If you are an independent business owner in the meeting and event space, this podcast is for you! Your host, Eric Rozenberg has created this show to bring you strategies, tips, and tactics to help your business grow. With more than 20 years in the event industry and planning events for Fortune 100 companies, Eric is prepared to let you in on the insider tactics so you can be successful too!
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241: Home Runs in Business: Stephen Revetria on Leading Giants Enterprises to New Heights
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 • Duration 32:23
Today, we are excited to welcome Stephen Revetria, the President of Giants Enterprises, as our guest.
Stephen has had a remarkable career. He is a trustee at the University of San Francisco. He has chaired the San Francisco Travel Association and the MPI International Board of Directors, served on the advisory board of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and even been invited to the Vatican by Pope Francis for a global conference on sport and service to humanity.
Stephen is known for his kindness and the positive energy he adds to everything he does. Join us for the wisdom and knowledge he has to share.
240: Navigating Success: Leadership Lessons from Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruises
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 • Duration 37:14
We are thrilled to have the incredible Christine Duffy joining us today.
Christine is the president of Carnival Cruise Line. She is a remarkable industry leader with a wide range of impressive accomplishments who has mentored hundreds, if not thousands, of people throughout her career.
Stay tuned for the wisdom and the wealth of experience Christine shares today.
Unconventional Path to the Travel Industry
Her career in the travel industry started with her ambition to become an international flight attendant, inspired by her travels and French heritage. When she lost her dream due to a height restriction, she began working as a travel agent, eventually becoming president at McGettigan and later CEO of Maritz Travel Company. Her leadership in the corporate meetings and events sector and her involvement with MPI and other associations laid the foundation for her future achievements.
231: Shaping the Future of Exhibitions: Industry Trends and Insights with Marsha Flanagan
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 • Duration 39:10
Today, we are thrilled to welcome a distinguished leader in our industry as our guest on the show.
Marsha Flanagan, the newly appointed President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, has had an extraordinary career. She joins us to share her professional journey, provide insights into the current state of the exhibition industry, discuss workforce trends, and explore the future of work.
Stay tuned for her captivating story and valuable perspectives.
The Business of Meetings – Episode 140 - All About Psychedelics with Matt Zemon
Today, we are speaking with Matt Zemon, the Founder, and CEO of HAPPŸŸ. He is joining us to discuss a fascinating topic most of us know nothing about, even though many are curious about it.
Matt has just written a book called Psychedelics for Everyone. He has a degree in psychology and neuroscience and is a member of EO. He joins us today to share his knowledge, experience, and understanding- and some unexpected and eye-opening statistics, on psychedelic treatment for PTSD!
Matt’s entrepreneurial journey
Matt is good at building businesses. He built several before qualifying for EO and a few more while in EO. However, nothing changed after hitting different goals and milestones, and it did not satisfy him. Then, about three years ago, some trusted friends suggested trying a guided psychedelic experience. He liked the idea of learning about himself differently, so he took part in one, and it blew his mind wide open! That sparked his interest as an entrepreneur, and he wanted to learn more about it and get involved.
Psychedelics for Everyone
Matt dove right in, getting a Master’s in psychology and neuroscience and attending many different psychedelic conferences and webinars. Then, about a year ago, he built a company called Psychable to create a directory of psychedelic-friendly practitioners with hundreds of pieces of easy-to-find relevant content. Then he put that content together in a medically-reviewed book, Psychedelics for Everyone, along with some personal stories, to give those who know nothing about psychedelics an understanding of how psychedelics could impact them, the people they love, or their communities.
Ketamine
Ketamine is the only psychedelic that is legal in all fifty states in the US. It is a powerful medicine that we can use for depression, anxiety, OCD, and substance-use disorders.
Clinical trials
The FDA allows MDMA (Ecstacy) and psilocybin use in clinical trials.
139: Representation Matters with Kevin Iwamoto
Tuesday, November 8, 2022 • Duration 41:02
Episode 139- Representation Matters with Kevin Iwamoto
Today, we are delighted to speak with another icon in our industry, Kevin Iwamoto!
Kevin has received many awards! He is the Chief Customer Officer of Bizly and is also a speaker, singer, and writer. He joins us today to talk about our industry, changing careers, and racism against Asian people and people from the Pacific Islands.
We hope you enjoy listening to today’s engaging conversation with Kevin Iwamoto!
