MELVA

How has LaJoy Plans been rewarding to you, your staff, and your clients?

It is true that I get a lot of joy from my clients because I know them, know their personal stories, and understand why they engage in the work that they do but you know what? I am so lucky to have an extraordinary team that functions like a beloved family. Two of my team members including my first manager of events were mentees, all of us are diverse, and yet, when we are together, we move as one cohesive unit. We are together after the work is over ( I remember one time I told people they could leave after working about 16 hours and all of us stayed until the job was done, laughing with tears of joy). I see the great reward in each of my team members and I feel lucky that I am a part of their story and that they are such a fulfilling part of mine.

We have all dealt with a tedious client. Drawing from your experience, describe the best way to deal with aggressive clients. Actually, I have a virtual masterclass coming out about this topic for Women’s History Month but my short answer is I believe the best way to handle people who are challenging us is to extend empathy. The reality is that the person who is severely unpleasant, has unrealistic expectations, or is just flat-out nasty definitely has other stuff going on that has nothing to do with the work. Additionally, I think it's important that while doing that you are clear about what you will and will not tolerate and center the conversation around the work. Most importantly, don’t ever let someone ’ s smallness take you out of your character.