The 2017 Arthur Murray All Star Spotlight: Bruno Lamberti
He's the new guy, the Rookie.
But you'd never guess by how he walks into a room. Maybe it's the palpable energy and enthusiasm he gives off, or the accent that no one can quite place (he's from Brazil, but lives in Canada), but Bruno Lamberti is a rookie based on his time with the company, but not in his effort, skill, or aforementioned enthusiasm.
We caught up with this "Rookie" from AM Port Coquitlam to learn more about his story.
What is the AM All Star Competition?
The Arthur Murray All Stars is a skills competition for every level of professional within each location around the world. The goal is to grow, develop, and reveal the professionals that demonstrate the best customer service, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. The competition begins in each studio and winners advance to small region, or District, competitions. From there the District winners advance to the large region, or Area, competition. Finally, the Area winners advance to the World Championships in Las Vegas where each Area team tests and one team is pronounced the winner.
More importantly, the real winners are the students of the Arthur Murray Dance Studios as these tests, and accompanying training, help to deliver better communication, teamwork, problem solving, and confidence from every member of the staff.
AML: First off, congratulations on moving into the finals in Last Vegas. How did you react when the announcement was made?
BL: Well, that's funny because my name was spelled so wrong I thought it was someone else. So I didn't really believe it when my team pushing me to go there.
AML: How did you feel going into the Semi-Finals?
BL: It felt like a good challenge. I came with the mindset to be ready to learn and to enjoy this opportunity. I studied and discussed a lot of the training material and ideas with my colleagues and franchisees. However, my mindset wasn't one of competition, instead I saw a great opportunity to experience and feel what AM is.
AML: What kind of last minute things did you do to prepare?
BL: I did not have time for any last minute things before my first test, because I was the only one on time in front of the room. I was supposed to have 30 minutes between the moment I got there and my scheduled time for the "short answer", but because of that I just read it two times and jumped inside the cage.
For the simulations, I had time and what I like to do is create in my mind the whole situation and what kind of things could happen, especially the worst ones. If you're ready for the worst, you're ready for everything. But I think the most important thing is to be able to face the challenge with an empty mind and just "live the moment".
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
BL: It gave us a chance to understand that Arthur Murray is not just about dance. I can see that we use dance as a way to develop as human beings. The "universe of dancing" is far deeper than just steps and turns, it's a great journey about finding your true self.
Studying and preparing myself for the challenge and attending the convention just made me more certain about this. Of course, as a professional, you need to be a good dancer and understand the methods that involve these materials, but you always need to be open to listening and feeling and going above and beyond the "box steps".
AML: What's you All Star backstory? If you can give a little synopsis of the highs and lows of this competition over the years.
BL: I'm the rookie, so this is my first time. I'm truly fascinated by the culture and the experience.
AML: What will it mean to you if the team wins it all this year?
BL: It will mean that we really understand how important working as a true team is, and that we were able to put that into practice.
AML: Who are some people that helped you get to this point?
BL: There are a lot of people that helped me to be where I am now. My wife, my family, and some good friends. And of course Mr. Brent Smith and Ms. Barbara Ferchuck: the first ones to believe in me and give me the opportunity to begin this journey.
A special thanks to my colleagues Barbara Lynn, Christy, Chuan, Johnny, Tonya, Timothy, and Vanessa that never said no when I needed some help, even when I asked the dumbest questions ever.
AML: Last question: what does this mean to you? What makes it special?
First of all it's a great opportunity to be surrounded by the best in your area. So just being here is a great opportunity to learn and understand a little bit more of what Arthur Murray is.
On the other hand, it's my first opportunity to show my face into the company and make everyone proud that believes in me.
And now I'm not just fighting for me. I'm carrying a flag.
I'm representing an entire area. And when you have a meaning like that to fight for, you feel and always remember that you are not alone.
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