In honour of International Women's Day, we would love to introduce you to one of our most fabulous team members, Wynda Murphy.
Wynda is one of the most seasoned individuals on our team, having been in the Events and Entertainment industry for the last 30 years!
Read below for some snippets from our short conversation with her...
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background? How long have you been working in Events and Entertainment?
Wynda: I have been in the business for over 30 years. I started with BC Films in the 80s as a production assistant. I handled a lot of Actors and Producers.
This led to me attending private events where I was asked to help out in different areas. I also started volunteering at different Charitable Events which were involved with feeding food insecure children, the Cancer Society etc. because I wanted to do more than just write a cheque. Through that, I also got really involved in Celebrity Athletic Golf Tournaments and producing Charitable Events.
Q. What do you love most about being in events?
Wynda: I love creating dreams and executing the final plan. There's nothing like being involved from concept to completion. There are so many different moving parts but seeing everyone enjoying themselves after a lot of hard work is one of the best parts. This includes everyone, guests as well as those working behind the scenes. I love being the one who puts the fires out and no one knows there was a problem behind the scenes.
Q. How has your experience been as a woman in events and in a leadership position? Has that experience changed over the years or based on where you were?
Wynda: I've been so blessed to have been mentored by all kinds of business people from a young age. Modelling from my teens until my 30s, I hated just waiting to have my pictures taken, so I asked questions, watched everything around me, and learnt a lot.
I was also an attendee at many upscale private events and watched many women run the shows while men were the ones earning the accolades and being the face of the event. This is what pulled me into the Events Industry.
There are representation shortfalls in certain industries and professions but I have to say I've yet to experience anything I couldn't overcome. I make sure clients see I can provide the right level of support and professionalism right off the bat. I often outshine some of the men who hire me but respect is one thing I make sure is given in all situations. There are people who will start out looking at you like you are just the hired help but being encouraging and crediting your support team is how you shine as a leader.
Q. What is your favourite event that you have ever worked on?
Wynda: I love doing Pagent of The Masters in Laguna Beach, CA. Many Movie and TV stars attend this magical event but I also love giving back so The Cerebral Palsy Celebrity Waiters Luncheon on Coronado Island in California is right up there with the Pagent. It was very fulfilling to give back to the children by providing them with funds and resources and seeing the light in their eyes.
Q. How do you handle the stress of Event Production and persevere through tough times?
Wynda: A clear head at all times and a calm heart. Before an event, I like to do a walk-through to get my bearings and envision the final product. I breathe and keep calm in any situation because I need to be the person keeping my staff calm and collected as well. The goal is to feel prepared and stay centred and if required take a moment to inhale and exhale.
Q. What has been your most exciting or bizarre event memory?
Wynda: My most exciting event was getting to watch over Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and others at a Charity Golf Event. The most bizarre was definitely having to remove a very high-profile actress from being the Master of Ceremonies at an event!
Q. Do you have any advice for people looking to get into Events and Entertainment?
Wynda: You must be an excellent communicator with exceptional organizational skills. You must be able to juggle many different types of tasks at once. You also can't be afraid to have hard conversations, with tact, of course.
Q. How did you end up joining the team at EMM Creative?
Wynda: I moved back to Vancouver from California and sent my resume out to see what was happening here in the Events industry. I happened to apply as an Event Assistant and had lunch with Erica (founder of EMM Creative) as part of the process. I was overqualified with my experience but we really connected and she had to include me in the team. I was drawn to her passion and we connected over our need to keep moving and doing more. We make a really good team with our drive and passion to grow.
Q. Can you tell us about your experience working with EMM in 2022? What events did you work on?
Wynda: The EMM Team has been so wonderful to be a part of. I was welcomed as if I had been with them for years. We had a busy summer in 2022 and I worked with the team at the Vancouver Craft Beer Week, Squamish Constellation Music Festival, Ambleside Music Festival and Abbotsford Airshow.
Squamish Constellation Music Festival was a lot of fun, it was one of the first events with EMM where I was able to lead the team and ensure the smooth running of the festival. It was extremely gratifying to end up with a successful end product. The Airshow was also a lot of fun to deal with the more VIP clientele.
Q. What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
Wynda: I am looking forward to helping EMM Creative continue to grow and establish our name as an all-inclusive Event Management/Planning Company throughout Vancouver, Canada and hopefully the USA. We have a few plans in the works that I am excited about!
Q. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Wynda: There is nothing like the Events Industry. If you are a passionate people person you can work all around the world. Integrity and the ability to step in and step up if and when required is a must. I have been lucky to have met great people who trusted in my abilities to handle all types of clients.
Written by EMM Creative Arts Co. - 02.27.2023
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