Fun Female Spotlight - let's share

Recently the legendary Kari LaRocco, CFP?, CRPC?, APMA?, BFA? asked me some fun questions and shared them as her ??FEMALE SPOTLIGHT ?? so I wanted to share them with you too. It was a delight to be featured among brilliant Tampa women including Christine Nicole Judson from The Tampa EDITION and Gina Lyons from A Vine Affair - two women I admire for all they are doing in the world.

Tell us about your current role:

As?#LuxuryLover?and Executive Strategist for leaders of legacy and luxury brands, you will often find me in boardrooms or ballrooms sharing strategies for focus, branding, and attention. We help executives elevate client experiences, increase sales, and differentiate themselves.

Biggest Strength?

Dubbed the Energizer Bunny by all my clients. That’s why I am often the opening #keynotespeaker for an event or the facilitator of a strategic retreat.?My confidence, love of people, and need for play every day, combined with a desire to live luxe, means my energy and enthusiasm are contagious.

Weakness?

I am “all- in” kind of girl. This means taking on ridiculously?#Huge?goals just to see if I can do it. Example: never having run before in my life, and then signing up for a full marathon, running it less than five months later- crazy, I know. Once I put my mind to something. I am all in!

What’s your favorite time of day?

First thing in the morning, my morning routine is sacred, and it doesn’t matter if I am at home or on the road traveling for work.

Best learning experience?

Embracing what is unique about me, how I think and see the world, and then commercializing that uniqueness in my business. I break many rules and perceptions of how you should look and sound in my industry, and I am totally okay with that (now… but when I started, I thought I had to be like everyone else), thankfully, I was wrong!

Proudest accomplishment?

Being married to the love of my life for 34 years. Oh, and running that crazy marathon.

Who is your WCW?

Barbe- Nicole Ponsardin, you know her as Madam Cliquot, the founder of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. She saved the champagne industry and was a pioneer, a single mum, and a widow. The process of how champagne is traditionally made was created on her kitchen counter. And, of course, my mum. Also, a single mum for many years; her gift of hospitality and love of people is in my DNA. She’s always the hostess with the mostess, and her smile is contagious.

Inspired the most?

Watching waves crash is spiritual, where I get my best ideas and hear my thoughts clearly. Boating in Tampa Bay is relaxing, walking any beach is meditative, and soaking in a bath is luxury.

Sweet or savory?

Savory - give me a glass of Champagne and a plate of truffle fries any day!

Best Splurge?

Champagne - there is something special about a glass of delicious bubbles in an exquisite glass that brings me joy. I love watching the bubbles dance inside the glass and the incredible taste of years of love and experience. Also, travel- I am always planning my next trip. We learn so much about the world (and ourselves) when we experience diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, exquisite foods, and the kindness of others.

Best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t change your voice (I have a high-pitched voice), and yet I am a professional speaker- too funny! When I started professional speaking, everyone told me, “you will never make money with a voice like yours”.. haha- now I provide advice to Fortune 50 CEOs and their teams and keynote at conferences around the world. Don’t listen to those telling you; you can’t do something.

What make you smile the most?

Beauty - bubbles in a champagne glass, my honey’s blue eyes, a butterfly landing on a flower, fresh flowers on my desk, a stunning sunset, a gorgeous running trail, a swaying palm tree, and the sounds of laughter.

Heels or flats?

Stilettos, but sneakers are fast becoming a fave!

What are you most excited about right now?

My upcoming trip to Champagne and Paris in June to celebrate my birthday. Champagne is one of my greatest loves. I’ve been learning French, following a gazillion accounts on Instagram, planning decadent experiences, and of course, immersing myself in learning all I can about champagne houses and production. It will be exciting to visit Maisons I have been obsessed with for many years and create new memories with the love of my life.

How can others connect with you?

Neenjames.com

@neenjames on Instagram

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