- How was your experience at the 1st Virtual Congress?
This was our first attempt in conducting a meeting via ZOOM. The team in Israel and Belgium with the WFDB Secretary (Rony Unterman) and Administrator Director (Martine De Bruyn) worked hard in inviting attendees. The various committees met, there were debates in the judiciary committee related to Arbitration between the Clubs etc.
Questions were to the point and masterly projected. While we lacked personal interaction, it was a very productive experience.
- At the last World Diamond Congress you were nominated to the judiciary BOD, this year you are being elected as co. VP of WFDB, how has your journey been?
The journey has really been about the betterment of the industry. I have been actively involved during World Congress meetings, President’s meetings, amongst others. When topics would arise, I would voice my opinion which led to deeper dialogue and enhanced interactions. Ultimately, my involvement on behalf of DCWC led them to invite me as VP.
- What led you to run for VP?
When COVID 19 broke out and during a Zoom conference with WFDB, we got very busy creating Get-Diamonds for our industry, as we like to call it “The only trading platform that is By the industry For the industry !” President of WFDB Yoram Dvash along with many presidents around the world, together with me worked very hard to make it work! There were times that we had 2-3 Zoom meetings a week, each one sometimes 3 hours long. All of it led to close interaction, friendship and trust at the WFDB leadership level which ultimately led to me being offered the position of VP. At that point I really wasn't ready. Knowing that traditionally the position of VP is filled through the larger bourses, typically manufacturers in India, Belgium, and Israel and recognizing the responsibility that comes with the position I was certainly honored yet, I thought that I should decline the offer
I discussed the proposition with the DCWC executive committee who encouraged me to accept that position on behalf of DCWC, and on their promise that they would ‘carry the load’ in my absence I felt comfortable to accept.
- When you reluctantly accepted the President position of DCWC 3 years ago your plan was to see your tenure out and withdraw from a leadership position altogether. What motivated you to change your position?
When I accepted the nomination as President of DCWC, I wanted to make an impact on our membership and the industry worldwide. When I saw our membership and board grow with the positive changes and realized people around me were happy, I realized that my involvement can go further.
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How will this impact your ability to serve DCWC?
Our amazing Board members assured me that they would continue to grow the club and offer the benefits as in the past.
I’m still involved by staying in touch/connected with the team and with the club staff. I may not be able to allocate the same time but only took on this position after the support of the team. On the more positive note, being able to interact on a higher level at WFDB by nature allows me to be more influential in representing our members and pushing agendas that are important to our members.
Read Part 2 Next Week
