Spiro·naut Feature: Tara Nigro
Our Spiro•nauts are dreamers, storytellers & story-makers, creating out-of-this-world experiences that defy gravity. They come from all backgrounds & walks of life, sharing their unique, interesting (and hilarious) stories to introduce you to their authentic selves.
Spiro·naut Tara Nigro is an empathetic optimist with a personality to match! As Strategic Accounts Director on our Corporate Accounts team, Tara fosters lasting relationships & helps create brilliant experiences for our clients.
Hear her take on combatting home sickness, putting postcards in the mail & pushing boats in Walt Disney World.
What superpower do you bring to work?
I was once told that I lead with empathy & that really stuck with me. Attitude, happiness, optimism, kindness, giving & respect are all choices we can make. I try to work with that mentality & make good choices each day (both at work & through life in general).
I feel it’s important to bring humor to the day when I can. If I can make one person smile, my day is complete.
How do you refine & sharpen your skills?
I think it’s important to remember that you never know what someone is going through & that a few nice words can help a person a lot more than you think.
I work with several other Spiro·nauts, various vendors & clients. Working with this mentality helps build those relationships, establish confidence, and encourages great teamwork. I appreciate the people that I get to work with & make that known as often as I can.
What excites you about your work & our industry?
My favorite part of my job is that quiet moment before the congress floor opens.
The aisle carpet has been laid (unless it’s a green congress of course), all the months of planning, the days of building & putting out fires are presumably behind me, and I can step back to appreciate all that the team has done to execute yet another beautiful exhibit.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done or place you’ve visited?
I worked at Walt Disney World in the college program—specifically in the Magic Kingdom attractions. I had to know fire protocols for each ride, and for “It’s a Small World,” I had to put on these giant waders & push the boats to safety.
It was a unique experience to walk around the “It’s a Small World” set. I still find myself humming the song all these years later.
What makes Spiro stand out from other agencies?
I truly appreciate the work/life balance. Sometimes the work hours are long, but I never feel guilty taking time for my family or friends.
I also think the people who Spiro employs are pretty cool & make my job enjoyable.
What’s an interesting fact that people may be surprised to learn about you?
Singing is my therapy. I spent some time after high school traveling with a performance company known as “Up with People.” I’ve had the opportunity to sing the national anthem at functions that included the likes of George W. Bush, Barack Obama & Bill Gates.
What else would you like to share from your world?
I'm married to my wonderful husband of 10 years who supports me in all my endeavors, and most importantly, through all the work travel (though my daughter & son are not the biggest fans of my travel).
Someone recommended that I start mailing postcards from every trip to their classrooms & now awaiting Mom’s postcard has become the highlight for not only them, but their classmates, too.
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