We've been so busy tooting the horns of our clients for their accolades and honors at the recent #ifa2024 convention, we almost forgot to recognize our own President, Debra Vilchis, for winning the Crystal Compass Award! The IFA Women's Franchise Committee gives the award annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to franchising through their leadership.
In case you missed Debra's memorable "raw" and authentic post-award fireside chat with outgoing WFC chair Robin Gagnon, MBA, CFE, CBI, here are some of the highlights:
💡 Debra shared the amusing story of her first day at Fishman PR over 25 years ago, where she fought a raging cold sore, sinus infection & white-out blizzard to get to the office - then forgot to lock the single-use bathroom door and was caught literally pants down on day 1 by our CEO. 😮 Mortified, she fought the urge to turn around and go home, telling us she learned a key lesson: "Nothing good comes quick or easy ... sometimes you gotta tell yourself, "JUST PULL UP YOUR PANTS AND GET ON WITH IT!"
💡As a 1st grade Sunday School teacher on the side, the same moral compass Debra shares with her students to always tell the truth, to be kind, be humble and be loyal, also applies in the workplace. About kindness: "When you need to have a difficult conversation with an employee, pretend their mom is sitting next to them. How would their mom feel about the way you are talking to their child?"
💡 Humor plays an important role in the workplace. She says humor is "the great equalizer ... it cuts tension, it creates bonds." After winning class clown in high school, she reminds others to "Take your job seriously, but take yourself lightly."
💡 Debra said there was irony in winning the Crystal Compass, as she describes herself as "navigationally challenged." She said the award will always remind her of the people in her life (her parents, her team members and of course Sherri Fishman, CFE and Brad Fishman who gave her direction. "It will remind me of where I have been, how I got here, and what direction I need to go."
💡 Her final tip for every leader? "After a bad meeting, failed initiative or conversation gone wrong, don't ruminate or beat yourself up. Rather, figure out what went wrong and how to prevent it. Think ... PULL UP YOUR PANTS AND GET ON WITH IT!"
Last year, our co-founder and co-CEO Sherri Fishman was honored with the prestigious Bonny LeVine Award. During this Women's History Month, all of us at Fishman Public Relations and Franchise Elevator PR are so incredibly proud of you both, and all of our female leaders! #PR #franchising #leadership #womanofimpact
Sara Faiwell Julianne Stevenson Kelly Hammond (McNamara) Clare Spotts Marisa Beaumont
President - HTeaO
1yCongratulations Fishman Public Relations Zack Fishman, CFE Well deserved (again) !