YPDaily: Jonathan Moyal

Today’s YPDaily is Jonathan Moyal, Director of Development at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts. He’s an avid consumer of life, art and music. At home, he’s proud second chair to a lawyer and proud father to the next John Lennon (fingers crossed)…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I work in my dream job. I raise funds on behalf of the group of creative, passionate and dynamic individuals who make up the Segal Centre for Performing Arts. Thanks to the generous support of individuals, foundations and the corporate world, we present world-class theatre, music and dance to Montrealers of all walks of life.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
For once in my life, my 9-5 blends all of my passions into something that I get paid to do. Who can ask for more? My love affair began as a volunteer gig. At first I sat on a budget planning committee for the centre before I was asked to preside over the first iteration of the Segal Centre’s Young Leaders. After one season, the time came to make the professional leap and I did not hesitate for a second.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part about what I do is that I am constantly surrounded by contagiously passionate and creative people. We do our work amongst dancers, singers, actors and some of the most talented people I have ever met. It makes everything worth doing with a little more gusto. The most challenging will always be asking people who are already often so generous to contribute to the arts. Yet every year they impress us and humble us with their generosity and engagement, and it makes it all worth doing all over again. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I hope to continue to be challenged by and challenging to my fellow colleagues as we continue to grow this wonderful organization that so deserves an important place in Montreal’s cultural landscape. But regardless of where I am in five years, I doubt that I’ll be able to shake the desire to be surrounded by art, passion and creativity. 

What does success look like to you?
Success to me is balance. It is the feeling that no part of my life is taking away from another that I care about. It means that I am fully driven by what I do during the day and equally driven to come home and share special moments with family and friends, never forgetting to leave room for a healthy dose of discovery. 

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Every night that I come home and take pleasure in what I’ve just done, taking time to revel in how suited I am for it. The day I stop feeling that will be the day I move on to the next thing.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Find out where you want to spend your days and find a way in by all means necessary.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support many charities with my time and resources but the Segal Centre is closest to my heart. 

What to you is notable?
Finding passion and creativity in areas where others have failed to do so. 

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone addict.