Helen Lami, of Academic Summer Camp, is looking forward to a fantastic February!

As February dawns and Valentine’s Day approaches, February is known as the month of love – or historically a month of ‘new beginnings’. It’s also the 3rd month of winter and 2024 is a Leap Year so February has an extra day.

Today we’re talking to Helen Lami, CEO of Academic Summer Camp who offer summer and holiday programmes that are designed to enhance a student’s academic and personal development through a combination of academic courses and cultural experiences. Based in the Southwest they have schools in Bristol, Taunton, London and Canada.

What do you love about running your own business or your role?
1. I love the freedom: Running my own business or having a significant role allows me the freedom to make decisions independently, shape the direction of the company, and set my own schedule. I eat, sleep and breathe my business because I really care about it. I’m friends .  It’s hard work but it doesn’t always feel like work because everything is on my terms. It would be difficult to put in these blood sweat and tears if I didn’t love it.

2. I enjoy the sense of impact: Being in control of my business allows me to witness the direct impact of my efforts. Whether it's seeing the growth of the company, the satisfaction of clients, or the development of a successful project, the ability to contribute meaningfully brings a profound sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.

3. I also appreciate continuous learning: Running a business or holding a significant role often involves navigating a dynamic and challenging landscape. This constant evolution necessitates ongoing learning and adaptation, which I find intellectually stimulating. The opportunity to stay on the cutting edge of industry trends, explore new technologies, and enhance my skill set keeps the experience fresh and exciting.

What do you love about your business community/sector/or where you live? 
I appreciate the global perspective: Being connected to a diverse community in this sector allows me to gain a global perspective on business and life. Interacting with people from different parts of the world broadens my horizons, exposes me to varied business practices, and helps me stay informed about international trends. This global outlook is invaluable in today's interconnected world, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of markets, opportunities, and challenges.

I value the opportunities for collaboration: The interconnectedness within my business community provides ample opportunities for collaboration. Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds often leads to innovative partnerships and synergies. This collaborative spirit not only enhances the overall success of ventures but also creates a supportive network where knowledge and resources are shared, fostering a sense of camaraderie within the community.

Is Valentine’s Day a ‘thing’ for you in your business?
Valentine's Day isn't a significant event in our business. We don't have specific activities or promotions related to the occasion. However, it's worth noting that one of our employees has a personal connection to the day, as it coincides with their father's birthday. While we may not have formal celebrations for Valentine's Day within the business, we respect the personal connections and celebrations that our team members have outside of work. Our focus remains on maintaining a positive and inclusive work environment, valuing both professional and personal aspects of our team members' lives.

Is Valentine’s Day a ‘thing’ for you in your life? 
Valentine's Day isn't a significant celebration for me personally. I share the sentiment that expressing love and appreciation for a significant other is important every day, rather than confining it to a specific date. I might indulge in a romantic dinner date – with my Cockapoo, Teddy who is more romantic than my husband anyway. We like to keep it casual; I mean, who needs a fancy restaurant when you have a four-legged companion who thinks kibble is haute cuisine? 

We have an extra day this month. How will you be using your ‘extra’ day? 
Wow, an extra day will be most welcome. In February, I will be travelling to Belgrade, Geneva, Warsaw, London and Tirana so an extra day will be most welcome.

February 4 was World Cancer Day – does this mean anything to you?
World Cancer Day holds personal significance for me due to my first-hand experience with cancer. A moment of awakening occurred when a new mole on my head was diagnosed as malignant melanoma.  In light of this experience, I advocate for sun safety, encouraging people to be cautious in the sun and to promptly seek medical attention if they have any doubts about skin irregularities. Early detection is crucial in the fight against cancer, and my own timely diagnosis was made possible by prompt medical intervention.

I express gratitude for the excellent care I received from the health service, as timely and effective treatment played a pivotal role in my recovery. My personal journey reinforces the importance of health advocacy and proactive healthcare measures for everyone.

February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day – has anyone shown you, or your business, a random act of kindness over the last year? 
I spent some time at our school in Canada, the days were long and demanding hours often made the days challenging. One day, Dave, the chef at the school, noticed me struggling with the coffee machine. It turned out that the machine had been turned off for the summer.

In a gesture of kindness, Dave took it upon himself to ensure that I started my day right. From that day onward, I would walk in to find a steaming hot cup of coffee waiting for me. What made this act of kindness particularly touching was the thoughtfulness behind it. Even though I'm more of a tea drinker and it was a bit of an anomaly that I went for coffee that day, the gesture went beyond the beverage itself. It was a small yet significant act that made the demanding work environment a bit brighter and showcased the supportive and caring community at the school.

Are there any key moments or events within your business that you’d like to share during February?
Absolutely, February brings an exciting addition to our team with the arrival of Barbara Jones, our new team member. Barbara joins us with a wealth of experience gained from her work in other summer camps, and we are thrilled to welcome her aboard. Her expertise in HR and operations is expected to bring valuable insights and contribute to the growth and efficiency of our operations.

The arrival of a new team member is always a significant moment for us, marking not just the expansion of our workforce but also the infusion of fresh perspectives and skills. We look forward to the positive impact Barbara will have on our team dynamics and the overall success of our endeavours. It's moments like these that contribute to the ongoing development and vibrancy of our business, and we are eager to embark on this new chapter with Barbara on board.

To learn more visit www.academiccamp.org