By: Ethan Rogers

Marisa Wong, founder and CEO of MW Experiences, has carved a unique niche in the fast-paced world of event planning for one key reason: she’s not just creating memorable gatherings, she’s leading a global company with a forward-thinking mindset. Over two decades, Wong has tackled many of the same challenges today’s CEOs face: limited resources, shifting market demands, and the need to cultivate a loyal, high-performing team. Yet she has managed to turn those challenges into a thriving enterprise that curates events often described as unforgettable.

Vision Beyond the Usual

Early in her career, Wong noticed that many events felt routine and impersonal. She wanted to change that.

“Most events tend to lack a human touch,” she has said. “They’re transactional, impersonal, and often miss the magic that makes them truly special.”

This same approach, challenging the norm, shapes her leadership style. Rather than following fleeting trends, she immerses herself in experiences that foster meaningful, lasting change. It’s a lesson many CEOs might consider adopting: find what truly matters to your audience or customers, and let that guide you.

Building a Team That Cares

Wong also understands the value of teamwork. She has gathered a global crew of specialists, people who know the ins and outs of sports, wellness, luxury travel, and more. By giving them room to innovate, she encourages fresh ideas that shape each experience MW creates.

“You can’t just hire good people and expect them to work miracles,” she notes. “You have to give them a platform and empower them to make decisions.”

Leaders often struggle with delegation, but Wong demonstrates that trust is key to innovation. A team with autonomy can often move faster, respond to changes, and solve problems without waiting for endless layers of approval.

Data Meets Personal Touch

While many CEOs lean heavily on hard data for decision-making, Wong combines metrics with invaluable personal feedback from both her clients and team. This balanced approach enables her to adapt swiftly. If an experience isn’t connecting, she dives deep to understand why and makes necessary adjustments. When her team proposes a new idea, such as a sports-inspired leadership retreat, she tests it on a smaller scale before fully committing.

In the current business climate, where numbers and analytics can overshadow the human aspect, Wong’s method illustrates the power of balance. A data point may tell you what’s happening, but first-hand stories from customers and staff can often reveal why it’s happening and how you can improve.

The Broader Role of a CEO

Wong’s role isn’t only about day-to-day management. It also involves shaping the bigger vision of MW Experiences. She continually looks for ways to expand and innovate, be it through the MW Signature Event Series or the MY WORLD EXPERIENCES app. This forward-looking stance helps keep her brand relevant in a competitive field.

She also invests time in forming meaningful partnerships. Organizations like the Jamaal Magloire Foundation share her belief in giving back. Integrating philanthropic elements into events doesn’t just benefit the community; it also enriches the client experience and strengthens MW’s brand identity.

Lessons in Corporate Culture

Every CEO wants to know how to keep employees engaged and customers loyal. Wong demonstrates that strong culture isn’t about slogans or posters, it’s about living your values. MW Experiences has a clear mission: craft unforgettable experiences that ignite connection, elevate corporate culture, and redefine how business leaders and teams bond, grow, and play because life’s best moments happen when we have fun.” Every member on our team understands this core mission. The result? A workplace environment where team members feel connected to a purpose beyond profit.

“When you align everyone around a simple, clear purposeful mission, you don’t have to micromanage them,” Wong explains. “They already know how to bring it to life.”

Leading Through Change

Like many leaders, Wong has navigated unpredictable markets, especially in recent years when travel restrictions and economic shifts could disrupt even the best-laid plans. Her strategy: stay flexible and pivot. If a certain event or partnership hits a roadblock, her team looks for alternatives, perhaps shifting dates, exploring smaller gatherings, or finding a fresh location.

It’s a proactive mindset that other CEOs might find instructive. In any business, obstacles are inevitable. Those who plan with agility in mind can not only survive setbacks but sometimes turn them into opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Marisa Wong’s journey offers valuable insights for leaders in any industry. She built MW Experiences on the idea that events can do more than entertain, they can strengthen bonds, inspire creativity, and leave lasting memories. Under her guidance, the company continues to expand, launching new ventures that blend sports, wellness, and immersive storytelling.

For other CEOs, her path highlights a few critical lessons: stay close to your customers, empower your team, lead with values, and never lose sight of your broader vision. After all, success isn’t just about having a profitable quarter, it’s about building something that stands out and endures.

“We’re here to do more than fill calendars,” Wong says. “We’re here to show people what’s possible when events, and companies, focus on genuine connection.”

In many ways, that statement sums up her style: a clear, purpose-driven approach that leaves room for bold ideas and steady growth. As the face behind MW Experiences, Wong exemplifies that a CEO’s influence goes beyond a title. It involves setting the tone, elevating a brand’s potential, and inspiring everyone—clients, employees, and partners—to aim higher.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice, nor does it replace professional financial advice, investment advice, or any other type of advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or other professional before making any financial decisions.

Published by Anne C.