Desireè Knight, Senior Director of Meetings and Events at the American Psychological Association, shares her
inspiring leadership journey and insights gained from years in the meetings and events industry. Initially stumbling into the field, she discovered her true passion for event planning while working for various associations.
Through active participation in organizations like PCMA and later, through involvement in ASAE's Diversity Executive Leadership Program (Class of 2016-2018), she
honed her leadership skills, recognizing the significance of attentive listening and effective communication.
Desireè stresses the importance of leaders being open to feedback and consistently seeking new opportunities.
Additionally, she accentuates the significance of treating everyone with kindness and respect. Desireè delves into the challenges and triumphs of leadership, underscoring the critical role of communication and collaboration
with her team. She also reflects on her personal journey from managing logistics to steering strategic initiatives, acknowledging the difficulties and personal growth it entailed.
Finally, addressing the evolving workplace, she emphasizes the need for leaders to be adaptable and supportive of their team members. Desireè underscores the importance of finding joy in one's career and leadership journey, as well as the value of cultivating a personal board of directors for support and guidance.
leadership journey, meetings and events industry, associations, PCMA, DELP program, listening skills, clear communication, feedback, new opportunities, kindness,
respect, leadership, association, communication, collaboration, customer service, strategic lead, workplace evolution, flexibility, support, joy, personal board of directors
· Leadership journeys can start unexpectedly and evolve over time.
· In the meetings and events industry, leaders play a crucial role in the success of associations and other organizations.
· Developing leadership skills requires being open to feedback and continuously learning.
· Listening and clear communication are essential skills for effective leadership.
· Leaders should treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their role or position. Communication and collaboration with your team are essential for success in leadership.
· Providing excellent customer service is a priority for leaders.
· Transitioning from a logistical lead to a strategic lead requires letting go and trusting your team.
· Leaders need to be flexible and supportive in the evolving workplace.
· Finding joy in your career and leadership journey is important for personal fulfillment.
· Having a personal board of directors for support and guidance is valuable.
00:00 Introduction to Desiree Knight and her role in the meetings and events industry
02:59 Desiree's journey from chance to passion in the meetings industry
06:00 The importance of leadership in the meetings and events industry
08:35 Developing leadership skills through organizations like PCMA and DELP
10:38 The power of listening and clear communication in leadership
16:10 Advice for women aspiring to leadership at any stage of their career
25:09 Personal and professional challenges that shaped Desiree's leadership approach
27:31 Essential skills for leaders: good listening skills and clarity
28:35 Balancing leadership responsibilities and prioritizing self-care
32:07 Providing Excellent Customer Service as a Leader
33:16 Transitioning from Logistical Lead to Strategic Lead
36:30 Flexibility and Support in the Evolving Workplace
43:02 Finding Joy in Your Career and Leadership Journey
46:32 The Value of a Personal Board of Directors
