Meet April Ripley | Intercultural Protocol & Etiqutte Pundit, Strategist & Entrepreneur, Author & Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with April Ripley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, how does your business help the community?
As an intercultural etiquette and protocol trainer, my business helps to build bridges with humanity. We promote the three pillars of etiquette: respect, honesty, and consideration. These pillars incorporate intelligent sensitivity to cultural differences, integrity in professional and personal interactions, and the dignity and value of every individual. My business consults government, corporations, entrepreneurs, and students in understanding the essential role that cultural and emotional intelligence play in fostering a positive global community.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is an etiquette and protocol consultancy. Etiquette is the everyday interactions we have with each other – personally and professionally. Protocol is the official procedure in state affairs and diplomatic occasions. I train clients in etiquette and protocol, depending on their specific needs. I started my business idea in college. When I graduated, I started working with special events and corporate fundraisers. Often, I was the youngest at the table. The “hardest” part was proving that I had the competency and mettle for the tasks. One of the biggest lessons I learned is the importance of protecting your character and reputation. I recall an incident where someone tried to malign my character to protect their position. The head person called me into their office for questioning. After I responded, they said to me when they heard the allegation, it sounded outside of my character, and what they themselves had observed over time. I’m not saying that I haven’t made mistakes, but I am saying that people are always watching what you do, and how you do it. Also, my accuser was later released, because their track record was soiled. I encourage everyone to do their best and strive to be a person of character, with credibility in competency and capacity. The Premiere Image, Inc. is devoted to developing an “exceptional” personal and professional image and providing the tools to handle any situation with confidence and aplomb.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being an intercultural etiquette pundit, I like to start at the beginning – the history/the foundation of the city…The King Center, The Atlanta History Museum, and the Human and Civil Rights Museum would be the first stops. Downtown dining: the Polaris atop the historic Hyatt Regency Downtown Atlanta. Soul food stop – the legendary Pascal’s. Fast food legacy, The Varsity, where “Whatall ya’ have?” will greet you at the door. Midtown: Colony Square.
A weekend brunch stop at Murphy’s in the Highlands..and the Beltline – lined with places for your selection of international fare, a local shop, or a coffee spot for an espresso. the evening would wind down with a rooftop view from any of the newest boutique-style hotels in Atlanta.
Buckhead: The Shoppes at Buckhead and restaurants Le Bilboquet & Le Colonial.
The Westside and Eastside share different histories in the forging of modern Atlanta…tours are a must.
Sites to visit: The World of Coke – the tasting room of beverages from around the world is a must! Plus, you get a free bottle of the original Coke to take home. The Georgia Aquarium is also a must-see. I can gaze for hours at the Beluga Whales…
For sports fans, football, basketball, baseball or soccer is available – depending on the season.
Jackson Street Bridge to capture a beautiful view of Downtown Atlanta – selfie madness.
Hangouts: anywhere along the Beltline, The Highlands, Inman Park, and of course the newest hotel restaurants and lounges. Celebrities alerts are all around.
Maybe a trip towards the Georgia Coast to Savannah to walk along the River Front – eat too many pralines, and Byrd’s cookies, with a delectable dinner of seafood fare by the river.
A trip to Athens, to see the oldest public university in the US, the University of Georgia (my alma mater) – photo op at the arch, right before a game day with the 2-time SEC Champion Bulldawgs!
North Georgia Mountains show off beautiful fall leaves, old mills, and creeks galore.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I honor my village of the family – my parents and extended family for creating an environment that allowed me to dream, achieve and thrive. Second, I honor my village of mentors and coaches – these are the men and women who helped shape my thoughts, expanding my learning by precept and example. There are several, but the late Dr. Myles Munroe and Dr. Cindy Trimm-Tomlinson have had the biggest impact on my present pathway to purpose.
Third, I credit my mobile and stationary universities – with books, like “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John Maxwell, “From Good to Great”, by Jim Collins, “Soar”, by Bishop T.D. Jakes, “Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy”, by Capricia Marshall, “Tribes” by Seth Godin, “Not for the Faint of Heart”, by Wendy Sherman, “The Greatest Mystery in the World” by Og Mandino, and many more, along with the countless seminars, conferences, and post-graduate studies in diplomacy, leadership, public policy, negotiation, and law.
Last, but not least, I honor God – for giving me the intellectual capacity, competency in gifts and talents, and the constant reminder to protect both of the aforementioned with character.

Website: www.aprilripley.com

Youtube: Exceptional Living with Dr. April Ripley