l P.O. in the world: Barry Izsak, icon of the profession in the U.S.

https://www.apoi.it/l-p-o-nel-mondo-barry-izsak-icona-della-professione-negli-usa/

I am the external relations manager for APOI since 2014, a role that requires a natural predisposition for human contact, communication, curiosity and availability to all those interested in the world of Professional Organizing, but not only.

This role immediately led me to become involved in international relations, having perceived its added value:meeting professionals from various cultures, who have gone through the profession before us, is a valuable opportunity for me . In my work for the Association, I have therefore been able to turn these meetings into a wonderful opportunity for all APOI members.

One thing leads to another
The network of relationships built over time gave me the idea to create webinars where APOI members could meet with organizational professionals belonging to P.O. associations around the world. These are meetings that stimulate discussion, where everyone is invited to ask questions to which they receive often enlightening answers. We touch on the experience, the difficulties experienced, the work paths of those who have gone before us. All this allows us to broaden our knowledge of the profession, to widen our view and to stimulate us to do better, more or differently, to grow the figure of the P.O. in Italy.

The first guest of 2022
This year's first guest is a true icon of the profession in the US, Barry Izsak . It was my friend Ingrid Jansen (former president of APDO), our host in 2021) who introduced Barry to me even though his fame preceded him by far.

If there is one characteristic I have often encountered in P.O.s, it is openness to colleagues, the idea of networking, of exchanging visions and knowledge. Barry represents one of the cornerstones of the history of the profession in the U.S., and he has been generous in "sharing" (sharing) his long experience that draws not only on P.O.'s work as an entrepreneur but also on his important institutional roles.

Globally, he is recognized as an industry leader and spokesperson for the organization's culture, as well as a leading expert in moving management. He has been quoted in hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles nationwide and has appeared on most major U.S. television networks. His book, "Organize Your Garage in No Time," was named the best organizing book of 2007.

Barry is a member of the Golden Circle of the NAPO, a designation that recognizes him as a successful businessman, an advocate of education as an important tool for the development of the profession, and the ability to stay abreast of industry trends and advancements.

The awards he has received over time are countless and the list would be too long, but suffice it to say that after serving as NAPO president for two consecutive terms (2003 to 2007), he received three of the association's highest honors:

• President's Award (President's Award) (2010) and (2002)
• Service to NAPO Award (Award for service to NAPO) (2008)
• NAPO Founders' Award (2005)

What he conveyed to us in his talk
His first thought was addressed to those who would be listening to him: he explicitly requested that members before meeting him be encouraged to prepare questions; he fervently wanted the webinar to be a real opportunity for constructive exchange.

He shared his successes but also the mistakes he made, "what should not be done," were his words, emphasizing how passion for this profession is the most important ingredient in dealing with clients and knowing how to accompany them through the big and small changes that life requires.

He paid special attention to the economic aspect of the profession, both from the point of view of investments to be made in order to grow one's business and in terms of fees, emphasizing the value of getting paid appropriately for the services offered, because this means giving proper "value to oneself."

In this regard, I would like to point out that Barry accepted our invitation free of charge (as do all our guests), when P.O.'s of his caliber invited to international conferences always demand financial compensation. Barry was generous and helpful to all APOI members.

Finally, he told us about his "retirement," giving us a picture of how a Professional Organizer must also look to his future. Barry, created his first business and grew it to the point where he was able to resell it, only to choose to retire and enjoy life by devoting himself to travel, his great passion.

But after an initial period of well-deserved rest, he felt the need to start again with a new professional adventure, because after all, we know, No P.O. knows how to sit on his hands. We like challenges, turnarounds, testing ourselves and others. Barry is the perfect epitome of all this,thank you Barry!