BEAMer and corporate meetings and incentive expert, Lisa Hopkins, shares her candid thoughts on what makes her beam and more.
How does Lisa beam?
At the heart of this industry is people who are passionate, optimistic and idealistic. They inspire me and make me BEAM! Over the years, I have worked with, and for all sorts of incredible people, from different backgrounds, cultures and countries.
From interns still unsure about their next career move, to some of our own industry icons, corporate business leaders and now, politicians and government officials. This “University of Life” is so rich with content, ideas, and stories that it is hard not to be encouraged.
Listening to stories from former employees or business associates, particularly when I travel, is how I have understood the ways different people, cultures and countries work. I hope I have inspired one or two people as well. I don’t think there is anything more rewarding than knowing you might have helped someone achieve their dream job or their own personal goal?
Why does travelling offer a tangible sense of accomplishment in life?
Travel is at the very core of what I love, a typical Sagittarian who doesn’t like being caged! I have been so lucky to travel around the world and back again, getting a real kick out of long flights and unfamiliar places. It is one of the many joys of being an “APAC-er”. We often have the greatest distances but are rewarded at the end with the most fascinating of regions.
One of my favourite countries to visit is India. The noise from traffic, the colour, the food, the warmth in temperature and in the very nature of the truly wonderful people.
Whenever I smell Jasmine, I am immediately taken back to Mumbai or Jaipur. Yet, here I am, in beautiful New Zealand with its team of five million, where you can surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon.
The two countries couldn’t be more diametrically opposite if it tried! This is what travel does. It compels you to listen, see, taste, touch and smell the differences between what you are used to and what is in front of you.
You become a global citizen by increasing your understanding of something new and appreciating the differences.
The trick is to let yourself be open to it, to appreciate the differences and marvel at the wonders you see. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had and will have to travel for both business and pleasure. It has helped me be a more tolerant and empathetic person.
For the record, having clipped wings due to COVID, is making me a little cranky!
The one thing I would do if I weren’t afraid is…Going off the grid and eliminate or significantly reduce access to social media.
It is a first-world problem – fear of missing out (FOMO), which makes me hesitate! Trying to find a balance between information sharing and learning, staying connected, the odd cat video and avoiding content that just destroys the soul and leaves you feeling sad, angry or just helpless, is challenging.
One day, I will figure out how I can be brave, take a deep breath, open up one app in particular and push “delete account”, while exhaling slowly as I watch it “fly” away!
Ultimately, I’ll find that beautiful balance between sharing and receiving great business events content and staying in touch with my global family and friends. Everything else can go in the bin!
Lisa joined Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) in 2020 as Chief Executive and is responsible for the strategic direction, advocacy and promotion of the business events industry within New Zealand. A 25-year industry leader, Lisa has extensive knowledge of the business events community, specifically across Asia Pacific. Lisa led BCD Meetings & Events Asia Pacific, based in Singapore since 2011 before taking on an industry leadership role within the company in 2019. Lisa also serves on the Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Board of PCMA.
Connect with the BEAM team via hello@untangledgroup.com and let us help you BEAM!
