By Chisomo Phiri

Vanguard Life Assurance Company Limited on Friday hosted a staff empowerment event aimed at enhancing the professional and personal growth of its female employees.

The event was part of the company’s commitment to female staff development and empowerment.

In an interview with journalists,Vanguard Life Assurance Company Limited Managing Director, Dr. Lillian Moyo,said the event was designed to bring in professionals who could empower staff with knowledge and skills to accelerate their careers and personal lives.

“Our expectation is that our female employees will come out of this event as better-equipped and more confident individuals.

“We want them to acquire knowledge and skills that will enable them to take charge of their own careers and personal lives,” said Dr.Moyo.

She added:”Many women struggle to advance in their careers due to lack of empowerment and confidence

“We want to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to compete equally and take on leadership roles.”

Dr. Moyo emphasized the importance of empowering women in the workplace, particularly in taking on leadership roles.

The event covered various topics, including etiquette, professional development, and personal growth.

On her part,a retired National Bank of Malawi(NBM ) employee who is now a successful entrepreneur and farmer,motivated the of Vanguard Life Assurance Company Limited female employees on the importance of professional etiquette.

Magola, who was invited by the company to share her expertise, emphasized that etiquette is crucial for individuals to prosper in their careers.

She highlighted that each company has its unique etiquette, but there are general principles that professionals should follow.

During her presentation, Magola covered key aspects of professional etiquette, including self-presentation, communication, and courtesy.

She stressed that employees’ appearance, communication skills, and behavior play a significant role in attracting and retaining customers.

“In a financial institution like Vanguard, how employees present themselves to customers can make or break business deals.

“It is essential for employees to be mindful of their appearance, communication style, and behavior, as these reflect on the company’s image,” said Magola.

She also discussed the importance of proper communication, both within the organization and with customers.

Magola emphasized the need for employees to be professional in their written and verbal communication, including emails and social media interactions.

In addition, she touched on the significance of social media etiquette, cautioning employees to be careful when using social media platforms, as they can either build or destroy the company’s reputation.

Her presentation also covered table manners and courtesy, highlighting the importance of respecting colleagues and clients, using proper titles, and following basic etiquette rules in professional settings.