When economic development is like doing the foxtrot

SaskBusiness,  May-June, 2007  by Darrell Noakes

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Monica Knight isn't afraid to do things differently. This Saskatoon-based conference speaker and economic development consultant, former teacher in India, and human resources manager in South Africa, shares her world experiences in a vibrant and memorable way.

Through her company, Shosholoza Productions, Knight helps communities develop "intrapreneurship", or post-entrepreneurial activity. Intrapreneurship encourages new economic development under the shelter of an established core business. It's a philosophy adopted by entities such as Kodak, Apple, IBM and Microsoft.

Shosholoza derives from the music and oral culture that Knight experienced in South Africa. "When I was explaining courage, determination, tenacity, the only way I could explain it was through dance," she says.

"My speeches involve music and dance as a metaphor for the way economic development is approached." Knight likens the "partners foxtrot" to the economy: slow slow quick quick. "I encourage people to just keep moving forward, to have the courage to keep adapting to change."

Currently, Knight is leading a project in North Battleford that will result in a new venture for "at risk" youth while revitalizing the old RCMP building. The core business focuses on collecting, refurbishing and distributing used furniture to new immigrants in the community.

Proceeds from the business will be used to support youth in establishing other new ventures, including a daycare, community kitchen, office area, school room, beauty salon, and car wash.

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COPYRIGHT 2007 Sunrise Publishing Ltd.
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