Smart Meetings September 2022 Digital Issue - 7

Darrell " Agile Collaborator " Drason
Director of Global Event Operations, MetLife
Motivation
I am fortunate to love my job, admire my colleagues and believe in the mission of my company, so
starting work each day is something I look forward to. But when the insurmountable challenge appears-and
there always seems to be one-I remind myself that whatever the problem is, it cannot
possibly be new. Someone, somewhere, has overcome this. We are in an industry of partnerships;
everyone in this business wants you to succeed and to create a win-win. So, when solutions
elude me, I stop, assess and call a teammate or mentor. After talking things through, suddenly the
problem isn't insurmountable. Remember, your team isn't just your internal department or your
go-to supplier, it is that person you met on a tradeshow floor or the one you accepted a cold call
from. Meeting professionals thrive on one another's success and help is just a phone call away.
Darrell Drason
Stacy " Special Forces " Clift VEMM
Director of Promotions, Partnerships and Engagement, The National Council on Aging
Motivation
Twenty-three years of association nonprofit experience has taught me every day is a
good day, but some are better than others. There are a lot of moving parts in event planning,
and it can feel overwhelming at times. But if I keep all those parts in perspective,
aka mission first, today's task will make tomorrow's easier, and so on. Focus on the solution,
not the problem. In the event world, everything is fixable. A calm attitude makes for
a successful mindset.
Stacy Clift
Debbie " The Inquisitor "
Garcia CMP, CEO, virsitour
Motivation
I am motivated by my family. They keep me on
track to be organized and thoughtful of others'
time. The meetings and events industry is very
stressful and when new challenges come up,
I find them to be fun. I get to figure out how to
make it work. I ask myself questions and get to
the bottom of the issue. I tell myself that I can
face any challenge as long as I stay calm and
keep an open mind.
Debbie Garcia
Shelley Hodgkinson
Shelley " Empathetic Operator " Hodgkinson
Senior Director, Event Solutions, Walmart
Motivation
Influence the things you can influence. Don't get stressed over
the small things. Rally the troops; they are depending on you for
direction and motivation. Take others with you.
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Smart Meetings September 2022 Digital Issue

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Smart Meetings September 2022 Digital Issue