Sherri Amos is the Retail Education & Communication Assistant Manager at Home Hardware. In her own words, she works with “an amazing team who produce communications and training material for Home stores across Canada. From conferences and retreats, to weekly communications, to rolling out new initiatives for our stores. Our team does it all.” Sherri is also a valued client of Speakers’ Spotlight, and we’re happy to be shining the spotlight on her today:

Why did you chose your career and how did you break into the industry or land your current job?

I happened upon it–my girlfriend encouraged me to apply to Home Hardware. I was an actor at the time and needed a change. I took an eight month contract, in another area of Home’s business, and soon realized that skills I enjoyed as an actor would easily transfer into communications and training.  I took the first opportunity that came up in that area of the business, applied, and got the job.

What is your best advice for others in similar careers, based on your professional experience so far? 

Work hard. Be present. Care.

Hire professionals.

What advice do you have for speakers?

Be genuine. Tell stories. Get to know us.

What themes do you see arising in your industry when you book speakers today? Innovation? The importance of social media?  

People like real people. A trend in honesty–the more genuine the speaker, the more the topic of the presentation is accepted. They have to like you, to listen to you.

Do you have a favourite event that you can tell us about?

Anything Home Hardware. Working closely with our Dealers on any event–big or small–is my absolute favourite. We’re a low cost operator, so there’s lots of room for creativity. I love exceeding their expectations.

Did you ever have a crazy challenge come up while planning an event? 

A Vegas hotel fire alarm that would not turn off. Kevin Graff, who is a rockstar, was presenting to our group. Time was at a premium and we could not afford to cancel the class. Kevin’s solution was to take the group outside and finishing teaching there. In 90 degree weather, beside the hotel air conditioning compressor, while helicopters flew overhead and with the Hooters hotel as the back drop, he engaged our group for well over an hour. I’ll never forget receiving a note from my boss asking ‘”how things were going” as I was starring out the window at Kevin and our Dealers in the parking lot, and texting back “it’s going just fine”. Hire a professional.

After one of your big events is done, what do you do? Celebrate in style? Take a break to relax? Go straight to the next project?

We’re very lucky–my parents own a condo in Florida and after big events my husband and I sneak away for a couple of days (we have four kids) to go dancing, hang out at the beach, read books, and laugh.

Is there a charitable cause that you feel passionate about? Why? 

There are so many fabulous charities, it’s hard to choose just one to feel passionate about. The Terry Fox Foundation and helping families in crisis have always been important to me.

Best subject in school?

Gym–which doesn’t make me sound very smart, does it?

Desert island album? 

That’s easy. Sarah McLachlan’s Surfacing.

Last book you read?

Where’d you go, Bernadette. It was pure joy. So smart, so funny, so clever.

Last film you saw?

Gravity. So hard to watch George Clooney float into oblivion.

Celebrity crush?

David Chilton and Adam Sandler. They make me laugh!