It seems like I have worked my entire life. Being the product of two generations of entrepreneurial family businesses I developed a keen sense of business acumen.It also seems that life has not chosen the easy path for me. After my degree in film making I commenced my career in consumer packaged goods. While directly witnessing the cola wars I was drawn to marketing and achieved my marketing management certificate. I worked in this field for over 6 years and presented at regional and national sales meetings. Then an astute recruiter encouraged me to attend an interview for manager, administration at a large Japanese-owned bank. I won the job. That was the easy part. The challenge was being thrust into a role with little direction, but where excellence was the only expected outcome. I found my niche...running a diverse office, supporting executives, learning new customs, and even some Japanese along the way. I had to grasp the art of upscale entertaining as corporate events were attended by premiers, government officials and senior executives from overseas. I prevailed thanks to innovation, common sense, a sense of humour and the passion to learn.My leadership and project management skills were honed as president of the largest chapter in the world of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Being chair entailed sourcing speakers, writing articles and negotiating receptions at some of Toronto’s finest venues to provide new, exciting and pertinent information to members. My negotiation skills achieved 100% results. I became expert in creating win-win scenarios. Team building was paramount to recruit and support committee members to develop conferences and chapter events. I have addressed students at Seneca College on numerous occasions and spoke at a leadership conference for administrative professionals. I have put all my acquired Toastmaster skills into play. Life is filled with excitement, adventures, and learning opportunities, as I continue to develop myself.