Get to Know ME with Lindsey Jarson
Meet Lindsey Jarson, our Get to Know ME spotlight this month! Lindsey joined us in 2023. She’s holding down the accounting fort at our Traverse City location, but her role extends to any supplier that needs to be paid. She’s camera-shy, so no video with her, but you can quickly read below about what brings her joy and satisfaction. Thanks, Lindsey, for sharing with us!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I am an Accounts Payable Associate. It’s been a little under a year since I joined the industry.
What do you like about your job?
I love the fast-paced nature of the work we do at Motivation Excellence. It’s rewarding to ensure accurate financial data and make sure our vendors get paid on time!
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
Everyone here is extremely hard-working and always willing to lend a hand. It’s a great atmosphere.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
The sense of accomplishment in meeting deadlines and hitting my goals and the opportunity to contribute positively to the world keep me inspired and focused.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy reading thrillers, hiking with my pup, and traveling!
What’s a bucket list item you can’t wait to cross off?
I’d love to go to Europe (someday)!
Why Incentives Show Your People They Matter
Motivation Excellence, a channel incentives and sales incentives company, discusses why incentives show your employees that they matter.
Launch Your Next Sales Drive With an Incentive Group Travel Experience
Motivation Excellence, an incentive and rewards company, discusses how to power your next sales drive with incentive group travel experience.
Get to Know ME with Claire Urness
Meet Claire Urness, from our Performance Management team! She hasn’t been with us a year quite yet, but she’s already found she feels right at home in our Schaumburg headquarters. A self-described “shy person,” we appreciate her willingness to sit down with us for this month’s Get to Know ME edition. Read on and watch our short video to learn more about Claire!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
My current title is Program Manager, and I’ve been involved in the incentive industry for a few years now.
What do you like about your job?
I enjoy the fast-paced environment of my role as a Program Manager and the constant growth it brings.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
I would emphasize the genuine sense of value and appreciation I feel working with everyone at Motivation Excellence. Everyone is so willing to share knowledge and help in any way they can, so it is hard to not feel like you are a part of a team here.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment, and why?
A pivotal moment in my life was when I moved to Tennessee a few years after college. At this point, my (now) husband and I were long-distance for two years while he finished graduate school, so taking the leap to move to a new state to close that distance was a very big step in our lives.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I am always working on becoming a better version of myself both personally and professionally.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time with my family and friends, as well as anything that gets me outdoors.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My dog never fails to make me laugh with her goofy personality and constant need for attention.
What’s a bucket list item you can’t wait to cross off?
A bucket list item I’m eagerly anticipating crossing off is taking a cruise to Alaska to witness all the wildlife.
This month, our theme for social media is Carbon Footprint Awareness. Is there anything you do to be more eco-conscious?
We have recently started composting at our home and I’m excited to turn our food scraps into nourishment for our garden this year!
Get to Know ME with Brittany Cerillos
Brittany Cerillos joined our Travel Department in the last year and made an impression instantly. She’s got a happy, can-do attitude and if you pass a bar with karaoke, you know she’s going to duck inside for a moment (or two). When you read below and watch her short video, you’ll be able to see her spark too! Thanks Brittany, for being our Get to Know ME subject this month!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I am a Travel Program Coordinator. I have been in the Travel and Incentive industry since 2018.
What do you like about your job?
Everyday is different! I like a fast-paced environment that looks a bit different each day. I also have the opportunity to be creative in my role. I enjoy working with the attendees and making connections with our clients and supplier partners. Traveling, experiencing new cultures, and bringing once in a lifetime experience to our clients is extremely rewarding.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
I have been with Motivation Excellence for less than a year and it truly feels like a little family. Everyone is always laughing while working together and there is never a dull moment in the office. Whenever anyone is at their capacity there is always someone willing to help or lend a hand!
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
Amateur karaoke singer.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
We only have one life – I want to make the best of it! Plus, I have to pay for all my travel expenses. Lol.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love trying new restaurants, taking my dog Rio to patios in the summer / go on walks, hosting events for my friends and family, traveling and reading.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My Corgi Rio!
What’s a bucket-list item you can’t wait to cross off?
I am really looking forward to taking a cooking class in Italy one day when I go there.
