Am currently attending the ISPA conference in Orlando, Florida. It was an honor to be named their 2012 Visionary Award recipient. While I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare remarks since my trip to India ended on Saturday and ISPA began on Sunday, I did jot down some thoughts and shared them with the audience. It was my first time using a teleprompter (thumbs up on that) and in order to do so I had to write out my remarks. So thought I would share them with you – plus a photo snapped by Sallie Fraenkel right afterward. Here then were my words….
“When I received the phone call telling me that I would be this year’s recipient of the ISPA Visionary Award, I was really moved. I hung up the phone and just sat there, and tears came to my eyes. It seemed so odd to receive an award for something that has been such a privilege.
It has been 40 years since I started my career in this industry and I don’t believe there has been one day since in my entire career where I wished I was doing something else. How lucky for me to have found something early in my life that has given me so much joy and fulfillment.
I do want to say three very important thank you’s.
- The first thank you undoubtedly goes to Deborah Szekely. I know that I do not need to introduce her to this audience. Everyone knows Deborah as the godmother of the spa industry. She is the person who hired me as a fitness instructor at the Golden Door almost 40 years ago. Little did I know at the time that Deborah, who was a tad intimidating to me at the time, would become not only my boss, but my mentor, a second “mom” to me and then eventually a true friend. It is a joy to have her stay with me whenever she comes to New York and I have loved supporting her new dream – Wellness Warriors that I am sure you will hear more about in the next few days.
- My second thank you goes to ISPA. I do remember when ISPA was formed – it was 1991 and there is no doubt that it has been a huge contributor to the industry. It was my privilege to serve as an assistant to two of ISPA’s early Presidents, Alex Szekely and Jerry Katzoff. I have benefited greatly from all the work done over the past 21 years – each board member, each board chair person, all who served as president or executive director deserve thanks – really from all of us. And a special thank you to Lynne McNees who has been at the helm as President for so many years now. My work in spa trend forecasting and developing the Global Spa and Wellness Summit was birthed from this foundation and I am truly grateful to ISPA.
- My third thank you goes to my husband Peter – and it is my greatest and most passionate thanks. In fact the word thank you doesn’t begin to describe how grateful I am for having shared so much of my life with him. Fittingly I met Peter at a spa – the Golden Door actually. That was 29 years ago. Many of you know Peter as the CEO of our company, SpaFinder Wellness, but most of you don’t know that Peter also cooks me breakfast every morning and has dinner on the table when I return from work every evening. He also does all the grocery shopping, loves to buy me clothes, and makes most of the decorating decisions in our living spaces. He also pays all the bills, sees to our travel arrangements and makes sure that my life is not all about work – as it surely would be if I wasn’t married to him. We often joke that he is the “best wife” anyone can have. He has also shared with me the chance to help raise his two children who were very young when we first met. I am blessed to be able to call Courtney and Nicholas my daughter and son today. And while all of that deserves thanks beyond words, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that Peter has also supported my passions financially. He has often mentioned to others that “Susie has a lot of million dollar ideas.” …and only partially in jest adds that…”and each of them have cost me a million dollars.” That really is close to the truth! While he had many wonderful years in the spotlight as a successful entrepreneur in the automotive industry, he has now stepped back and given me these past years as a gift…and allowed me to soar.
And finally, if I may, a word to those of you here in the audience who may just be starting out in your careers. I think the future of the spa and wellness industry will be even more exciting than the past. Why you might ask? Well, it is because the conversation is now a truly global one. Healing traditions from countries and peoples all over the world are now opening up new opportunities and with the technology available today and the advancements in science and research, the modern spa industry has a tremendous future.
2 days ago I returned from a 10 day trip to India where I had a chance to explore the rich healing traditions of a country that has contributed among other things, Ayurveda, yoga and meditation to our industry. That visit underscored my somewhat crazy belief that the spa and wellness industry not only touches people – literally – in body mind and spirit, but that it is a significant contributor to understandings between people. We shouldn’t dismiss our contribution to world peace.
