Lisa Brannum

Providing successful solutions since 1999, Absolute Solutions, LLC / Be Seen, LLC, includes a talented group of professionals dedicated to excellence in marketing and event management. I have earned various credentials, including CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) and CMM (Certified Meeting Manager) and received multiple awards such as Meeting Planner of the Year and Top 10 Marketing Industry Professionals to Watch. I give back to the community by supporting hunger relief, diversity and literacy organizations as well as the newly formed ACANSA Arts Festival, held in September in central Arkansas.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

A special CEO appointed me meeting planner, since I was organized and a people person. Coupled with my marketing degree, this role evolved into management based on my abilities in communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity, precision, research, negotiation and project management.

Best advice you’ve ever received?

Maintain professionalism and integrity. Success is the intersection of opportunity and skill. Pray often. Continue to learn, exposing yourself to new experiences to enhance your competence. Travel opens your mind to new ways of thinking.

Favorite part of living in Little Rock?

The people. Meeting new people through volunteer efforts has been fantastic. After being in Dallas-Fort Worth for the majority of my career, living in central Arkansas allows me to reconnect with friends from college and my husband’s Arkansas political career.

Who is your role model?

My parents, Wilma (Walton) and Ray South. They loved living in Arkansas. They taught by example: faith in God, a strong work ethic, being involved in the community and caring for others. They were exceptional people and I miss them!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Winning awards throughout my career has been wonderful, but the chance to create jobs is the true reward. Contributing to the livelihoods of individuals who helped build the company into a multi-million dollar organization is an exceptional feeling.

How do you define success?

Being happy. Enjoying what I do and the people I work with is my ultimate goal for happiness in the workplace or while volunteering. Choosing like-minded people to interact and build teams with creates success and special memories.

Best moment of your career so far?

Each project my team executes provides satisfaction about its accomplishment. After we obtain the positive feedback and close the assignment file, the momentum continues into the following project in this fast-paced, high-expectation work.

What have been the biggest challenges you've faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

There is an overall lack of understanding of what my profession entails. Extensive pre-planning is often required but successful events can seem simple to create. Continually enhancing my skills, communication and network within the industry helps overcome these obstacles.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

Best advice you’ve ever received?

Favorite part of living in Little Rock?

Who is your role model?

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

How do you define success?

Best moment of your career so far?

What have been the biggest challenges you've faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Neighborhood you live in

Quapaw Quarter

Hometown

Born in Dallas, grew up in northeast Arkansas

Last good read

We recently received the complete collection of Louis L’Amour books, so I am working my way through them.

Favorite Food

Italian and Greek; Farm to Table

Favorite Lunch Spot

Weekly Bible study luncheon

First thing you do at the office each morning

Touch base with everyone on the team over a quick cup of coffee, status meeting discussing project(s) and where help is required

Last splurge

A vacation place on the White River (where hubby spends lots of time fishing for trout)

Hobbies

Gourmet cooking and reading

Dream Vacation

To take my husband on an extended trip to Italy and show him that incredible country

Favorite Song

“No More Wasted Time” by The Eagles

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