Jessica Maughan Advances to the 2017 Arthur Murray All Star Championships
Name: Jessica Maughan
Studio: Wexford
All Star History: Finals in 2014 and 2015
Year You Started in the Business: 2011
Position: Counselor
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?
JM: I smiled, started breathing again, trembled, and tried not to cry. I was filled with gratitude, joy, relief, and excitement.
AML: How did you feel going into the Semi-Finals?
JM: I felt as if I had grown and I felt prepared. Of course, there is always a bit of anxiety about the unknown, but, overall, I was excited.
AML: What kind of last minute things did you do to prepare?
JM: I danced around my room a little to energize myself, as well as my roommate, Alyssa, who was competing at the semifinals for the first time. I practiced visualization and focused my mind on positive thinking. I sang songs and joked around with the other contestants, cheering them on every time they went out for their turn. I receive a free massage, and of course, I studied my notes.
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
JM: My ability to listen to, and understand the needs of others continues to grow. I continue to learn new ways to communicate on so many levels and to come up with solutions to people's concerns, fears, and dreams. It is amazing what we can do when we show we genuinely care. At the same time, it is the experience of getting better at our profession daily that also just makes us better at this process.
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.
JM: I don't like letting other people see my mistakes. So, I have to force myself to avoid making excuses to get out of doing it at all. It is always rewarding to learn, but each time I make it one more round, it is another rung in the ladder of personal success and growth. I can coach our students better because I know first hand what it feels like to face my fears.
AML: What will it mean to you if the team wins it all this year?
JM: There are so many wonderful people in our company. To be esteemed as an outstanding member at this level will probably be a bit surreal and fill me with gratitude and pride.
AML: Who are some people that helped you get to this point?
JM: That's a loaded question! Every mentor, every family member every co-worker, every coach, everyone... it may sound silly, but there isn't a person from whom we can't learn. If I met you or read something you have written, or even seen your example from afar, I have been affected by you... so thank you! If I must limit it to some, then within Arthur Murray, of course, my franchisees and first supporters, Rosalinda and Mario Cardinali.
My Supervisor, Dana Walko, for all of her wisdom but also for telling them they needed to hire me. My primary All Star coach would be multiple time winner, Bryce Taylor, who has helped me overcome seeing All Stars, and every work day, as a test, and instead as an opportunity to have great conversations and great impact.
It is really a gigantic list.
AML: Last question: what does this mean to you? What makes it special?
JM: The It means I am good at doing something I love to do. That I am continuing to give to others and therefore, receiving great rewards. It means that my future, and that of others with whom I come into contact, continues to brighten. It means I get a fun new jacket, to be around a bunch of fabulous people, and to have an amazing time. All of that is pretty special!
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