Bio:
Condensed Bio for Kevin Iwamoto, GLP, GTP | Chief Customer Officer | Bizly Inc.:
Kevin Iwamoto is an award-winning speaker, industry influencer, author, educator, and subject-matter expert consultant in business travel, GDPR, SMM, the meetings/events marketplace, and personal branding. His progressive industry expertise is featured regularly in industry trade publications, such as Business Travel News (BTN), Northstar Meetings Group, and MeetingsNet. He was President and CEO of the NBTA (now GBTA) from 2001-2003 during the tumultuous 9/11 aftermath.
Kevin is the recipient of many industry awards and recognition, including the 2015 Travel Weekly Gold Magellan Award for Best Overall Industry Blog, which is now syndicated and featured as Industry Insights via Northstar Meetings Group online. Kevin is also the 2016 MPI RISE Award for meetings industry leaders, and in 2014 he received a rare honor from GBTA with a designation as Industry Icon. Throughout his career, he has also been included in numerous industry Top Most Influential Executive lists.
He has two published books to his credit, Strategic Meetings Management: From Theory to Practice published in April 2011, and, Your Personal Brand, Your Power Tool to Build Career Integrity, published in October 2016. Both are available via Amazon. Before joining Bizly, Kevin was Sr. VP at GoldSpring Consulting and VP of Industry Strategy at Lanyon, Active Network, and StarCite. As a buyer, he was a Sr. Global Category Manager for HP’s global travel and meetings team and Sr. Travel Account Manager for Disney Worldwide Services.
138: From Cinderella to CEO with Cary Broussard
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 • Duration 33:34
138: From Cinderella to CEO with Cary Broussard
Cary Broussard, the Founder, and CEO of From Cinderella to CEO is today’s guest!
Cary is an amazing industry leader! She started her career in Corporate America and is now an entrepreneur. She joins us today to talk about her journey and share her insights and experiences as a woman in the industry and an entrepreneur.
We hope you enjoy listening to our inspiring conversation with Cary Broussard!
Bio:
Cary J. Broussard
Cary is well known for establishing award-winning diversity, inclusion, and communication programs in several organizations, including Wyndham Hotels, Aimbridge Hospitality, Bank of Tokyo (now Union Bank MUFG), Carnival Cruise Line, Meeting Professionals International, and other organizations.
She has been interviewed by The New York Times, CNN, Bloomberg, CBS This Morning, The Wall Street Journal, and other national media about her successful women's marketing programs. Cary’s business book: From Cinderella to CEO (Wiley) features business lessons learned while climbing the business ladder and has been published in 10 languages. Interviews included in her book can be heard on her podcast Cinderella CEO On Air. She recently launched a nationwide tour for the Cinderella to CEO™Awards.
Dow Jones described her work as "the gold standard of women's marketing for Wall Street companies." Aimbridge Hospitality and Union Bank MUFG have implemented Broussard’s Cinderella to CEO curriculum and mentoring program to rapidly increase the number of women in senior-level management positions. Cary has also designed a leadership curriculum for New York University.
Cary Broussard provides business courses, corporate training, executive coaching, and business mastermind groups for equitable, career opportunities with positive, measurable outcomes for individuals and organizations.
137: The Critical Role of Education with Dr. Krzysztof Celuch
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 • Duration 23:50
Episode 137- The Critical Role of Education with Dr. Krzysztof Celuch
We are delighted to be speaking with another rockstar in our industry today! Dr. Krzysztof Celuch has recently been awarded a place in the Hall of Leaders of our industry! He has had an awesome career in academics. He has been with the Convention and Business Bureau and volunteered for many different organizations.
He joins us from Poland to tell his inspiring story and talk about his certifications and the importance of education. He also discusses the academic and voluntary work he does.
We hope you enjoy listening to today’s fascinating conversation with Professor Krzysztof Celuch!
Bio:
Professor Krzysztof Celuch, Ph.D. MBA, DBA, CMM, CITE, CIS, HMCC, CED – an academic professor and an entrepreneur, Krzysztof specializes in event experiences, event marketing, and management. His scientific research, training, and keynotes are all built on knowledge of economics, business psychology, sociology, marketing, and cultural studies. He conducts workshops and training, gives lectures, and moderates panel discussions, debates, and management meetings. He implements research projects, builds strategies, and provides business consulting services. He helps organizations, institutions, and companies in the areas of management, communication, motivation, and business development, with particular emphasis on the meetings industry (event marketing). He is an associate professor at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, deputy rector of Vistula School of Hospitality, and visiting professor in Austria, France, the USA, and China.
Dr. Krzysztof’s education
Dr. Krzysztof believes in education because it can be used to change the world. He likes to listen to others and learn from them. He was happy to have fulfilled his educational goals this year. He joined various industry associations’ certification programs and focused on university education. He likes to tie the different aspects of what he has learned together, implement his knowledge, and share it to bring some heart to the next generation of leaders.
