Meet Jenny Martin

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jenny Martin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jenny below.

Hi Jenny, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism comes from experience, not just the good moments, but especially the hard ones. I’ve learned that even when things go wrong, they usually lead to growth, clarity, or unexpected opportunities. Working in events has taught me that no day goes exactly as planned, but if you stay calm, flexible, and solution-oriented, things always work out in some way.

I also think my optimism is rooted in my belief that people generally want to do good work, have meaningful experiences, and feel valued, and if I can help create an environment where that’s possible, then I feel hopeful about what we can accomplish together.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the Director of Events and Catering Sales at the Bel-Air Bay Club, a private oceanfront venue perched above the Pacific in Los Angeles. I oversee all social and corporate events within our Upper Club and lead a team that brings over 150 celebrations to life each year, everything from weddings and galas to brand launches and milestone moments.

What I find most exciting about my work is that every event is a chance to tell someone’s story. I get to blend logistics with creativity, and no two days (or events) are ever the same. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of some of the most meaningful days in our clients’ lives and to help them feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

What sets the Bel-Air Bay Club apart,and what I’m most proud to be a part of,is our ability to create a seamless and elevated experience in a setting that already feels like a hidden gem. From panoramic views to a team that truly cares, we’re in the business of unforgettable moments.

Right now, my focus is on rebuilding and reconnecting after the recent Palisades fire. We’re reopening stronger, with even more gratitude for our community and a renewed commitment to excellence. We’ve just welcomed back our first round of clients, and I’m excited about upcoming initiatives to expand our reach while staying rooted in thoughtful, personalized service.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilience helped me grow through rejection, unexpected challenges, and high-pressure situations. Early in my career, I didn’t always get the “yes” right away, but I kept showing up, learning, and staying open to the right opportunity. My advice: don’t take rejection personally, take it as redirection.

Emotional intelligence has been essential, especially in an industry built on relationships. Whether I’m working with a stressed-out client or navigating team dynamics, being able to read a room, empathize, and communicate clearly has made all the difference. To develop this, listen more than you speak and stay curious about how others experience things.

Resourcefulness is what’s gotten me through those “figure it out” moments, when there’s no clear answer, timeline shifts, or something goes off-script. Being solution-oriented and staying calm under pressure can turn chaos into confidence. My advice: don’t be afraid to ask questions, and never stop learning, you don’t need to know everything, you just need to be willing to figure it out.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, the biggest challenge I’m facing is rebuilding momentum after a natural disaster forced us to temporarily close the venue. The Palisades Fire affected access to our property, which led to cancellations, hesitation from future clients, and an understandable dip in booking pace.

To overcome this, I’ve been focused on three key strategies: reevaluating our pricing and packages to stay competitive, leaning into marketing efforts like open houses and targeted digital campaigns to attract new leads, and doubling down on client relationships, making sure everyone who interacts with us feels informed, valued, and excited.

At the same time, I’ve been transparent with my team and leadership about the challenges we’re facing, so we can tackle them together. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect, it’s about showing up with solutions, staying nimble, and keeping the long game in mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.belairbayclub.com/
• Instagram: @belairbayclub
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylm/