In April 2025, Novaterra launched the second edition of its successful training programme, “EmpowerHer: Leadership Development”, open to all entities within the group. Organised in collaboration with the Dale Carnegie Institute, it brought together 14 participants and began on April 15 with 10 inspiring sessions dedicated to women’s leadership.
A Transformative Programme
Led by Shabnam Haji Esmaël and Anuradha Appadoo, two coaches from the Dale Carnegie Institute, the “EmpowerHer: Leadership Development” programme was tailored to meet the needs of the group and covered many key topics: balancing leadership and management, defining company values, fostering a work environment based on trust, mastering decision‑making techniques, and developing active listening skills… The training truly touched on every facet of women’s leadership!
The objective: to provide participants with all the tools they need for their leadership journey. These women were selected for their leadership potential — not only in terms of their career development but also their personal growth. Now that the programme has concluded, the feedback is unanimous: it has profoundly changed the way they see and approach situations in their daily lives. Let’s hear from them.
Danushka Appadoo – Sales & Leasing Administration Manager (Novaterra)
“I had a slight apprehension before starting this programme, but it quickly disappeared. I enjoyed connecting with people I usually only interact with in a professional context. What was most enriching for me was being given the tools to manage a team, to handle the emotions of its members — and my own. These are techniques I now use daily, for example, when I have to speak in public — something I usually dread. We also learned to identify different personalities and their preferred communication styles, which allows us to make our voices heard more effectively, and always with kindness.”
Christel Théodore – Accountant (Novaterra)
“Hearing all these women share their experiences in their departments and the challenges they face every day was incredibly enriching and, above all, helped create strong connections — which is so valuable. More than just a training programme on how to communicate with others, I feel it allowed us to better understand ourselves, take a step back, and strengthen our communication style while staying positive. I can already see a big change in myself, particularly in my self‑confidence and in my interactions with others.”
Davina Abel – Communications & Marketing Coordinator (Mahogany Shopping Promenade)
“This experience really opened my eyes and helped me put words to certain actions in my daily life, both professionally and personally. The importance of kindness in communication and listening, learning how to channel emotions instead of being overwhelmed by them, and understanding the difference between our needs and desires — these are all valuable lessons that can improve our relationships not just with colleagues and loved ones, but also with ourselves. I’m leaving this programme with lots of small actions to apply every day — simple yet invaluable gestures, like offering a smile or listening without judgment.”
