Sean Currie is the executive director of Celebrity Fight Night, an annual gala that raises money for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center (MAPC) at Barrow Neurological Institute.
What was your first job?
I was a promotions ball boy for the Phoenix Pride, a Major Indoor Soccer League professional team. I was only 15 years old and my dad had to drive me to and from the games at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
What did you learn from your first job?
I learned what it meant to be responsible and accountable for the way you present yourself to the public and to your employer. Be where you are supposed to be; when you are supposed to be there; and make a positive, lasting impression.
Do you remember the salary of your first job?
It is pretty easy to remember when your salary equals zero. For me, it was just a great opportunity to be in front of thousands of people having fun and creating smiles. It’s a lot of fun to run onto the field and have people begging you to throw a mini soccer ball to them.
What was your first job in your current industry?
My first job in the hospitality industry was a parking valet for a local valet company. After that, I worked as a valet and eventually a bellman at The Phoenician.
What lessons did you learn from those first jobs that still help you today?
I learned how to make every effort to exceed people’s expectations in everything I do. I have always prided myself on working for companies that strive for excellence in their service. That mindset has always stayed with me in my work ethic.
How did you end up working with Celebrity Fight Night?
I originally met the founder of Celebrity Fight Night when I was working at The Phoenician and I remember thinking he had an appealing job. Coincidentally, a few years later when I was working in Deer Valley, Utah, I noticed he was looking for an unpaid intern. So, I left the highest paying job I had ever had to move back to Phoenix and work for no salary — full circle I guess. It worked out well, though, since I was the first employee ever hired by Celebrity Fight Night and have been the executive director for 15 years.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Although I’m proud to have nurtured meaningful relationships that go deeper than just a cordial hello, I must say it stirs up emotional joy within me to know we are improving numerous lives all the time with every dollar we raise. I have led the charge on an annual event that people will always remember, while at the same time helping less fortunate people in need.
If you weren’t doing what you are doing now, what would you like to be doing?
I would probably like to be a tour guide exploring the world’s most interesting locales. But, since my favorite travel partners are my wife and four children, I suppose I would have to start my own family travel business.