As this month's official guest, Shelley Finnigan, S.E., President-Elect of SMPS Chicago, answered a few questions on how SMPS has helped her career and professional growth. Join him at the lunch next week to learn more!
For questions regarding the lunch, contact: Lauren Mead, RTKL Associates, Inc., [email protected]
Where do you work and what’s your role?
I work for ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading steel and mining company, as a technical sales engineer.
Why did you join SMPS Chicago?
I joined SMPS Chicago when I made the switch from engineering to marketing/business development.
How has SMPS been beneficial to you, your firm, and/or your career?
SMPS has positively impacted my life, both personally and professionally, in many ways! I have formed many great friendships, learned how to better manage my time and polished my always improving never done leadership skills. My firm has gained a lot of exposure to the design community, both locally and nationally, a benefit that is invaluable when compared to the cost of membership. And, it gets to focus on developing my skills related to its own interests, rather than general skills related to marketing/business development, by allowing me to attend the great programs and professional development seminars hosted by SMPS Chicago.
How can a new member of SMPS get the most out of their membership?
New members can get the most out of their SMPS membership by jumping in and getting involved. SMPS Chicago has lots of great committees – Communications, Membership, Professional Development, Programs, Special Events, and Sponsorship – and executive Board positions that offer members unique opportunities to learn life skills, contribute their great ideas and connect with their SMPS peers! Don’t be shy about telling members of the Board what you are looking to get out of your involvement – our goal is to help you achieve that!
What was the most fun event you attended for SMPS?
Well, there certainly have been many, but by far the greatest for me was the 2013 Build Business in Orlando, Florida. The speakers – especially keynotes – were top notch and the event offered great opportunities for me to not only connect with SMPS colleagues on a national level, but it also helped me bolster relationships with my SMPS Chicago colleagues. I would encourage everyone to attend, at least once, as the event is very well done and educational.
What do you do to kick back and relax?
When I’m ready to relax you’ll find me at the gym, at the pub playing trivia, on an airplane (no bother the destination, sitting in that seat with nowhere else to be is a Zen-like state for me!) or snuggled up at home with my cat and my hubby watching British TV shows on Netflix!
What is your favorite musical group/performer?
I really struggle to answer this – I don’t even have a favorite genre of music, I love it all! If I really had to say just one group, though, I’d say Matt Nathanson. I’ve followed him since 2000 and am always awed by his musical talent, his stage presence and his commitment to maintaining a connection with his fans – it’s unwavering, even as he has grown in fame throughout the years!
What is the most interesting place you’ve visited?
Gosh, this is another difficult one to answer. I’ve been fortunate in my life to have a father from another continent (resulting in close family members scattered throughout the world) and to have met amazing people who live in international locations and have always opened their doors to a visit. I’ve definitely taken advantage of that and thus find it impossible to pinpoint one place as the most interesting – they’re all spectacular to me! I will say that one place I’ve always wanted to see is the city of Petra in Jordan. Early in my career, I read about Petra in James Michener’s The Drifters and I’ve always wanted to see it. I’m lucky enough to be headed there later this month, so ask me this question again in February and I’ll let you know if it is, indeed, the most interesting place I’ve ever been!
Name the most famous person you’ve had a face to face encounter with (“brush with greatness”)?
How are we measuring fame here and how do we define “met”? The most famous athlete I’ve met is, well, my father, who was an Olympic athlete, but I guess my opinion on his fame is a little biased, so I’ll also say Drew Brees. The most famous musician I’ve met is Matt Nathanson. And, the most famous actor I’ve walked side-by-side with was Patrick Swayze, but unfortunate for me, I was too wrapped up reviewing my grocery receipt to even notice he was next to me before I needed to cross the street!
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