Pulse June 2019 | Page 43

“One of the biggest challenges I see is the shortage of strong leaders who understand the importance of constructive feedback.” P: You’ve given a lot of time, energy and love to the ISPA family over the years. What’s been the most rewarding part of that relationship? W: The amazing relationships i’ve built with people all over the world. it’s the most humbling experience when someone sees or emails me years later and explains what they learned and the actual results they’ve achieved as a result of something they learned from me. P: What’s your most memorable ISPA Conference & Expo experience? W: There are so many; but it has to be when i was fortunate to be on the general session stage in 2016 and recited my “Sacred Ground” poem and everyone in the audience stood and joined in to help recite. i still get goosebumps thinking of that moment! P: Based on your perception, how have the challenges faced by spas changed since you first became involved with ISPA? W: Today, one of the biggest challenges i see is the shortage of strong leaders who understand the importance of constructive feedback and possess the skills needed to give it. Without that skillset, i’ve noticed that unacceptable individual and team performance are tolerated… which, of course, causes such performance to increase. P: You’re the first educa- tional speaker to receive the ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award. What does receiving the award mean to you? W: it means everything to me! i didn’t even know that i am the first educational speaker to get this award. Truly humbling indeed. jUnE ■ PULSE 2019 41