —love makes you do it.

To the mothers of neurodiverse children, we salute you for fighting, paving the way for your children even though no one has paved the way for you.

To the mothers who have lost a child, you are heartbroken, but the way you move forward in grief is humbling and inspiring.

To the mothers of differently-abled children, tiredness is your life but you do not give up. We see your love.

To the mothers of adopted children, you are brave —giving a home, being there—loving them.

To the mothers doing it alone, your determination is noted—you are stronger than you think.

To all mothers, you are unique—accommodating and fiercely protective women because of motherhood.

If your part of the world is celebrating Mother's day - Happy Mother's Day 💐

#mothers #happymothersday  #motherhood
    They are Seychelloise...across 4 continents... the They are Seychelloise...across 4 continents... they share their Love, Life, Loss and Everything in Between. Read on Cosmocreole. Link in the bio.
#happywomensday #Seychelles #seychellois #lifecoaching #womenentrepreneurs #heritage  #writer #Cosmocreole
    I started Cosmocreole to give Seychellois women a I started Cosmocreole to give Seychellois women a platform to share their stories, connect with others and inspire each other no matter where they are in the world. I am forever grateful I did what my heart yearned because on this journey I have met ( in person and virtually) some amazing, talented and inspirational Seychellois women around the world, and that has been a real blessing.

Happy Women’s Day

Jini
Editor
    Follow on Instagram
COSMOCREOLE

COSMOCREOLE

connect.inspire.share

  • Home
  • Her Story
  • Young Seychelloise
  • In Conversation
  • Beauty
  • Career Profiles

I Changed Career Paths-Murline Lebon

30 January 2021 · In: Career & Finance, Career Profiles, Features, Her Story, Life & Work

The pandemic came not only with the loss of lives but also jobs and businesses. Post-Covid 19, many people will find themselves without a job or will be forced to change career paths. People can – and do! – switch career paths every day. Cosmocreole speaks to Murline Lebon about her career change and the challenges that came with it.

Career change happens to the best of us-you find a dream job, go for further studies or join the workforce—work like mad to get where you want to be, only to realise the dream job was not such a dream after all. Either you do not get the job satisfaction you wanted, or circumstances force you to make life changes.

A career change can be a challenging and scary move to make, but it just might end up being the best move you ever make and find yourself doing something you are passionate about. Thinking of making a change? Have you been made redundant? Cosmoccreole has four top tips for you and Murline shares her career journey. Murline started her career in the media and broadcasting industry and now works in the Insurance industry.

Murline with husband Gilbert Lebon, and their three children; Stephanie, Jean-Paul and Jean-Luc

“I have been married for 24 years to a very spiritually grounded, humble, and hardworking partner— together we make a great pair. We have three lovely children, two grown-up young men, Jean-Luc 23 years old, and Jean-Paul who is almost 20. Stephanie, the baby of the family is 15 years old.

“It was after the birth of my firstborn, that I decided to look for an 8-4 job.  Moreover, after returning from my degree in the UK, I found myself doing the same thing I was doing before I left for further studies, and I needed more challenges. After I completed my A’levels at the then School of Humanities and Sciences in 1989, I joined the then School of Media Studies in 1990 for a year and SBC in 1991. In1993, I was awarded a government scholarship to do a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting Studies at the University of Leeds. Upon my return in 1996, I remember, during a meeting with the Managing Director of the Corporation, when I asked about the plan for me as a graduate, I was told that all journalists were equal.  So I took it that there were no long term plans for graduates then.”

Change can be pretty life changing when it’s embraced

“After my maternity leave and a further 3 months sabbatical to care for my newborn, I applied for the position of Director for Cooperation at the Ministry of Health. Although it was a completely different field, with my journalist/PR background, I had a lot of transferable skills, I learnt a lot on the job and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was all about cooperation, both International and national, whereby we acted as a liaison office for all projects that the Ministry of Health wanted to implement. We assisted in submitting projects to different agencies, like WHO, UNFPA, UNDP, and the various embassies in Seychelles. It also meant working in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attending international conferences and meetings.

” One project which I had some great memories working on was the Twinning Agreement Meeting in Reunion, whereby the Ministry of Health had a twinning agreement with Felix Guyon Hospital in Reunion. Patients were either going to Reunion for specialized treatment and Specialist doctors were coming to Seychelles at least twice a year to consult patients and performed surgeries on Seychellois patients.

“I spent four years in the post, and I can describe it as an enriching experience. I had good memories of a great working relationship with my superiors. I was supported to ensure that I grew as a person and in the quality of work I did. However, after a change of management and for personal reasons I decided to leave.”

Letting go of stability and what you know can be scary

” I was unemployed for 6 months and actively looking for new avenues when I was offered a position of Sales & Marketing Executive with H Savy Insurance. Insurance was totally a new field for me, whereby I had absolutely no knowledge of Insurance. So the beginning was quite painstaking—I was given countless materials to read—getting accustomed to insurance languages and policy wordings. It was not a pleasant and easy task. However, once I got the feel of the business and with the support of my General Manager and Chairman, I comfortable sailed through. In May this year, I will celebrate 19 years of service with H Savy Insurance, a number one General Insurance Business Company in Seychelles. This year I celebrated 30 years since I started full-time employment, and H Savy is the Company I have spent most of my working life with.”

“During those 19 years with the company, I have held three Managerial positions; Corporate Affairs, Life, and currently Motor and Non Motor. The latter I have held for the past 8 years. This is the main retail and sales side of the business, which involves a lot of interaction with the public on a daily basis. On average we attend to some 500 odd walk-in clients per week. I have a great team of 12 women in our Mahe office and two on Praslin.

“It took a great deal of willpower and determination to succeed in a field that was new to me and today, I consider myself as holding a vast knowledge of the insurance business. It is a sector where you keep learning every day. Being part of a dynamic management team makes it easy so to speak. Daily consultation takes place and everyone is so keen to pass on their knowledge.”

As women, when we stand behind each other, there is no stopping what we can do

” The team I have been able to build in the past 8 years is probably the best part of my career development. I manage a team of 14 women and it has been a learning process for me, not easy and straightforward at all times. I have shed a few tears privately, but whenever I was down, there was always a colleague I could rely on to help me pick up. The biggest lesson I have learnt is that managing people is an art you learn. As women, of course we are unique individuals, and our approach to things is different. As I sailed through my career, I made sure I learned the trade as fast as I could and from the best.  Where I had doubts, I never hesitated to ask my superiors and even the junior staff.

Murline with her two Assistant Managers Francia Horter and Nathasia Morel

” When It was time to recruit staff, I recruited mainly young women, because what I found out along the way is young people are adaptable to changes, they learn fast and they will voice out their opinions. I always respect their opinions, and together we work on solutions for the way forward. Young people may not come with a wealth of experience but most are willing to learn and succeed, so they deserve to get a chance to prove themselves. My two assistant managers are dynamic women and their support is invaluable. I can confidently say that I have created a young, strong, and energetic team who do their work with passion, positive energy, and work independently, with minimum supervision. With all that said, I have no regrets about changing my career paths.”

Fear, uncertainty and discomfort are your compasses toward growth

“On both a personal and professional level, I have been through a lot of deceitful and hard moments, some very unpleasant and painful. I am grateful for these moments as they have moulded me into who I am today. I have become a strong woman, wife, mother, and I would like to think I am a strong leader too. My journey has been trying but rewarding.

“Change is very important if your current situation is holding you back or making you unhappy. You might not be able to make the change you want now, but the time will eventually come. I never regretted the journey of change I embarked on 23 years ago because along the way I met some wonderful people, a great mentor, and today I am a better person.”

” My tenacity and will to succeed is thanks to my mother. She has been my greatest inspiration and still is. She became a widow at the age of 31 years and I was only 6, my brother 7, and my sister 11. She raised us single-handed, and we have turned out to be good citizens. Being a teacher, she was a strong person and she did not hesitate to instil in us the value of working hard, which I have in turn passed on to my own children. We are a strong family unit, and we always have each other’s back irrespective of our differences and issues. I adore my mum for her courage and determination. Her love for us has always been unconditional, sometimes she can be overprotective. Soon to be 78, she is still the anchor of our family and always helping out with her grandchildren.”

And a powerful message for Cosmocreole readers from Murline—”Never hold on to what brings you down. I never look at the dark side of things as I believe, whatever dark hole you might find yourself in, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. As a Christian, I just hold on to my faith and trust the ONE above.”

Four tips to Successfully Navigate your Career Change

1. Remember whatever setbacks you come across in your new job, you will have to approach them with professionalism. Your job doesn’t define you! While your professional identity might change, your fundamental identity won’t. You’re still you.

2. Never, ever let “lack of qualifications” hold you back. There are always going to be people smarter than you and more qualified in a new field. Keep your focus on what you do have, what you can offer, and ask questions. You will be amazed at how far your past experience and intuition will take you.

3. If you want to succeed in your career change, don’t be afraid to access everyone in your network! All too often women are afraid of asking for help. ASK for that help, usually, most people you have met and worked with through the years are more than willing to part with their wisdom. They can give you guidance and mentor you through the new challenges.

4. Making the choice to seize control over your career path requires a leap of faith. It requires you to say to yourself, I don’t know that this will work, but I’m going to try. However, getting family support on such a journey is also a catalyst for your growth because they already believe in you.

· In: Career & Finance, Career Profiles, Features, Her Story, Life & Work

you’ll also love

From Passion to Business – Veronique Lanza
Recipe: Gateaux Piment (Chilli Bites)
Young Seychelloise: Gabriella Gonthier
Next Post >

Her Story: Life in a Pandemic in Milan-Giovanna César

Primary Sidebar

Trending

  • An Icon Remembered-Captain Nicole Chang-Leng
  • Sandrine Adeline the face Behind Roots Juicery Seychelles
  • Career Profile- Shella Payet-Mohideen
  • Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
  • Seychelloise Actress – Aisha Toussaint

Stay Updated

Most Read

  • The First Lady of Seychelles

  • In the Kitchen With May-Cecile Frezou-Lajoie

  • Grace Barbé Music Award Nominee

  • My life in Books- Jessica D’unienville

  • Five Books to Take you on an African Tour

Connect

Join the List

Privacy Policy
ADVERTISE WITH US

Advertise

SiteGround Ad

Archives

Footer

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • About Us
  • Home
  • Press
  • Advertise
  • Jobs

Cosmocreole is an online platform dedicated to Seychellois women and women around the world with a connection to Seychelles.Cosmocreole connects Seychelles and its diaspora.

Join The Community

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 cosmocreole media