New Member Spotlight - Kristina Sabourin

I grew up in Petawawa, ON and went to college in North Bay at Canadore for Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Administration. I have had the pleasure of working in hotels in various roles for over 18 years. Those roles ranged from Housekeeper, Banquet Captain, Restaurant Supervisor, Sales and Events Coordinator, Event Manager and Sales Manager. A year and a half ago I took the leap out of the Hotel world and took a contract position as the Team Lead for the Meetings and Hospitality department at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. I have loved working at the college so much and with the Events and Hospitality team that I then accepted the permanent role as the Protocol and Events Administrator for the Royal College. I truly feel like I have found the best place to work and the best people to work with.

Career Path
I started off my career path by attending Canadore College for the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Administration program. While in college I had the pleasure of working at Severn Lodge in the Muskoka’s and the Hotel Cristina in Jersey, England. After College finished, I moved to Ottawa where I began working for a few hotels and growing in my experience.

Social Media:
The best Ted Talk I have seen is by Shawn Achor. This is truly an inspiring talk and I recommend picking up his book called “The Happiness Advantage”

Inspiration:
I am currently reading “the Plant Paradox”  I absolutely love reading self-help books, anything from health and fitness to personal growth to happiness books like : The Happiness Equation is a personal favourite.

Professional:
What is your best way to tame your nerves before a work event?

I like to listen to Spa Music, it really mellows me out and allows me to rock the event.

Personal:
I would say the best thing about being the age I am now is that I am the happiest I have ever been.  I have the best husband in the world, he is so kind, caring and loving. I love my job and the people I work with and I have the greatest friends. I also have the best “Best Friend” anyone could ever ask for!

Networking:
What’s your favourite ‘icebreaker question’ at a networking event/best conversation starter? 

I like to ask people what is their favorite thing to do outside of work. Give you a chance to connect with someone on a personal level.

Favourite Quote:
Dance like nobody’s watching
Love like you’ve never been hurt
Sing like nobody’s listening
Live like its heaven on earth