Getting to Know…Our Planner Member

About Ted

I was born and raised in Montreal. I went to McGill University(B.Sc. ‘81), John Abbott College in 2014 and married my lovely wife Maryse Lesperance also in 2014. My step daughter is an employee of Air Canada and she is currently training to become a flight director. We have four cats, two dogs and a horse. Our family loves animals and we occasionally volunteer for the Humane Society International.

Career Path

After 30 years in pharma research (with co-authorships in 21 publications and 10 patents) I went back to school and completed a certificate in Event Planning and Managementat John Abbott College in 2014 and graduated on the Dean’s Honor Roll. I joined the meetings industry in the fall of 2014 and worked as the event coordinator for H.I.T. Global Consulting Inc. in Montreal. During a seven month period I organized workshops across Canada for physicians for accreditation. In 2016 I volunteered on the Education Committee for the Ottawa Chapter of MPI. I also spent some time working as an ambassador with Positive Impact/Sustainable Events Ltd. based out of Manchester, England. Currently, I work for Air Canada in the customer sales and service division and I’m also a member of the “Awards of Excellence” committee for 2017. Additionally, I recently started volunteering for the Air Canada Foundation and was involved in helping pack 2,000 boxes of soaps, toothpaste and water purifying tablets, etc. for victims devastated by the 2017 earthquake in Mexico.

Social Media:

What do you recommend following on social media (i.e. Twitter handle, Pinterest site, Facebook group, etc.)

I recommend following Positive Impact and Sustainable Events Ltd. based out of Manchester, England on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Inspiration:

What is one dream you’ve seen fulfilled?

I would like to teach and help the young generation to aspire to be better at what they do and motivate them to reach their goals — especially as it relates to lowering the carbon footprint and the environment.

Professional:

What is one small adjustment that has had a big impact on you professionally?

Never give up, never say “can’t do” and always live life to its fullest. If you work hard and put your mind and heart into something, a dream is just a step away from becoming reality. Career adjustments are possible!

Personal:

What is the best thing about being the age you are now?

I might have been thrown a curve ball when I lost my job in 2013 but I’ve never given up and I’ve always believed that I had the passion and knack to serve people! That’s why I persevered and chose a new career in event planning.

Networking:

What was your favorite networking event?

My favorite networking event has been attending the “Tech Day” organized by the Ottawa MPI chapter. It offers plenty of opportunities to learn about new technologies and the speakers are excellent.

Favourite Quote

“An intelligent plan is the first step to success. The man who plans knows where he is going, knows what progress he is making and has a pretty good idea when he will arrive.”- Basil S. Walsh.

 
Article Written By Alison Peverley, The Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club

Article Edited By Cynthia Beaudin, Canada Foundation for Innovation