It’s been a great 40 years, and while it is sometimes tempting to think that I am coming close to the end of my career, I must say that Deborah’s determination to live to 100 and still make significant contributions is an inspiration. And if I am a visionary as this visionary award might indicate, with the future for our industry looking so vibrant, I might just plan on being involved for a few more decades. But shh….don’t tell my husband that.
Thank you so much for this honor.”
Susie, congratulations on receiving this very special award, you deserve every bit of it! Your contributions to the industry, especially via the Global Spa and Wellness Summit, have been incredible. Thank YOU. — Deborah
Hip Hip Huraaaaaaaaaaaay to you….Susie
Well deserved!
Thanks for your Visionary World Work
Dear Susie,
I just read your email below and I have shivers! or goosebumps…. What a great acknowlegement for your work and dedication to the industry. I am sure I can speak for many in the industry who read your column regularly & wish you continued success.
I love the feature about Pete! What a guy. I remember the first time I was invited to a suite in Vegas you both were hosting with Mary Tabacchi from Cornell, that was a very fond memory of one of my favorite ISPA events and I have been going since 94. (I sadly didn’t get to attend this year to see you receive your award!)
Keep it going every industry needs great leadership, people from all industries need to be lead so keep the fires burning & hang in there as long as Deborah is at it
..
One of theses days its my goals to get to her spa in Mexico and BlackeBerry Farm in KY.
All my best,
Elaine
Dear Elaine,
Thank you for your sweet note and generous words. I am sorry you weren’t able to make it to ISPA this year, but I can see you were there in spirit. The conference was inspiring as always and it was definitely a special knew for me having received this award.
Hope our paths might cross next year!
All best,
Susie
Beautifully said and No doubt one of the most worthy recipients. Thank you for everything both you and Peter have done, and continue to do for the industry.
With respect and gratitude
Thanks so much Mark. It was great seeing you at ISPA although I regret we didn’t have time to truly catch up. You looked great and so assume things are going well!
Let us know if you get to New York – it would be great to get together.
Best,
Susie
Susie,
Congratulations!
Susie,
I was so delighted to hear that you are the recipient of the 2012 Visionary Award.
Frankly, I could not think of anyone more deserving. You have contributed so much to this industry and have done so with dignity, grace and generosity of heart.
You are a fearless leader and always demonstrating the integrity on which this industry is based.
Thank you so much for all you do and congratulations on this most well deserved recognition!
Wishing you Spa Success always!!!
Wonderful! Well deserved and beautifully stated.
Congratulations to you.
Best,
Sharon
Congratulations on your Visionary Award – it may seem odd for you but even for people like us all the way across the world, you have been an inspiration and a guiding light since I started in this industry almost 15 years ago. Since my time at the Australian Golden Door, I read your wise words that helped me develop that product further in the fledgling industry here. At Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat though it has been an honour to work with you more closely and of course share our space with you a few years back.
The blog post was really beautiful and I just wonder whether a book might be coming from you one day. The stories and the wisdom you must have to share!?
So Congratulations on this well deserved award
Many many thanks for your ongoing support and the incredible news on our Crystal Award win. We are so proud to fly the Spa Finder flag here in our country
Warmest wishes
Tracy
Beautiful photo–excellent speech. I’m forwarding to a few friends. So proud of my sis.
K
Congratulations, Susie; and a nice speech, too. Dale
Hi Susie, a wonderful award and much deserved! Best, Allan
Congratulations Susie and well deserved for all the paths that you have created for our industry!
Denise R. Fuller
Hi Susie,
Sorry we weren’t able to be there in person for your award, but we are delighted to hear that you are receiving it this year.
Congratulations on both your well deserved recognition, and the many contributions you have made to the spa industry!
