If I'm only half as respected as Moira...I'll consider myself tremendously successful...and one very lucky individual.
I first met Moira Hearn of Select Group Marketing in late 1994...post CMITS (now IncentiveWorks) and planning for the 1995 show. For reasons unknown to me at the time, she adopted me into her flock. For over 17 years we swore and promised we would do lunch...and it didn't happen until after I left M+IT/IncentiveWorks in Feb 2011. True to her word, we went for lunch...and Moira was still looking out for me even when I couldn't directly help her professional goals - she was that kind a human being.
We had some great laughs and adventures but make no mistake...Moira gave me a piece of her mind when she felt compelled; however it was always with constructive criticism for the growth and development of IncentiveWorks and the industry (and a little mentorship for me too).
I didn't know Moira before the mid-90's and her accomplishments. We never socialized outside of work. Regardless, Moira was one of those special people I would take a bullet for...and sadly the bullet that got her was one that no one else could step in front of.
To this day, the greatest lesson Moira demonstrated to me was that a strong relationship is only a phone call away. Not email, not fax, not Skype…a phone call. Moira was the original social media...making connections and relationships in and out of her immediate circles...backed up with a hand shake followed closely with a big hug.
Moira...if you're reading this...thank you for being my friend. I'll miss you tremendously.
Until next time
Steve
Great lesson from Moira - expect a flood of calls soon Steve! Moira was like the Aunt that never missed a family reunion ... it won't be the same without seeing her at MPI, SITE, IncentiveWorks, etc. She'll be greatly missed by so many.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like Moira took many under her wing. When I came on board for IW, she made an effort to make me feel welcome into the group and I knew i could go to her with questions and that her answers would not be self serving but for the good of the show/industry. She was just one of those people that you looked forward to seeing at each show. Her absence will be felt.
ReplyDeleteI only found out about Moira's passing two days ago, when I was speaking to another good meetings industry friend, Les Selby. I was shocked and saddened to hear that Moira left us.
ReplyDeleteLike you, Steve, I only knew Moira from "the biz" -- MPI, SITE, and each year at CMITS/IncentiveWorks. She epitomized the good of our industry -- giving of herself, always wanting to help.
My deepest condolences to all her friends and family.