136: How to Leverage Human Connections with Riaz Meghji
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 • Duration 34:28
How to Leverage Human Connections with Riaz Meghji
Today we are delighted to be speaking with Riaz Meghji, the author of Every Conversation Counts!
Riaz has had a fascinating career! He switched from being a broker to speaking about human connections. He has worked on TV and radio and is also a podcaster and TEDx speaker. He joins us today to tell his story, talk about human connection and share his insights and advice.
We hope you enjoy listening to today’s enlightening conversation with Riaz Meghji!
Bio:
Riaz Meghji is a human connection expert and author of “Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection That Build Extraordinary Relationships”. His insights have been featured in Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Financial Post.
He is also an accomplished broadcaster with 17 years of television hosting experience; he has interviewed experts on current affairs, sports, entertainment, politics, and business.
Riaz has hosted for Citytv’s Breakfast Television, MTV Canada, TEDxVancouver, CTV News, and the Toronto International Film Festival. He is a natural storyteller with a proven ability to conduct engaging, in-depth conversations across various disciplines.
Off camera, Riaz dedicates himself to philanthropy and causes he cares about, including Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and Covenant House. He holds a degree in business from Simon Fraser University and studied leadership communication at Harvard Extension School and the Canadian Management Centre.
He lives in Vancouver, B.C., with his wife Lori and son Nico.
135: True Modern Leadership with JeVon McCormick
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 • Duration 48:19
Episode 135 – True Modern Leadership with JeVon McCormick
We are delighted to speak with an amazing individual today! JeVon McCormick is a phenomenal person and an incredible leader! He is the CEO of Scribe Media and the author of the bestselling book Modern Leader.
JeVon is top-ranked with Glass Doors and received Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year. He was named Best CEO in Austin and Best Culture Company in America! He joins us today to talk about his personal and professional life, share his experience, and discuss his take on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We hope you enjoy listening to today’s inspiring conversation with JeVon McCormick!
About JeVon
JeVon McCormick was born the son of a Black pimp father and a white single mother on welfare. Poverty, abuse, eviction, and discrimination were a daily part of his life. Today, he’s the CEO of Scribe Media, a multi-million dollar publishing company that was recently ranked the #1 Top Company Culture in America by Entrepreneur Magazine. JeVon’s experiences shaped a mindset for modern leadership that now guides his service as the CEO of a massively successful company that’s redefining the world of publishing.
JeVon’s journey
JeVon’s mother grew up in an orphanage. She had JeVon when she was still technically a child herself. Growing up in the 1970s was hard for JeVon because he was half black and half white and never felt he belonged. He was always trying to fit in. He got molested as a child and was in and out of juvenile prison. He never graduated from high school and had to attend summer school to get his GED.
A game-changer
JeVon’s dad drove him through a very affluent Houston neighborhood when he was about ten. He had never seen homes anything like the ones he saw there before. It was a game-changer for him because it showed him what was possible. As a result, wealth became his goal.
134: Krav Maga, Leadership and Fighting Cancer with Kim Praitano
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 • Duration 29:38
Today, we are honored and happy to speak with Kim Praitano, the CEO of Gilda’s Club in South Florida! Each year, Gilda's Club helps 5000 people affected by cancer.
Kim is an interesting person with a fascinating story to tell! She has tons of experience and many health insights to share! She is joining us to talk about Gilda’s Club, how they use meetings to help raise funds and awareness, and how Krav Maga has helped her become a better leader.
We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation with Kim Praitano!
Bio:
Kim Praitano, MSW, CFRE
Kim Praitano is the President & CEO of Gilda’s Club South Florida, serving over 5000 people affected by cancer annually, addressing social determinants of health, and providing support services, renowned cancer education, and healthy lifestyle programs throughout South Florida.
Kim has held executive leadership positions for nearly 40 years, working with various nonprofit organizations, and served as CEO of Dynamic Leadership Concepts, a consulting firm serving nonprofit organizations through professional development and capacity-building.
Kim’s family
Kim’s grandparents immigrated from Italy in the World War 2 era. Although her family owned nothing materially, they had strong values and a good work ethic. They taught Kim that quitting is never an option. That gave her the grit she needed to move forward in life.
Education
Education was always important to Kim. It was her refuge.
Leadership
After starting work, Kim constantly took leadership programs. She felt constant learning was vital because she knew where she wanted to go.
A nonprofit leader
Kim wanted to lead a nonprofit regardless of the services provided because they are all interrelated and important. She knew that a good leader was the key to the success of any organization.
