Here's what you'll learn in this episode:
Joshua began his career with disappointment in Grade 5 outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, when he was NOT permitted to perform in the schools annual Talent Show. Rather than letting him perform, the teaching staff decided they needed little Joshua to be the Master of Ceremonies and Compere the event, instead.
He probably would have been excited.....if he had any clue at all of what a Compere was.
He did eventually find out. He began his paid Compere career with Carnival Cruise Lines in 1998, gaining unparalleled experience in the Entertainment and Hospitality space, while also establishing himself as the Youngest Cruise Director in the company's history at 24. Charged with the Entertainment and Marketing/Promotions across the entire 4000 passenger ship, he also had his first management and leadership role overseeing the drama-free performers, which included the dancers, musicians, activities staff and technical crew. Working with other Cruise Lines such as Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, he eventually came back to land, where he piloted the new role of Director of FUN for Hotel Management Company, Starwood Resorts, whose portfolio included well-known brands such as Westin, Sheraton, W, Le Meridien and more.
In these roles, Joshua's Leadership skills were honed and invested in by the company. It was at this point that Joshua really began to focus on what Corporate Training, Personal Development and Staff Engagement was all about in a more traditional work environment. Particularly, the idea of a life/work balance. At this point, that concept was a foreign one. You see, on ships, Cruise Director is not a job or role, it's a lifestyle. You, literally, never leave work. So Joshua approached his land-based jobs the same way, which you can imagine, is a recipe for burnout.
Currently the Chief FUN Officer and Founder of FUNancial Services and joshuariffe.com, Joshua is known for his speaking and programs for personal development, productivity, customer service, and presentation/public speaking expertise.
While building his coaching & training business, he has focused on the scalability of a coaching practice and it's inherent challenges when you are your brand. As a result, Joshua has also created a new arm of FUNancial Services which creates and designs e-learning/intranet sites for companies and people to drive staff engagement and also monetize their own content.
While his speaking engagements have taken him literally around the world, Joshua is proud is proud to call Newcastle home with his wonderful wife Rebecca and little boy, Jude.
Key Resources:
Inspiration North Website - www.inspirationnorth.com
Inspiration North Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/inspirationnorth
Inspiration North Twitter - https://twitter.com/Inspirationorth
Inspiration North Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inspiration_north/
Joshua's website is www.joshuariffe.com
He can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaRiffeFUNancialServices
Joshua on Twitter - https://twitter.com/joshuariffe
Joshua on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuariffe/
Joshua's company on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/15195844/admin/