Warmest regards,
Ginny and John
Congratulations on this well-deserved, long overdue award. You are a global icon who serves the industry with grace and determination. Thank you for lighting the way on so many fronts.
With light and love, Sylvia
Thank you Susie,
It was such a pleasure to have some time with you on Wed at Conference. And congratulations on your prestigious award at ISPA-well deserved! We love you in Australia and follow and always look forward to your trend reports.
Many best wishes as you continue your great quests globally.
Deborah Mangum-Copelli
I was delighted to be able to read your presentation.
It was beautiful, really beautifully done, and thanks for the lovely mentions of our times together. They were and are and will be wonderful.
Love
Deborah
Just to say a slightly belated congratulations! Your words were beautiful, thanks for sharing. What a well deserved honour! I know how thrilled and proud you must be. And I’m sure Peter is doubly thrilled and proud!
x
Dear Susie,
How wonderful that you are the worthy recipient of such an award. Though ISPA was a big part of my professional and personal life for a time, I haven’t been able to attend the conferences for several years now and am sorry I wasn’t there to congratulate you in person. I miss the inspiration and enthusiasm of people like you. It is heartwarming that you have carried the compassion and dedication I saw in you in the early days for the life lessons that spa life engenders. Well done. Hugs.
Hi Susie,
I’m sorry I missed seeing you at ISPA – seems like you never get to see everyone!
Congratulations Susie on this wonderful acknowledgment. It must be rewarding after spending a career supporting this industry.
I get to NYC frequently and would love to connect at some point. I know our paths cross often, yet I feel like we have never really sat down for a chat.
Have a great weekend.
Best,
B
Beverly Maloney-Fischback
CEO, Founder & Publisher
Hi Susie,
Just a note to say congrats on the Ispa visionary award. Well deserved!
Best,
Anne
Nice seeing you at ISPA and again congratulations on your well deserved award! Hope Marshall and I can come see you soon in NYC.
Lynda
Lynda Solien-Wolfe
President
Solwolfe Resource Group, Inc.
60 Parnell Street, Merritt Island, Florida
32953
321-459-0133 office
321-543-7442 cell
Solwolfe@aol.com
Facebook: Lynda Solien-Wolfe
Hi Susie –
Congratulations on your award! That is amazing. I can’t believe that it was just a few weeks ago from you and soaking in your energy and ideas on Terranea.
We are working towards being great partners and will make it happen soon.
Let me know whenever you want to visit us.
Regards,
Agnelo
Congratulations on your well deserved award at ISPA.
All the best to you and Pete!
Bruce
Huge congrats on receiving the ‘Visionary’ award at Ispa, there is noone more deserving, I’m so thrilled for you
lots and lots of love XX
Hi Susie: Pamela told me about the prestigious industry award you received. Congratulations! She also shared your acceptance speech which sounded heartfelt, direct from your heart. Also, I was impressed with the journey from the early days at the Golden Door to the top of a growth and changing industry and business. While you briefly told me about your start, reading about it in your speech put it perspective. Such recognition as you received is a great compliment and comes by having and acquiring the “right stuff”, again congratulations! Richard–
Dear Susie,
I stumbled on this site quite by accident but rather serendipitously.
Remember me from the Golden Door…Susan Innis then. After 30 years of marriage to Andy Tompkins, a widow, Susan Pillsbury now and living in Washington DC.
Marvellous what you are doing and such success. Many congratulations.
You are still the gorgeous woman we were all so envious of back then but now we add admiration for all you’ve accomplished.
Hi Susie –
My apologies for my delay in writing to you as I was away in Florida taking care of my mom….but I wanted to take this time to congratulate you (albeit slightly belated) on the ISPA Visionary Award. How exciting it must be to be embraced by your spa peers on this wonderful acknowledgment. You were always kind to me and made me feel special so I wanted to take a moment to wish you a heartfelt congratulations on this well deserved award.
Brava!
Kind regards,
Raul