MPISCC Meeting Recap
October Monthly Meeting
October 13, 2009




Overcome Adversity by Seeing The Possibility

By Damaris R. Johnson, PLANit Event Solutions

“A hero doesn't always succeed, but they always choose to take action.” Noah Blumenthal is the founder and president of Leading Principals, Inc., an executive coaching and consulting firm that empowers individuals to achieve their personal and professional best, to “be the hero.” It was a pleasure to listen as Mr. Blumenthal explained how “the stories that we tell ourselves” help to define us as either a hero or the victim of situations that develop in our lives. These stories, which are our interpretation of situations, become the soundtrack of our lives. Blumenthal discussed ways in which we can train our minds to be more at peace, enabling us to be more resilient, effective and productive in our thinking. The talk was entertaining and interactive with simple exercises that made us think, reason, and laugh as we began to see the possibility of the “hero” within ourselves. By asking what would a hero see when confronted with a challenge, we open up the opportunity for a positive response to situations that may have previously made us feel or act victimized. One highlight of the discussion was a simple fact: “resolution becomes more likely when we at first believe resolution is possible. It was enjoyable to participate in the exercises and gain practical knowledge that will be easy to implement every day; and finally to visualize myself as an “everyday hero.”

During the program, Audra Narikawa, president elect, welcomed us to the October luncheon for MPISCC which was held at the beautiful Luxe Hotel in West Los Angeles. Announcements of the day included the upcoming Children's Book Drive, presented by the MPISCC Community Outreach team. Check out the Barnes & Noble affiliate link at mpiscc.org for more information, and remember that if you buy your books through Barnes & Noble MPISCC gets a rebate. Be on the lookout for other opportunities to serve the community through volunteer work or fundraising.

Monica Smith, director of professional development, introduced us to president and CEO of Luxe Worldwide Hotels, Efram Harkham. Mr. Harkham placed great emphasis on the desire to develop strong relationships with us as MPISCC members. This lovely property is enhanced by the peaceful, Zen-like spaces indoors and out, and the joining of the two for the ultimate appreciation of nature and architectural design. The Luxe is especially appealing as it offers a convenient meeting place not far from the heart of Los Angeles. It's a wonderful setting for board retreats and meetings.

Mariles Krok, director of awards and recognition, recognized Damaris Johnson of PLANit Event Solutions as the Rising Star for October, and Robert Hatfield, of Embassy Suites Temecula Valley Wine Country, as October's Shining Star.

Lastly, get ready for Flappers and Fedoras, the MPISCC 2009 Annual FUNdraiser, which is being held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at the Sportsmen's Lodge Events Center in Studio City. Register before October 30 for an opportunity to win a free registration to the 2010 MPISCC Educational Conference & Tradeshow.

See you all at the November 10, 2009 Breakfast Monthly Meeting being held at the Hard Rock Café Universal CityWalk! Networking and registration start at 7:30 am.
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