MDMA
There has been a 67% success rate in clinical trials using just two sessions of MDMA for people with treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder. So MDMA should be legal federally as a medicine within two years.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin is the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms”. There have been some incredible results in clinical trials using psilocybin for people with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. It has also been proven effective with terminal patients and substance abuse.
Drugs
In the 1970s, there were campaigns to lead people to believe that all drugs, including psychedelics, were addictive and bad. Those campaigns were not truth-based, however. They were just a political tactic that had nothing to do with science.
Research
Before 1970, researchers were doing thousands of studies on the power of psychedelic medicine. But they were forced to stop due to the prohibition. In the last ten years, however, there has been a resurgence of academic research, and currently, 309 institutions are studying the benefits of psychedelics.
Anti-depressants
Anti-depressants are ineffective for 40% of those who try them. Even when they do work, there are lots of side effects, including sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal problems, and suicidal ideation in young people. So another option is sorely needed, especially for veterans returning from wars unable to function normally.
The side-effects of psychedelics
There are very few short-term side effects from psychedelics. Sometimes, people may experience some nausea, and there is always dissociation which is a necessary feature. But they have no long-term side effects, and many psychedelics have no lethal dose.
Risks
Drugs like ketamine are serious and must get treated with respect. Recreational use has led some people have become addicted to it. However, it is the only psychedelic with an addiction risk, and no one using it medicinally in clinical studies has become addicted.
Danger
Psychedelics are unlikely to cause any danger for those using them or for others.
How ketamine works in the brain
Ketamine alters glutamine activity and increases BDNF in the brain. That increases neuroplasticity and synaptic strength. It also turns down the default mode network in the brain. So it can provide relief from worry and anxiety. Disassociation side-effects unlock subconscious thoughts and repressed memories, and emotions. So it removes shame, blame, and guilt, and with some people, it also awakens a spiritual effect.
Connecting and caring
Psychedelic medicines can help people to connect better with one another and care more for others.
Different models
Many different models are available for entrepreneurs to provide psychedelic therapy through business-controlled health centers. Various financial and ethical issues still have to be ironed out. But Matt believes that thousands of opportunities exist for entrepreneurs to create businesses to provide mental health care in America.
Microdosing
Microdosing means taking a minute dose of mushrooms or LSD. It is very popular. If done correctly, you will not feel it, so you can still work and do whatever you usually do.
Kevin received a scholarship from Hawaiian Airlines to attend the University of Hawaii’s Travel Industry Management School and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in business. While at college, he made a living and contributed to his tuition fees by performing in nightclubs and working part-time for Hawaiian Airlines. His business degree helped him focus on the business side of his entertainment career. He did several recordings, collaborated with other local artists in Japan and California, and later created a label of his own. After retiring from live performing, he transitioned to a career in business travel, meetings, and events.
Regaining ownership
Kevin recorded three vinyl albums. Many years later, he saw that others had placed his music online without his permission. During the pandemic, he finally had the chance to regain control by successfully monetizing his music after remixing and digitizing it, re-registering and re-copyrighting it, and then making it available on the internet.
Racism
In the 1980s, after moving to California, a high-profile manager informed Kevin that he would not represent him because there was no market for Asian or Pacific Islander performers. Kevin had grown up in Hawaii, where people were mostly Asian and Pacific Islanders. So that was the first time he ever encountered racism. Even though he chose to overlook that incident, he decided to stop performing, and look for something different.
From business travel to meetings and events
Kevin moved into business travel and became a travel manager for various companies, including Walt Disney and Hewlett-Packard, where he successfully managed global travel programs for big corporations.
A corporate standard
After that, he transitioned to meetings and events and wrote a book about initiating the Strategic Meetings Movement. He got a lot of recognition for that. Then he helped to institutionalize a corporate standard for how big corporations and enterprises should manage their meetings programs on a global level. After that, he took to the road to evangelize the corporate standard globally and won some awards along the way.
The 9/11 President
Two months after Kevin got elected as the president of the National Business Travel Association (now the Global Business Travel Association), 9/11 happened. The industry came to a halt, and Kevin and his board of directors managed to get business and leisure travel up and running again. Since then, he has become known as “The 9/11President”.
No problem is unsolvable
After pulling the travel industry out of the 9/11 global crisis, Kevin realized that no problem is unsolvable.
Kevin’s role at Bizly
As the Chief Customer Officer Head of Enterprise at Bizly, Kevin leads the customer and enterprise efforts and guides sales and customer success teams.
Focusing on others
Kevin has always focused on what is good for everyone else rather than what is good for him.
Diversity equity and inclusion
Kevin believes that DEI awareness occurs in people at different points in their careers. Some people get it when they experience racism directed toward them. Others get it after hitting a glass ceiling when trying to advance their careers and attributing it to racism.
Overcoming scapegoating and racism
Kevin points out that scapegoating is easy when people look different from you. People need to realize that second or third-generation Asian Americans are American on the inside.
Educating people about racism
Kevin has realized that it is up to him to overcome his cultural programming, speak up, correct people, and take the time to educate racist individuals on why racism is not okay.
Representation
Kevin feels that representation is essential for Asian American and Pacific Islander actors because, without it, most Asian American and Pacific Islander actors will never believe they can become lead actors.
Fighting racism in the industry
Representation starts with a voice. For Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to have a voice within the industry, associations, or corporations, there should be a sub or separate group that accepts responsibility for education and awareness.
Mentorship
Mentorship programs are vital for creating easier paths to the top for underrepresented individuals.
Cary had three sisters and went to all-girls schools. She came from a background of valuing women’s opinions and input, but deep down, she wanted to be a boy because they could do a lot more and seemed to have more fun. After she started working in a hotel, however, she was thankful to have ample opportunity to share ideas and contribute to the overall business.
How Cary joined the hospitality industry
Cary unofficially began her career as a banquet waitress at the Hyatt at Lake Tahoe one summer while in college. Officially, she started her hospitality career as the Director of Public Relations at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. Cary moved to Dallas and started her own PR business after leaving the Peabody. She later applied for a position as the head of PR at Wyndham Hotels and got the job because she was ambitious and had tons of experience in communication.
From Cinderella to CEO
Carey wrote From Cinderella to CEO after creating the Women on Their Way woman’s leadership program at Wyndham and through the MPI program. Her book is a reminder of how, with the help of women, the hospitality industry was able to transform and better itself.
The Cinderella to CEO brand
After launching the Cinderella to CEO awards, Carey created the Cinderella to CEO brand. It is a coaching, training, diversity, and inclusion effort to share advice from her own experience and the experience of others.
Transforming the industry through women
In the past, few women used to travel on business. After Cary launched Women on Their Way, research showed that more women leaders and decision-makers in the meeting and corporate travel industry were traveling on business. Using ideas from women travelers, Wyndham transformed its image and how it operated as a hotel company.
The pandemic
The hospitality industry dipped during the pandemic. Things are picking up now, so people are looking to hire a more diverse selection of candidates. This is an excellent time to join the industry because smart companies require diversity of thought, age, talent, and everything else it takes to make an organization great!
Some advice for women:
Take control of your destiny.
Find a company to work for that matches your culture and values.
When traveling, always be sure to select a hotel that is clean and feels safe.
Tips for traveling safely
Plan your trip.
Contact hotels ahead of time to let them know what your needs are.
Ensure your room is easily accessible, away from dark corners, and close to the elevators.
If someone at the front desk says your room number out loud, ask for a different room.
Take some time to look at reviews online before making a hotel booking.
Use a VIP car service, like Alto.
Be prepared to spend a little more for a safer travel experience.
Ideally, get someone to help you plan your travel arrangements and make your bookings to ensure your experience is safe and effortless.
Competition amongst women
In the past, women were considered too so soft or too family-oriented to cope with managerial positions. So there were few opportunities for women, and women used to compete against one another for the few available “breadcrumbs”. We have come a long way since then. Today, at least 50% of all general managers of hotels are women.
Good leadership
Good company leaders offer training to help everyone collaborate and work together. Good leaders also ensure that nobody feels like they are competing against external competition.
Advisory boards
Entrepreneurs can sometimes be isolated and could benefit from having advisory boards. People interested in creating an official advisory board need to know that it requires a structured approach.
Corporate experience
As an entrepreneur, Cary has benefited from her corporate experience. Others could also benefit from learning about the systems and processes of the corporate world before deciding to become entrepreneurs.
Dr. Krysztof used to be a traditional folklore dance instructor. When he was around nineteen, he focused on dancing and started studying at a sports academy. After about two years, he decided to change direction and began working as a tour guide. He was also writing his bachelor’s degree thesis on incentive travel at the time and read the only Polish book available on business tourism.
A coincidence
Coincidentally, a guest in one of Krzysztof’s tour groups was Rob Davidson, the author of the book he had read on business tourism. Krzysztof asked him many questions, and Rob encouraged Krzysztof to become a member of MPI.
Step by step
Dr. Krzysztof joined MPI in 2005. He continued to move forward step by step, writing, listening, and connecting with industry leaders.
