There’s No “I” in Team

Betsy Gonzalez has an all-encompassing role, as evidenced by her title: AVP, manager, events & sponsorships, event strategy, global sponsorships at the B2B insurer FM.

She still finds time for one-on-ones, as well as to have some fun with her team, whether it’s dinner or dancing together, and most important, to acknowledge their successes.

“It’s important to let them know that you appreciate them and their effort in a simple email. I know that may sound a little corny. But there’s no ‘I’ in team,” she said. “I can’t do this by myself.”

Skift Meetings had a chance to sit down with Gonzalez, a member of our 2026 Advisory Council, to learn more about her views on leadership.

Skift Meetings: Tell us about your role at FM.

Gonzalez: I have a team of eight internally (12 including contractors) that manages everything from leadership meetings to company-wide meetings. We just finished a huge company-wide event in Miami, with two waves of 1,600 each. We’re also a sponsor for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) this year, and we have a lot of client events and advisory board meetings.

My situation is unique because my role is not just about meetings, events, and trade shows. I also have people on our team who manage our research campus tours for our B2B clients. We have already done 92 visits so far this year. We have an entire research campus and a new science and learning center that will be opening in July. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

I’m very supportive. I’m also very matter-of-fact. I always say it’s not about the problem, it’s about the ownership. I need folks to be honest. 

I will get right in there and roll up my sleeves. I don’t even think twice about it. It helps me to understand what the opportunities are and what it is that my team needs.

And I love education. I always ask my people: “What’s out there that you want to do? What piques your interest?” Because you’re never too old to learn. Every day we learn something. 

I also realize that we’re all human, and people have lives outside of work, with families and responsibilities. You have to take care of you and your family; otherwise, how are you going to turn around and focus on your job? It’s impossible.

I was in the hotel business for 18 years before I went into meeting planning. I remember those days when my sons were little. It wasn’t as easy back then for a mom to leave early or come in late, or to worry about a sick child or take them to a doctor’s appointment. I remember how difficult it was.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders?

I would say it’s not just about doing what you’re asked to do, but investigating how you can make things better.

I always say to my team: Put yourself in the client’s or the guest’s shoes. If they’re attending this event, what would they like to see? How would they feel?

Their experience is our responsibility. To me, that’s part of hospitality. The time I spent in the hotel business created my foundation, and what we do in meetings is hospitality.

Do you have a mentor?

I’m in the market for one. I do have a lot of great long-time friends in the industry. We all have frustrating days and always know we can pick up the phone and talk it through together.

As females in leadership, we have to support each other. It’s so important to have those connections that you can bounce things off of.

I’m part of a small group of women called the Executive Leadership Workshop that’s organized through Cohera, and we’ve met a few times. It’s helped me to realize that some of the things that I may be going through, they’ve all gone through in some form or another, or could even be going through right now. It’s comforting to share that, and I learn how they’ve overcome challenges.

What advice do you have for new planners?

Immerse yourself in the industry and education, whether it’s MPI, FICP, or PCMA. Get involved in those meetings, programs, and workshops because that is so important. The industry changes so quickly.  

Get out from behind your computer. There is nothing that’s ever going to take the place of getting to know someone in person.