When a new colleague recently asked about my early years as an image consultant, it got me thinking …
Posted on March 9th, 2011 by Diane
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Image Consultant Toronto: The Backstory
Goal setting: Achieving personal success
Almost exactly to the day, fifteen years ago, I established a special ritual. It was January 1, 1996 and as I prepared to actually write down my goals for the year, it never occurred to me that this exercise would become a fulfilling rite that motivates me to dream big and better. Part of my ritual is reviewing some of my goals from past years. As I read my old notes I’m amazed that dreams have become reality and in many cases, surpassed my wildest expectations. In my case, the instigator was my good friend Peggy McColl, whose life work is helping people achieve their goals. During the early years, she worked with me. Peggy made it fun. Although we laughed like schoolgirls, ultimately, she inspired me to establish my goals and — to dream. Now, I review my goals every day. I even record them so I can listen on my IPod.
Peggy’s process helped me develop my focus. Now, it’s my turn to share this process with you.
Posted on January 20th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Diane's Reflections, Self-esteem | No Comments »
Christine’s triumph: rebuilding a positive self-image
I have always known that form is all when it comes to these core workouts but never realized that sit-ups are absolutely off-limits for some people, until I read Unbreakable: A woman’s triumph over osteoporosis, by Christine Thomas. I met Christine five years ago when she booked an image consultation. But she had embarked on her journey in 2001 as a 42-year old new mom who had just been diagnosed with osteoporosis. After fracturing her spine in five places, even the simple act of lifting her newborn daughter was too much for her fragile and compromised skeletal system.
Posted on January 6th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Diane's Reflections, Dress, Image, Self-esteem, Womenswear | No Comments »
A magical playground on the world’s largest cruise ship — Allure of the Seas
Understandably, I was excited about this unexpected invitation but I must say, nothing could have prepared me for the extraordinary two days that lay ahead. The Allure of the Seas is truly majestic. There was a sense of glamour and excitement from the moment we boarded — “we” being my 28-year old son and myself. But what struck me immediately was the profound feeling of fun in the air.
Posted on December 3rd, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Celebrities, Diane's Reflections, Relaxation, Special Events, Travel | No Comments »
Dressing up, not down: Clothing does send a message
Clothing does send a message. But there’s an enormous side benefit to a well-groomed appearance and general sense of “dressing up” — it gives you a lift. Big time. One of the greatest advocates of this philosophy is my friend Bill Shaddy. As a former International HR Director at Pepsi, Bill knows “the right stuff” when it comes to stocking his closet. These days, however, things are a little more complicated. ill, I should explain, has been living with MS for the last 18 years and snaps are just easier than wrangling with a button and bitty hole. Rain or shine, Bill dresses up. His only concession is a stylish cane by his side.
Posted on October 26th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Body Image, Business Etiquette, Diane's Reflections, Dress, Image, Image Consultation, Menswear, Workplace Etiquette | No Comments »
Working with positive people is a blessing
Working with positive people is, indeed,
a blessing; they bring joy and brighten the day. It’s like a gift of sunshine.
Posted on October 24th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Diane's Reflections, Food, Image Consultation, Social Etiquette | No Comments »
Is the Customer Always Right?
When department store tycoon Gordon Selfridge opened his namesake store in London, over 100 years ago, his flair for marketing was apparent from the moment the front doors opened. As one of many innovations, he located the perfumery, or scent department as it was called then, adjacent to the main entrance to mask the smell [...]
Posted on August 26th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Business Etiquette, Communication, Diane's Reflections, Dining Etiquette, Food, Hair, shopping | No Comments »
New Wave of Public Speaking
This taste of the industry has piqued my interest; so I’m now anticipating the next phase — as a guest speaker on an actual cruise. I think of it as a departure from my usual stomping grounds — from boardroom to on-board. The intention is to get both a better perspective of cruise staff training needs and passenger behaviour, to ultimately develop some timely protocols for both groups. Although a guest speaker’s responsibility is “to speak”, the social aspect is equally as important. Hosting a table at dinner, being available to discuss informally the finer points of your speech, and being sociable, friendly and approachable are all part of the job.
Posted on March 24th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Business Etiquette, Communication, Diane's Reflections, Special Events, Workplace Etiquette | 7 Comments »
Destination: Downhill Skiing
over the years, I’ve realized that skiers everywhere, when forced to move at a snail’s pace as they wait in lift lines, become cold and cranky folks. Sometimes, these skiers rise to the occasion with truly nice behaviour and other times they disappoint; simply put, they’re not so nice. So with skiing on my mind, here’s a shortlist of suggestions to help keep the queue moving, minimize the impatience factor and keep everyone safe.
Posted on January 29th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Accessories, Diane's Reflections, Fashion | 3 Comments »
End of 2009 — Christmas in Paris
Last month marked both the end of a dynamic year — expanding our international client base, launching both my blog and image enhancement teleseminar courses, maintaining a heightened role in community service —and a new beginning for Corporate Class. In early December, just before the holiday frenzy began in earnest, we moved our offices to [...]
Posted on January 18th, 2010 by Diane
Filed under: Diane's Reflections, Dress, Fashion, Food, Relaxation | 4 Comments »