This month, our theme for social media is Celebrating Women. Is there a female role model you had or have that made an impact on you?
My mom is definitely the most resilient person I know. She often reminds me “that’s life” and not to sweat the little stuff.
Get to Know ME with Michelle Ebner
It’s always fun to introduce a NEW member of our team with our Get to Know ME segment. Michelle Ebner joined as VP of Finance toward the end of 2023 and was promoted to Co-CEO and Co-President in the summer of 2024. Read below, and watch her short video, to learn about her first career choice and why people like to open up to her. Thanks Michelle for letting us get to know you!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I became Co-CEO/Co-President in July of 2024. Before that I was VP of Finance, and brand new to the incentive industry when I took the job in 2023.
What do you like about your job?
I love working with numbers and putting processes and procedures in place to achieve financial success. Numbers don’t lie and as an auditor by trade, it’s my goal to make sure there is accuracy in the financial data for improved decision making.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
Everybody makes you feel so welcome as a newcomer and so far, people are very receptive to collaboration and new ideas. You can see and feel that people are genuinely happy to be here!
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment, and why?
The day I decided I would major in accounting was a pivotal moment. I was balancing a pre-med curriculum, with a business school courseload as my backup, freshman year and after almost losing my sanity, I found my passion in accounting. I ditched the science books, and the rest was history.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I struggle with originating my own artistic ideas from imagination and wouldn’t consider myself “creative,” but I am artistic if given an example or model to follow. I enjoy the challenge of doing something myself and have dabbled in elaborate cake decorating and a variety of décor and customization crafts.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I like to take on challenges because I see them as a puzzle with mis-matched pieces that I can mold anew, improve or fix to solve the problem at hand. I never run from a good challenge!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I don’t have that much excess time outside of school activities and sports for my kids, but I do enjoy family time with my siblings when we can all get together. When I am not managing the household and kids, I spend my time watching the hallmark channel or various tv series on Netflix and other networks to relax.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Dry humor and sarcasm! My husband and kids are experts in this arena – they can really crack me up with their wit and quick comebacks.
What’s a bucket-list item you can’t wait to cross off?
I want to visit Australia and New Zealand!
This month, our theme for social media is Organization. What are your best organizational tips?
I am not an organized person by any means, in fact, I’m rather an expert at organized chaos. But, I do write notes in wire bound notebooks which also double as my doodle pad.
Get to Know ME with Geneva Mitchell
Hold on to your belly and get ready to chuckle along with Geneva Mitchell, our Get to Know ME spotlight this month. Thank you, Geneva, for being authentic in answering our questions below and in our short video. Your laugh is contagious and your positivity is engaging! If anyone holds onto a stereotype of accountants being quiet or “not fun,” Geneva definitely breaks it to pieces.
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
My title is Financial Analyst, and I’ve been at Motivation Excellence for 9 months. This is my first job in this industry.
What do you like about your job?
I love the family dynamic atmosphere here!
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
I would like to share that I enjoy how, just about, everyone has an amazing sense of humor, which is awesome because I’m the self-appointed most hilarious person at Motivation Excellence! 😊
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment, and why?
The day I talked someone out of jumping in front of a train (and I didn’t know that’s what he was planning).
(Story Time) I don’t remember the month, day, or year, but I know I was on my way home from work, so it was nighttime, and it was slightly cold out. I was standing waiting for my train, my feet started hurting so I sat down on a bench next to a man, and he said, “Hey.” Naturally, I spoke back. It was silent for a few minutes, then he started rambling on about his personal issues, how life is hard, and what’s the point of it all? I listened and I gave him advice as best as I could. The main thing I told him was if you can’t control it don’t stress it, and that folks lose their minds worrying about something that’s out of their control. He was quiet for a while and then he stood up and said, “You don’t know what you have done for me; I was going to jump.” Then he walked away, never looking back at me.
