New Member Spotlight - Marie Laplante

I grew up in a “town” called Cheney (located in Prescott-Russell). If you drive towards it, don’t blink… you will miss it!!! (it’s that small) I did all of my schooling in French as it is my first language. I am equally proud to be bilingual as I am to be a Franco-Ontarian. I currently live in the great city of Orleans with my fiancé Stéphane. We have been together 12 years. No kids but looking at getting a few fur babies in the next couple of years.

I’ve always been a bit of the event planner in the family. I guess that’s where it all started! Officially, it was when I replaced a colleague for a 4-month work assignment. She was the faculty’s event planner. This is where I got the “taste” for doing pure events. It also pushed me to do the 1-year events program at La Cité collégiale and got my diploma in events management. After that I worked for various NFPs, in different fields (health, law, education) and for government agencies, doing a wide variety of events.

What is the best industry blog or Ted Talk you’d recommend to fellow members?

Amy Cuddy’s Ted Talk in June 2012 called Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are

What are you currently reading or would recommend reading?

Being a book lover, it is quite challenging to pick just one! (I have a library room at home with over 600 books… #heaven!!!)

Currently reading: Before I Go to Sleep by Steven J. Watson

Some of my favourite reads:

• Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
• The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein
• 11/22/63 by Stephen King

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Stop striving for perfectionism. Perfect doesn’t exist. Simply do your best.

What is the advice you would give to your younger self?

Don’t put so much importance on what others think or might think. It’s not worth the stress. Don’t waste your energy on that.

What was your favourite networking event?

Fam Tour in Niagara. Met some really great people and made great connections. And okay… let’s not forget the wine!!!

Favourite Quote:

I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.