Forey Erickson is a Travel Program Manager out of our Traverse City, Michigan office, and she definitely embodies the “Pure Michigan” vibe! Read more about her below and watch a short video to learn about her favorite travel destination and why she’s making a move in 2023. Thanks Forey for sharing your awesome work ethic and laid back attitude!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I am a Travel Program Manager. I’ve been in the events world, starting in automotive PR events, for nearly 10 years, with the last 7 focused primarily on the incentive side of the industry.
What do you like about being a Travel Program Manager?
No two days are the same. This job is anything but boring and I love the collaborative nature of planning and operating these programs and putting together the logistical puzzle. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some of the most incredible places on the globe with fantastic clients and colleagues and my world view is constantly expanding. And nothing beats seeing months of planning and hard work come together in a beautifully executed program for our participants.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
This type of work requires diligence, creativity, and dedication and there is no shortage of those qualities at Motivation Excellence. Everyone shows up for each other and our clients daily, even in the crazy of our busy season, to ensure that we are delivering the best for our clients and participants. I’ve never felt alone in any work endeavor—everyone is willing to jump in and help when a teammate needs an assist.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment?
We took a group to Tuscany in the summer of 2022 and while the program was a raging success, we found ourselves in the midst of a global air crisis at the tail end of COVID-19 related international travel restrictions. On the final full day, half of our groups’ flights were canceled. In the span of just a few hours, three of us who were onsite, our air team back stateside, and our incredible DMC partners got everyone rebooked, everyone tested for COVID-19, and still pulled off a fabulous final event. Being recognized for our hard work by the clients during speeches on that final night was the cherry on top after an adrenaline-filled afternoon. It served as a great reminder of why we love what we do and who we are doing it for.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I have an uncanny knack for retaining obscure information. I can name Michigan State basketball starting lineups going back decades, tell you the filmography of b-list actors, sing all of the lyrics to “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and recall all of the US presidents in chronological order. Basically, my secret talent is being an excellent trivia partner.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I come from a family filled with incredibly hardworking and impressive women, I’m just trying to keep up😊. I also love being part of a team and knowing how hard my colleagues and partners work makes me want to ensure I’m keeping up my end of the bargain.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m lucky enough to spend the bulk of my free time between Detroit and Traverse City, MI and love watching Michigan State and Detroit sports (someday my Lions will win a Super Bowl) and spending my summers on the beach or boat with family and friends.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My amazing nieces and nephew, Rory, Teagan, and Declan. No shortage of laughter in our family.
This month, our theme for social media is self-esteem. What’s something you do to boost your own self-esteem when you’re feeling a bit low?
Calling up my family or boyfriend—they always pick me up, make me laugh, and remind me exactly who I am and what I’m capable of.