My train came and I let it leave without me on it. I guess I was just in shock. That moment was a defining moment because I used to find it weird that everybody, including strangers, would just open up to me. After that experience from the man at the train stop, I now embrace it, and no longer find it weird that people get so comfortable with me so quickly. I’m happy to know I feel welcoming, and that I make people feel comfortable and seen.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
No matter where I am, whether it’s a store, at home, or even at work; I always look for hiding spots in case a game of hide-n-seek breaks out. I stay ready so I never have to get ready.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
What motivates me to accomplish things in my life is the feeling I get when I have met a goal that I’ve set for myself, no matter how big or small. That feeling of accomplishment is out of this world. Plus, I’m a very competitive person and I will forever be in competition with myself to be better and do better than the day before.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to take long walks with my partner Lee, catch up on TV shows, and hang out with family and friends.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
When people think my mom is my sister! She does look very young! (Watch the video to see a photo of her.)
What’s a bucket list item you can’t wait to cross off?
Lee and I are looking at buying a house, so becoming a homeowner is on my bucket list.
This month, our theme for social media is Reflection. How do you incorporate reflection into your life?
Before responding or taking any action on anything I always put myself in other folks’ shoes. This helps me understand where another person comes from and allows me to reflect on what I’ve learned as a person who loves to help others.
Get to Know ME with Amy Rose
Amy Rose is the subject of our latest Get to Know ME segment. She started at Motivation Excellence in our client marketing department eight months ago and quickly became involved in our Events Committee. She helps plan fun events for our teams in the Schaumburg headquarters in addition to helping clients bring their programs to life. In the blog below, and the attached 3-minute video, Amy Rose really opens up about what makes her truly unique. You’ll definitely learn a lot and perhaps look at people in your life in a new way!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I am the Creative Services Program Manager and have been in the incentive industry since I started with Motivation Excellence in March 2023!
What do you like about your job?
The uncapped creativity and being able to work with, and bounce ideas off, everyone around me — never a dull moment!
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
The authenticity that flows within the office space is amazing. All my colleagues are wonderful to work with and I love that everyone has a voice and is encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment, and why?
Getting (late) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It was a pivotal moment knowing that there wasn’t anything wrong with me. I have spent my whole life masking just to fit in and looking back, all the food aversions, sensitivity with materials (clothing, blankets, etc.) and being non-verbal as a child were overlooked as being picky and shy. The disconnect I experienced was due to having a brain that functions differently than neurotypical brains. I was diagnosed in high school with ADHD, but I still felt something was off or missing. The inhibition and inability to explain that was highly vexing — often resulting in silent screams in group settings and uncontrollable tears behind closed doors.
A recently new, unofficial term has been floating around: AuDHD, as it wasn’t until 2013 that you were able to be diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD. My current goal is to actively promote awareness. It is crucial for our society to enhance its knowledge to eliminate the stigma associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and the additional conditions that often coexist with them. Logical Processing, published in July 2023 by Autism Understood, is an article out of the United Kingdom explaining how most people’s brains work in a similar way to a Windows Operating System, but that Autistic brains are more like a Linux Operating System.
Below is an example of what an Autism Spectrum Wheel/Circle can look like (image from Nera Birch’s article).
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
Hmm there’s quite a handful, lol — I’m ambidextrous, I’m a freelance Makeup Artist (MAC Cosmetics trained). I love, love, LOVE to Cosplay!! BUT, I would say the most unknown and unique talent I have is being able to visualize the sounds of music in color, a condition called Synesthesia.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
Having the ability to wake up each day and view it as a new beginning while reminding myself that most people – including myself – fall victim to concocting false narratives of themselves, even down to a microscopic level. Inflating a false narrative will hold you back from doing the things you want to do or accomplish. Failure is part of life — embrace it, as success doesn’t happen without it!
Below are two of my favorite motivating quotes:
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” — Master Yoda
“Try again. Fail again. Fail Better.” — Samuel Beckett
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love outdoor sports, specifically rollerblading, ice skating and in recent years, skiing! I like hiking and camping too; one of my favorite hiking trails is the Alum Cave in the Smoky Mountains. I also enjoy going to museums, the movies/drive-in theatres, watching TV shows, reading novels, comic books, drawing, animating, video editing, writing, and hanging out with my dog (Pluto), boyfriend/friends/family, going to concerts and conventions!
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Two things:
- This interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfhMILe8C84
- This commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryjpbd4D4bg
If you’ve never seen either, you’re welcome!
What’s a bucket list item you can’t wait to cross off?