Future Leaders Forum
Together with several organization leaders, Dr. Krzysztof started the first chapter of the Future Leaders Forum in Warsaw.
Academics
Dr. Krzysztof loves academia and sharing his knowledge! His academic journey began with a dance movement in high school.
NGO
The first NGO Dr. Krzysztof got involved with was the International Association of Folklore Festival Traditions (CIOFF).
Organizations
After joining MPI, Dr. Krzysztof joined IMEX and then the Convention Bureau. He spent five years working for the Warsaw Convention Bureau, during which he loved promoting the capital of Poland! He started as a student intern and worked his way to becoming a manager. The next step in his career was to become the head of Poland’s Convention Bureau, and he spent the next fifteen years there.
A private university
After graduating with his Master’s degree, a private university asked Krzysztof to share his knowledge about tourism and the meetings industry. He is still with them today.
Giving back
Dr. Krzysztof believes that we should give back what we have previously received.
Decisions
We need the right information to make informed decisions. Dr. Krzysztof believes that it is crucial to consult the heart and include an emotional component in the decision-making process.
The American way
Dr. Krzysztof enjoys American efficiency and the American way of getting down to business and following up. But he sometimes misses the European chit-chat and storytelling.
A challenging industry
The hospitality industry can be challenging. Dr. Krzysztof finds that people new to the industry tend to lack inspiration. He also finds them not as motivated as those with more experience, unwilling to work hard if they do not earn vast amounts for their efforts, and unprepared when they have arranged to meet someone.
Preparing
Dr. Krzysztof believes it is vital to be focused and prepared when meeting someone. It’s worth spending a few minutes having a coffee or a drink with them before the meeting to get to know them.
The Internet
The internet is a helpful tool for preparing for a meeting because it allows you to learn about those you intend to meet.
Building relationships
Half of Dr. Krzysztof’s clients are based in Europe, half of them are in the Middle East, and a few are in the US. In the US, building relationships used to take much longer than it did in Europe. However, since Covid, things have changed.
Volunteering
Dr. Krzysztof spent years volunteering for MPI and many other organizations. Through that, he has met many new people and learned about different cultures and religions. When you volunteer, NGOs can help you build your position and become who you truly are. Krzysztof points out that this is our life and our planet, so we all need to engage, get involved, share our knowledge, and give back in any way we can!
Full bio:
Dr. Krzysztof Celuch Ph.D., DBA, MBA, CMM, CITE, CIS, HMCC, CED – an academic professor and an entrepreneur, Krzysztof specializes in the meetings industry, event marketing, and event management. His scientific research, training, and keynotes are all built on knowledge of economics, business psychology, sociology, marketing, and cultural studies. He conducts workshops and training, gives lectures, and moderates panel discussions, debates, and management meetings. He implements research projects, builds strategies, and provides business consulting services. He helps organizations, institutions, and companies in the areas of management, communication, motivation, and business development, with particular emphasis on the meetings industry (event marketing).
Motivation: “When we meet, We change the world” might be the current slogan of the Meetings Professionals International (MPI) association, but personally, I have always found these words to be a great source of inspiration. Belief in the power of events and being aware of tools making meetings efficient and effective are what made the innovative-sounding “meetings industry” my area of specialty.
Education and professional growth: Diploma in tourism and recreation, doctorate degree in the field of humanities (political sciences), experience gained in international organizations, management of a destination marketing organization (DMO), participation in scientific and research projects – all of these factors contributed to the development of new qualities in the discussed interdisciplinary field.
Achievements and experience:
Scientific and business portfolio:
20 years of experience in providing training in an international environment, i.a. in the USA, Scandinavia, Mexico, and Poland
15 years of academic experience in the USA, China, and Poland at such universities, as i.a. San Diego State University, Skema Business School, Warsaw School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (part of the Vistula Group of Universities), Warsaw University, Mikołaj Kopernik University in Toruń
Keynote speaker at scientific and industry congresses, business conferences, kick-off meetings, and motivation-centered events
Author of 150 articles and five books dedicated to event management
Holder of international training certifications: MPI Global Training, Sustainability in Tourism, Certified Incentive Specialist, EventCanvas
Implementation of research projects, including Poland Meetings Impact (The Economic Impact of Poland’s Meetings Industry), the first report of this type in Poland (and eighth in the world
Conducting destination marketing campaigns
Management of the cooperation between the business, public and scientific sectors, including the moderation of meetings held by association and corporation boards.
