Strategies for Maintaining Audience Interest | Insight from Shelly Cruz, MGM's Vice President
In the ever-evolving world of business, maintaining client engagement and employee well-being is crucial. Shelly Cruz, MGM Resorts' VP of Global Sales, embodies this philosophy, as she implements innovative strategies to keep clients connected and her team thriving.
Cruz's approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, encouraging leaders to consider the lives of each team member to best support them. This compassionate leadership style is evident in the initiatives she has introduced, such as the WOW Series.
The WOW Series is a unique programme designed to connect with clients on a personal level, reminding them they are valued despite their employment status. This series has seen MGM Resorts host Gardenuity Gardening Workshops and an "Into the Wild" workshop, offering clients immersive experiences that foster emotional connections.
Recognising the need for creativity to keep clients engaged during the pandemic, Cruz has also arranged meditations and yoga classes for her team, with MGM providing wellness coaches for these sessions every other week. The company has even invited clients to join these sessions, aiming to make the team feel connected.
Cruz's personal motto is that happy employees produce more. She prioritises the well-being of her team, waking up and going to bed thinking about how to help them more. This focus on mental health is one of the reasons she has stayed with MGM for a long time.
In addition to wellness initiatives, Cruz emphasises the importance of proactive communication, regular updates, and flexible solutions tailored to evolving client needs. She believes that maintaining relationships is crucial in business, as it is based on relationships.
Moreover, Cruz encourages acting with kindness and integrity to maintain relationships with clients and employees. She emphasises the importance of adding humour into workplace conversations, as long as it's PC, to create a positive and productive environment.
Beyond her work at MGM, Cruz's influence extends to other areas. She has collaborated with industry figures like Sonya Harris, a passionate educator and founder of the Bullock Garden Project, and Ellie Lemak, the resident Graphic Designer at Gardenuity.
The Bullock Garden Project, for instance, runs a Garlic Garden Giveaway programme, where a garlic garden is gifted to a classroom for every purchased garlic garden. Gardenuity, on the other hand, offers Gardening Workshops as a way to connect with clients or teams.
In a time of constant change and adaptation, Cruz's strategies serve as a beacon of innovation and compassion. By focusing on unique experiences, personal connections, and employee well-being, she is redefining what it means to keep clients engaged.
- Shelly Cruz, MGM Resorts' VP of Global Sales, embeds a style of leadership that is rooted in empathy, encouraging leaders to consider the lives of each team member for support.
- Recognizing the need for creativity to keep clients engaged during the pandemic, Cruz has organized meditation and yoga classes for her team, with wellness coaches provided every other week.
- Cruz's influence extends beyond MGM, as she collaborates with industry figures like Sonya Harris and Ellie Lemak to promote initiatives like the Bullock Garden Project and Gardenuity.
- Cruz believes that maintaining relationships is crucial in business, stressing the importance of communication, regular updates, and flexible solutions to meet clients' evolving needs.
- In the realm of business, Cruz redefines client engagement by focusing on unique experiences, personal connections, and employee well-being, ultimately fostering meaningful relationships.