Visiting New Zealand, specifically Matamata where Hobbiton (The Shire) is located — can’t wait to step onto the lands where The Lord of The Rings trilogy was filmed!! Apparently, you can host special events there, so the goal is to celebrate my 40th birthday on-site by partying like a Hobbit! And when I check that off my bucket list, I’ll get a tattoo of the coordinates (S 37° 52′ 19.524″, E 175° 40′ 58.476“); what an adventure that’ll be!
This month, our theme for social media is Gratitude. Do you incorporate any gratitude habits into your life? If so, give us an example.
I practice gratitude every morning; this helps me start the day with a positive mindset and fosters a greater appreciation for the little joys in life.
Get to Know ME with Bre Chambers
Bre Chambers is not a fan of being recorded, but she knocked our Get to Know ME recording out of the park this month! Be sure to watch her two-minute video and read below to get to know more about our spirited Travel Coordinator out of the Traverse City office. Thanks, Bre, for sharing how you ended up in the incentive travel industry and the brilliant photos of some recent hiking adventures (can only be seen in the video – what are you waiting for?)
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I am a Travel Program Coordinator and have been in the incentive industry for 6 years in various positions.
What do you like about being a Travel Program Coordinator?
I like seeing the program through from start to finish and working out all the details to ensure everyone has a great experience.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
We have a great team built from years of experience with a vast array of skills.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment, and why?
I’d have to say having the opportunity to experience an incentive program as a participant before I knew this industry existed. It brought me back to Traverse City and introduced me to my career.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to travel and tend to gravitate toward hiking destinations with beautiful views.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Getting together with friends; we all share the same sarcastic humor.
What’s a bucket list item you can’t wait to cross off?
I’ll be crossing off Banff, Alberta, Canada next summer! This trip was originally planned for the summer of 2020 so I’m excited to finally get this one checked off the list.
This month, our theme for social media is Perception. How do you adjust perception either on how you think of someone or something, or how they perceive you? Is perception important?
Perception plays a huge role in how we interact with the world, on a large scale but also in every day-to-day interaction. I find talking through things helps me see situations from a different angle.
Get to Know ME with Carrie Fox
Carrie Fox is a repeat employee, and we’re sure happy to have her back as a coordinator in our travel department! She’s our focus for this month’s Get to Know ME segment. She’s crafty and grateful and full of good vibes! Thanks, Carrie, for sharing your thoughts on our monthly questions. 😊
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I’m a Travel Program Coordinator. I started at Motivation Excellence in 2001 and worked until 2011, then took a break to become a full-time mom. I returned in November 2021 and am so happy to be back!
What do you like about being a Travel Program Coordinator?
Every day is a little different. I love the conversations I get to have with participants and hearing about how excited they are about their upcoming travel experiences! Most are super appreciative of the time I spend on the phone assisting them in any way I can. I also love that every program teaches me about different areas around the world; it’s always fun learning about new places I’ve never been to.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
Since I was here for ten years before this recent stint, it’s great to reconnect with the long-timers. It’s like we picked up right where we left off! I’m also getting to know some of the people who started while I was gone, and everyone is so welcoming and nice.
I was with Motivation Excellence through some pretty big events in my life; celebrating with my team when I turned 21, getting married and having a baby (all back in the 2001-2011 time). It’s like one big family and I’m so grateful to be around such a great group of co-workers and friends! So many inspiring people who make me want to be a better person and try harder to accomplish the most out of life.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I make the BEST chocolate-covered treats—like chocolate-covered Oreos, pretzels, and Rice Krispies to name a few. I love making them for birthdays, graduations, weddings and everything in between!
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
Once I set my goals, the sky is the limit, and nothing gets in my way of accomplishing them. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who also want to achieve the most out of life is really important.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love making crafts: anything from wood signs to sewing projects, and of course making chocolate-dipped treats (see photos above). Also, I’m a Team mom for my son’s travel baseball team.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Laughing is infectious, if you start laughing, I will start laughing.
What’s a bucket list item you can’t wait to cross off?
Going on a cruise.
This month, our theme for social media is dealing with difficult conversations. When you know you have to have one, how do you prepare?
I take a deep breath and choose to stay calm. I try to be open to hearing what the other person has to say, and I make sure I’m being very clear.