Awards:
MPI RISE AWARD Young Professional Achievement 2009/2010 – awarded to individuals under 30 years of age for significant contributions to the development of global business tourism. Dallas, USA
CIC Young Pacesetter Award 2012 – awarded to individuals for spreading good practices, sharing knowledge, and creating leaders. Convention Industry Council, Washington, USA
“Za Zasługi DLA Turystyki” 2015 – an honorary distinction awarded to citizens of the Republic of Poland, foreigners, organizations, and other institutions both at home and abroad in recognition of their contribution to the development of Polish tourism and solidifying international cooperation in this field
“Meeting Architects: 40 Under 40” – a distinction awarded in a competition staged by the Connect Association and publisher of the Connect magazine. I was listed among the 40 leaders of the global meetings industry under 40.
The recognition diploma, 2012, Ministry of Sport and Tourism, diploma of recognition for contribution to the development of Polish tourism
DMAI 30 under 30 Award, 2012, Destination Marketing Association International, the prize for persons under 30 years of age for a contribution to the development and marketing of business tourism
The Meeting Professional Magazine 30 under 30, 2008, the prize for having the greatest impact on the development of business tourism in the world in 2008
The Meeting Professional Magazine 30 under 30, 2007, the prize for having the greatest impact on the development of business tourism in the world in 2007
Passions:
Career and research – growth of the meetings industry, contributing to innovations and trends, interpersonal motivation.
Hobbies – mountains (both as a regular tourist and an extreme mountaineering enthusiast looking for challenges), mountain rescuer, lifeguard, folklore dancer
Riaz’s family moved from East Africa to Canada. Twenty years ago, Riaz deviated from his career in finance, took a leap of faith, and followed his passion in the presentation space. Since then, he has interviewed thousands of people as a television host and broadcaster. He has learned something from every conversation!
Human relationships
The power of human connection has always intrigued Riaz. He now lives a life of purpose, exploring how to build personal and professional relationships.
From finance to becoming a presenter
While in the final semester of his finance degree, Riaz did a presentation at an international student organization conference. Afterward, the co-chair took him aside and convinced him that he had something to offer in the presentation space. That person’s belief in his potential opened Riaz’s eyes to the life he wanted to live. A few months later, he landed his first internship with MTV in Canada.
Coaching
Riaz advises people to find a coach and remain coachable. Listen to what they say, and also listen to your intuition.
Complacency
Avoid becoming complacent because complacency cultivates mediocrity.
A beginner’s mindset
Riaz entered the craft of presenting intending to retain a beginner’s mindset and being his authentic self. A beginner’s mindset is about staying open, finding people you respect, and asking them for feedback.
Pushing forward
Make all your contributions to the best of your ability at any given moment. Have the courage and humility to ask for help. That will push your forward as a speaker or when pursuing something you feel passionate about.
Mentorship
If you are looking for a mentor, find someone who is committed and cares about you.
Connecting
Be intentional about connecting with others. Then strive to be consistent in your behavior until it becomes habitual.
Connecting with others in hybrid meetings
As a leader in hybrid meetings, you are managing energy and people. Everyone has their own expectations, so be intentional about checking in with people consistently and getting their feedback.
Empathetic curiosity
When people with cultural differences get together in a meeting, it’s vital for leaders to use empathetic curiosity and ask questions to understand how people show up and react.
Feedback
Sometimes, people take honesty the wrong way. That could create a sense of distance. That’s why it is necessary to earn credibility and trust before being vulnerable and sharing your thoughts honestly.
Building trust
Use empathetic curiosity to build trust in a new relationship. Start the conversation with questions that allow the other person to reflect, open up, and share. After that, check in with them consistently to show you care.
Consistency
Leaders should consistently provide and receive a steady stream of feedback. Use consistent praise or constructive criticism to let people know that you are invested in their growth and progress.
Brainstorming sessions
Brainstorming sessions are helpful. They also create opportunities for employees to share their input.
Accessibility
As a leader, make yourself accessible so that employees know they can always reach you if they need help.
Audience
Speakers need to consider their audience when preparing for a presentation. Riaz believes that the best speakers are the best listeners. So he always tries to understand his audience to provide them with maximum value and a memorable experience.
Experience
Riaz likes to interview leaders who can participate live on stage in his sessions to role model how to make the experience interactive. Then he allows audience members to share stories about their defining moments.
Storytelling
Storytelling is crucial to convey information with emotion. Storytelling also helps the audience interact and lean into what the speaker has to say.
Rehearsing
Rehearsing is a crucial part of any presentation. It helps to speak out loud and anticipate questions you may be asked.
