Joy Karabaczek Wife of H E Andreas Karabaczek,
Austrian Ambassador
Being a complementary partner to her husband professionally is how Joy Karabaczek describes herself as helping him with his work. She sees her role as a key to widening their social circle. Most of the contacts she has made come in handy for future events. "My husband has an office secretary who makes the calls, but if I have met the wives of the guests I try to reach them first and ask them if they would be free to attend our function. I find this much more personal."
And to make sure that everything goes smoothly, she likes to go hands-on. Says Joy, "It is all a matter of planning." For instance, she keeps a logbook detailing the guest list and menu served during a particular event, to make sure guests don't get the same dishes a second time. She also comes up with an ‘after-action’ report for every function, listing what went well, and what went wrong. "Memory can be tricky, and you can save yourself time and effort by referring to these." Joy has a staff of three to assist her now, but she has managed a lot by herself in the past, including preparing a meal for about 50 people with only one kitchen helper.
When the wives of official guests from abroad come visiting, she takes them on short trips to see the Grand Mosque, the museums, and the souq, among other places. "They get a sightseeing programme to absorb Omani culture, but of course we also check out the souvenir shops."
Perfect balance
Elham Zamani Makki Wife of Munir Makki,
Managing director and president,
Fincorp
For someone who likes meeting people, and learning about new cultures, the entertaining and socialising that is part of being a businessman’s wife makes for enjoyable experiences. Elham Zamani Makki says that both as host and guest, at any given time, there is a lot that is happening. And that is something she is happy about. “I would rather be busy than have nothing to do.” And, as a hostess, she likes doing as much as possible by herself. “Iranian women love to cook, and I am no different,” she says, with a laugh. Apart from culinary skills, there is plain friendliness that comes in helpful. “Guests at our parties might not know one another. So I introduce them and get conversations going, and try to make them feel comfortable.” Elham is very relaxed in her role now but she remembers being somewhat overwhelmed the first time she went for a formal dinner. “But everyone was very nice to me. And it went very well. I realise now that it all depends on how I looked at things and how confident I was. And it has always been wonderful because I am with my husband.”
Mostly adventurous
Jane Wilson Wife of Mike Wilson,
General manager,
Afaq Petroleum
One of the first things that Jane Wilson did as a new corporate wife in Oman was organise a lunch to get to know the people who worked with her husband as well as their wives. “They don’t suddenly become your new best friends but it was important to me that we got to know each other as real people. I understood that we were all part of a team.” She adds that when it comes to corporate entertaining, as with many other things, you learn as you go along. “I prefer entertaining at home because there is more scope for bringing in the personal touch there. But if some guests are making a quick flying stop then we might go out as well. You have to understand that your guests have been travelling, and might be tired. They might not want a late night.”
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