Michael Cecere

1. How did you get to where you are professionally?

Having spent many years as a leader in the hospitality industry, I built my career with a strong foundation in people engagement & client satisfaction, along with a customer-oriented approach. These skills were directly related to my success as a Sales Manager and team leader. Upon moving from New York to Florida, I had a professional (and personal) goal of stepping into a Director-level role that would allow me the opportunity to contribute to an organization’s success, long-term. I was specifically hopeful to achieve this goal within one year of my arrival in Florida and working toward this objective truly required endless self-motivation, strategic initiatives, and a notable determination to seek out a company that is aligned with my past successes, and existing business practices and future goals.

2. Why recruitment? Why Protis?

I am largely motivated by having the ability to help individuals and organizations thrive. Likewise, I find the realm of people engagement and networking to be stimulating and rewarding. In recruitment, I am in a position to connect people with jobs that will improve their lives, while simultaneously promoting the company’s growth. Protis Global stood out to me instantly through their well-organized interview process, along with the level of professionalism I encountered each step of the way. Furthermore, upon interviewing and speaking with the founders of the company, it was immediately clear that they are true leaders and anyone would be fortunate to work for/with them.

I was intrigued from my very first conversation with Juan Saavedra, Director of People & Development, and my interest in the position and organization perpetually increased from there. The brands with which Protis Global works and the verticals that we service augmented my interest primarily due to my genuine passion for the food, beverage, and cannabis space. Overall, the company’s culture solidified my decision to join the team. Each and every individual I had the opportunity to meet is one that I would be lucky to collaborate and strategize with. At Protis Global, I will have the opportunity to help internal and external individuals grow, while also learning from and working alongside highly inspiring leaders.

3. What is the most important thing you want people to know about you?

My family means the most to me. With each and every decision I make in life, I make sure the outcome benefits my family. My wife and I push one another to do great things together and individually. Without my wife’s endless support, I may not have been able to accomplish numerous achievements over the last few years.

4. How do you stand out from the person next to you who does the same thing?

Encouragement. Although I am highly competitive, I genuinely want the person next to me to succeed. If I can encourage and inspire someone to be as good and/or better than me, it will only push me harder. This cycle is one that leads to continued growth, success, and a culture that motivates those around us.

Passion. My passion for my profession and what I can bring to a company is something that I am both proud of and grateful for. This trait has brought me to Protis Global and into a position I’ve been purposefully striving for. Passion for my personal/professional success, as well as my organization’s success, is something that will set me apart from the rest. My passion is the root cause of my self-motivation, hard work and past successes.

5. Are there any personal yet professional details you would like to share in your bio?

On a personal note, I have a genuine passion for cooking – for family & friends. Along with good food and great wine, I love to travel and play golf.