Communicating to strengthen human connection
It is important to understand the context in which the people you are communicating with prefer to respond. Ask them how they like to communicate (text, email, or video, for example) when they like to communicate, and how often they prefer to communicate. Then, ask for suggestions so everyone feels like part of the process.
Sending daily voice notes will add a personal touch, show people that you care, and promote loyalty.
JeVon’s first job after getting his GED was cleaning restaurant toilets. After about a month, he decided to make them the cleanest toilets in Texas. Then he resolved to be the best at whatever he did from that moment forward!
What’s in a name?
After struggling for some time to get a better job, JeVon thought people were reluctant to hire him because he had a black name. So he began to go by JT McCormick. A week later, callbacks, invitations, and appointments began flooding in. From then on, he built his career on the name JT McCormick.
Reclaiming his name
After the murder of George Floyd, JeVon realized that changing his name made him part of the problem. So he reclaimed his name for all the kids with ethnic names living in similar communities to the one where he grew up.
Jevon’s credo
Jevon lives by putting people first. He believes in people, processes, and profits and feels that people should use their profits to do great things for the communities they live and work in.
Awards
JeVon is grateful for and proud of his awards. However, he finds it interesting and quite funny that we celebrate CEOs when CEOs are only as good as those they serve and support.
CEO
A CEO is a foundational piece of any company. Their role is to serve and support everyone else. They should never make decisions to benefit themselves.
Covid
Modern leadership got tested during Covid because there was no playbook for the virus. Covid revealed the difference between true leaders and playbook leaders. Even before working remotely became a thing, JeVon told his people to take whatever they needed from the office to build a comfortable workspace at home. He also announced that no salaries would get reduced, and no one would get laid off.
DEI
JeVon does not see DEI as an initiative because diversity has no start or finish. He feels it should be referred to as diversity, equity, and inclusion rather than DEI because actually saying the words opens up a real conversation. He also points out that most Fortune 500 chief diversity officers are black women, many of whom are now coming out and saying they are getting no support in moving their DEI initiatives forward.
Modern leadership
JeVon has been a successful leader because he puts people first and does things differently. He does not want to recruit and retain people. He prefers to attract great people and provide them with a phenomenal culture, meaningful work, and great salaries.
Language
Much of the language used in business today comes from an antiquated playbook. People don’t realize that some of it even comes from the plantation business model. For example, referring to people as “human capital”, or “greatest assets”, implies human trafficking or slavery.
Respect
As Americans, we need to respect others, listen to them, and seek to understand their lived lives. We need to ask questions and learn from others.
History
Rather than being destroyed, offensive statues should be placed in museums because they are part of history and serve to educate future generations.
Do the right thing
Seek to do what is right for all people. Do the right thing just because it’s the right thing to do. Don’t do it for a buy-in or something that might be in it for you.
Nonprofits do not necessarily get funded for infrastructures like human resources, finance, marketing, and advertising. Kim got certifications continuously to do those things because she knew no one would provide funds for them.
Harvard
Kim went to Harvard because they had leadership programs for nonprofit executives. Outcome Measurement was a program she found meaningful. Another was Excellence in Nonprofit Governance because, in a successful organization, the nonprofit leader will work collaboratively with the board to lead the organization.
Board members
Some of the Gilda’s Club board members are experts in the areas Kim is not. They help create the vision and experience for the organization and assist Kim in overcoming any organizational challenges.
Gilda’s Club's mission
The mission of Gilda’s Club is to ensure that anyone impacted by cancer gets empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by the community. The community support part motivates Kim and many other Gilda employees to get up and go off to work every day.
Servant leadership
For Kim, servant leadership is ensuring she gives her staff members all the tools they need to do their jobs.
The Gilda’s Club activities
Cancer patients require more than just medical treatment for good health outcomes. Many people also need assistance with things like housing, food, transportation, mental health insurance, physical fitness, and follow-up treatments. The Gilda’s Club provides healthy living classes, like yoga, Thai Chi, and cooking, to help people do better after their clinical treatments. They also provide cancer education, mental health counseling, and support groups for cancer patients and their family members.
Covid
For two years, Covid interrupted cancer patients’ regular screening schedules. Getting people screened has become significantly important now, especially in communities of color.
Women of Color
They have a Women of Color initiative at Gilda’s Club where they help people re-partner to their screening via a mobile mammography health clinic.
Events
Gilda’s Club has three major annual fundraisers to raise money and awareness and get people to start building a relationship with them.
Krav Maga
Fitness has always been important to Kim. Krav Maga gives her confidence and keeps her mind and body healthy. It strengthens her as a leader and helps her operate better as a CEO.
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