We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joe Marcy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joe below.
Joe, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
As leaders, we must believe in our future. It’s our responsibility to shape it.
I’m grateful and optimistic because our best days are ahead of us, not behind us.
We chose to be optimistic because it impacts everything that we do. The alternative is to live in fear and doubt and that’s not an option. We must adapt and contribute to positive change.
I learned optimism from difficult moments in my life. I found hope and inspiration where I least expected it. Whether it be from people who shared similar struggles, from friends and family who showed unconditional love, or from strangers who showed kindness when I needed it the most.
With the power of prayer and positive thinking, we overcome things we never thought we could. Never underestimate the good.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I serve on the Global Board of Trustees for Meeting Professionals International (MPI) the largest meeting and event industry association in the world. As an Executive for See Monterey, I contribute to the destination’s sustainability and tourism efforts.
I’m a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Incentive Travel Professional (CITP) and Certified Meeting Management (CMM) professional. I’m currently the Parking & Public Improvement Commissioner for the city of Manhattan Beach. I serve on the Board of Directors for Mychal’s Learning Place. I was the former chair of the Cultural Arts Commission and former President of the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Association.
It’s a blessing to love what you do.
Tourism efforts in Central Coast California support hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, small/local businesses and more. It’s incredible to see the economic impact firsthand.
The MPI Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that provides grants, scholarships and industry research for the global meeting and event industry. We recently supported hospitality students in Ukraine and meeting professionals recovering from the pandemic.
Mychal’s Learning Place provides the support, training and opportunities to youth and young adults with developmental disabilities to build their independence and pursue their goals and dreams.
The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Association creates a platform for local organizations and academic/athletic booster clubs to fundraise and raise awareness.
The Parking and Public Improvements Commission is responsible for public parking issues, capital improvement projects, traffic management, activities within the public right-of-way including encroachment permits, undergrounding of utilities, and environmental enhancement.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
It’s been an incredible journey. I believe in strong communication, strategic thinking and leading with vulnerability and hope.
Being able to have honest dialogue, building relationships with internal and external clients. Understanding the objectives and direction. It’s incredibly important to feel engaged in the process. To empower others and support their growth.
Develop your leadership skills through experience. Get involved in industry associations and non-profits. Diversify your skillsets and learn as much as you can from others.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
They believed in me before I believed in myself. They’ve been by my side for every hurdle and every milestone. I celebrate each success with them in mind.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @joemarcy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemarcy
