Member Spotlight | Marianne Bortolin | Podium Events & Consulting
Please provide a summary of your business, who you serve and how you serve them
Podium Events & Consulting is a turn-key Event Planning company servicing Thunder Bay and the surrounding area. We provide unique, engaging, and custom solutions for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. Whether you need a custom service from start to finish, or logistical and coordination support for your project team, Podium Events & Consulting will assist you in the seamless and successful execution of your vision.
What were key elements of your personal and professional journey that lead you to where you are today?
Well, this is an interesting question. I have a Political Science degree and an International Project Management post-graduate diploma. 12 years ago, I lived in South Africa and worked on an internship program to get International Project Management experience in the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) field. My vision in South Africa got derailed (for reasons I will share in my future autobiography and/or at an Elleiance gathering..!) and after returning home and going to the music festival, Coachella in California, (as ridiculous and cheesy as that sounds), I realized that I wanted to pivot my focus from Project Management to Event Management. I had a clear understanding of the Project Management cycle, which is very similar to the Event Management cycle, and decided I could switch out the variables to coordinate events instead. From there, I submerged myself in a variety of roles for local not-for-profits, got hired at Fort William Historical Park, and later at the City of Thunder Bay as their Event Coordinators. In those roles, I was able to gain the experience I required to start my own Event Management company. Fast forward to Fall 2021 when the lovely and highly connected, Erin Sisko, introduced me to the local Event Planning legend, Kari Chiappetta. We discussed the potential of me taking over her events as she was ready to past the torch. This was all very unexpected for me since I was not planning on starting my own business at all. I loved what Kari created for herself and had to offer. I decided I was ready for a change and took the risk. I purchased the Event Planning side of Kari's company in January 2022 and had her mentorship for a year while I made the transition from public servant to entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur has been a wild ride in many great and unanticipated ways! I learned from the best. I met so many new people and have made some amazing connections. I hope to continue to develop these relationships for years to come and am forever grateful for the opportunity. There have been a lot of lessons learned and growing pains with starting Podium Events & Consulting but also - success! :) .
What motivates you the most to keep going?
Happy clients! I think the most validating thing is to have your clients be satisfied and confident with the skills and abilities that are brought to the table. It is important for me to know that I have supported them in positive and helpful ways to make them feel at ease and stress-free. The world of events can be very overwhelming and I want to ensure them that I can take the pressure off so they can relax and enjoy!
What is one important lesson that entrepreneurship has taught you that has impacted you the most?
You are always ON and burnout is REAL. Taking time to disconnect is extremely difficult (especially coordinating events!) but if you don't, it will catch up to you in unhealthy ways.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What do you still have left to accomplish?
I would like to see myself - HAPPY, HEALTHY, and SUCCESSFUL in 10 years! I have a ton to accomplish! The list goes on. I am learning every second of the day. I think I have only scratched the surface of being an entrepreneur! Not quite sure where it will take me but I am along for the ride!
Why did you join The Elleiance Network, why do you think it is important to have a support network and what do you love most about being a part of Elleiance?
Without Elleiance, I would have never been introduced to the opportunity to buy a business/start a business. This opportunity and connection is all thanks to Elleiance!! You never know where a network might lead. I am so thankful for this amazing group of supportive woman! We are better together!
Notes from Erin
Marianne Bortolin has been a personal friend of mine for many many years. She is smart, hardworking and an incredible leader. Having a small part in supporting her entrepreneurial journey has been so exciting. I love watching her put all of her skills to use to create incredible success and design her dream life. Having your girlfriends from high school also support you in your dream business is the best feeling in the world for me. Grateful and proud of you Marianne!
