Meet Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, Absolute Spa Group

Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia is a serial entrepreneur, specializing in the spa and hotel industry. Since founding the Absolute Spa Group 12 years ago, Wendy has grown the company from one single spa location into Canada’s largest and most luxurious spa chain, with 11 spa businesses to date. Absolute Spa has received 69 awards for spa excellence, including Business of the Year from the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.

Come hear more from Wendy at INSPIRE 2013 where she’ll participate in this year’s expert panel of BC entrepreneurs.

Q: What is the first website you go to in the morning?
A: The Vancouver Sun and The Province.

Q: Who is your mentor?
A: Premier Christy Clark, Peter Legge, Janet Austin, and Carole Taylor.

Q: Which business leader do you admire most and why?
A: Peter Legge, he is the ultimate entrepreneur in every way – he wrote the book on ethical business practices and philanthropy.

Q: What has been the most valuable piece of advice you have been given?
A: From Richard Branson – Choose industries and ideas you are passionate about, entrepreneurs are on 24-7, so you really, REALLY need to love what you do.

Q: If you could go back in time and invent a product of service – what would you create?
A: The iPhone – it has changed the quality of life for those with special needs, enabling them to communicate.

Q: If you weren’t in the industry you are in today, what would you be doing?
A: Anything foreign affairs or news related. Ambassador or 60 Minutes reporter… would also love to be a police woman – a detective in particular! Oh… and a forensic psychologist – life’s just too short!!

Q: If you could have a super power, which would you choose?
A: The ability to cure.

Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: People challenged with Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities who prove every day that absolutely anything is possible.

Q: What has been your greatest success as an entrepreneur or business leader?
A: Taking my corporate success and influence to make the quality of life better for those who really need it. Not only by raising funds for special needs children in Canada, but also by affecting policy for people with Autism and Related Developmental Disorders.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur or business leader?
A: Time. My favorite day of the year is Daylight savings!