Getting to know Rachael Gorry

Meet Rachael Gorry. Currently the Managing Director of Karisma Cruises, Rachael has been involved with events on Sydney Harbour for seven years. She started a business at 23 and quickly found that to be the best, you need to sink or swim. Rachael loves Whitney Houston and Instagram and unsurprisingly has a passion for boats.

So, join us as we get to know Rachael Gorry…

Give us a snap shot of your career to date.

I have been in the event industry (specifically events on boats on Sydney Harbour) for 7 years now with our vessel Karisma.

The most memorable event you have worked on and why?

A wedding about 2 years ago on board Karisma. The bride and groom were just so relaxed and lovely to deal with leading up to the day and everything went off without a hitch. They did things a little differently and it was just so much fun. Their guests boarded Karisma as they were out having a little cruise on a smaller boat for half an hour prior by themselves. They showed up and circled Karisma a couple of times waving before boarding. The guests were all taking photos and screaming out cheering. It was so much fun and really special. They then went straight into the ceremony from there. They danced non stop for 2 hours at the end.

What did you ‘learn the hard way’ when planning an event?

Don’t assume your client/s read everything you send them in documents or that they know the questions to ask when planning their event. It’s not nice on the day when they ask for something they thought was included and you need to explain to them that it was in the T&C’s or in the information you sent them. Always discuss things in person or over the phone as well as put in writing. It saves awkward conversations or disappointments on the day.

What are three personality traits that are required to succeed in the events industry?

Personable, passionate and innovative

What song always gets you on the dance floor?

Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody

If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life what would it be?

Fish tacos

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

2 things. Buy a one way ticket to live in London when I turned 21 and run a business at 23 with no prior experience in the industry (boats or events) just passion and motivation – sink or swim!

What skill or talent would you most like to learn and why?

Another language. I love listening to people speak English and change to speaking another language fluently. Amazing!

What did you want to be when you “grew up”?

An actress of course

What can you not live without in your life?

My family, chocolate & wine

How do you unwind after a big event?

A drink & laugh on the boat with the team

Words to live by?

Everything happens for a reason

What is your biggest challenge at the moment?

Getting our new boat here. It has been a long-standing dream of ours and a lot of blood, sweat and tears has gone into the build.

Where do you go for creative inspiration?

Instagram

Best event you’ve been to as a guest?

Lavo Brunch Event on the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands when the Singapore Formula 1 was on.

What do you prefer, cocktail party or sit-down dinner?

Cocktail party. I like to be free to go and mingle with more than the few people sitting next to me and I think it creates more of a relaxed vibe