U.S. based research firm Johnson O’Connor believes every person has a set of natural aptitudes. Skills and abilities inherent to a person that enable them to succeed in a particular field of work.
They’ve studied thousands of highly successful people in careers ranging from surgeons and mathematicians to writers and judges, tracking their highest ranking aptitudes; things like finger dexterity, memorization and recall, spacial awareness and more.
They have found there is a correlation between using a natural aptitude and success/fulfillment in a career. For example, successful and fulfilled surgeons most likely have a high score in finger dexterity.
Out of all the aptitudes they test, most people rank in the 90% – 95% in only one to two categories.
I had the privilege of participating in their testing over two days early in my career. I was surprised to learn I had four aptitudes that ranked above 90% and one that ranked at 99%.
This aptitude is called “Ideaphoria.” It means I am able to generate a unusual amount of ideas in a short period of time. I am fortunate that my chosen career allows me to follow my passion, use all of my aptitudes and share them with my clients.
I’m able to close my eyes and picture myself as an attendee every step of the way from registration and anticipation, to walking through the doors, sitting in a general session, attending the special gala. There is nothing I love more than to dream about what can be and the more I know about a business and audience, the better my ideas become.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say hospitality runs in my blood. My family has been in the hospitality business for four generations. My great-grandfather founded a tour company and hosted travel experiences across the globe for thousands of clients.
From the time I can remember, I have been helping my mother run events ranging from executive retreats for 20 to live events with more than 25,000 attendees. I understand how to work behind the scenes to create a seamless front of house experience. I can read a room and anticipate needs; I’ve had 35+ years practice.
I started working in the corporate event business as a part time job in college. I liked it so much that 30 years later I’m still here. I’ve seen every side of the business from marketing and design to tradeshow and registration management to special events and live stage show productions. I love having the holistic view of the attendee experience.
I have designed and executed live stage shows, virtual keynote sessions, live broadcasts, recognition events, after parties, high touch corporate retreats, incentive experiences.
In the last five years, I have expanded my portfolio with successful video production. A well-designed and executed video has the capability to impact a viewer as much or more than a live stage show and reach a broader audience.
