Diane Gordon
Founder of Etiquette Essentials
Certified as a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant, Diane is more than an expert in good manners and etiquette – she builds confidence and success in every aspect of her clients’ lives.
Diane has come a long way from her childhood years where she was well known as a tomboy. When she moved into a new neighbourhood, she was actually mistaken for a boy! There was never a week without a bruised or cut knee and she earned the endearing nickname of “Tangle Foot” from her father.
But all that changed when her mother enrolled the budding etiquette expert into model and charm school at the age of twelve…and with her new-found confidence and determination she became unstoppable.
By 19, Diane was the youngest Realtor in the London St. Thomas Real Estate Board in 1979. For more than three decades, she has grown a successful brokerage with her husband and continues to be committed to lifelong learning.
This commitment led Diane to the prestigious Protocol School of Washington, the only accredited school of its kind in North America, where she learned alongside some of the world’s top corporate executives, military officers, and royalty. Diane has attained the knowledge you can’t find in books.
Diane’s initial goal was to elevate her confidence and professionalism with her education but a pivotal moment presented itself on Flight #777 when she met a brilliant software engineer. He noticed she was reading a book on etiquette and asked, “What is etiquette?” He later explained that the company he recently met with would not let him past three points on his six-point presentation. Diane assumed that company must need etiquette training only to discover when they parted his handshake needed a 911 call.
Diane founded Etiquette Essentials in 2011 with a goal to elevate others through her workshops, seminars, keynotes, and private coaching to be their personal and professional best – either in the boardroom, at a job interview, networking event, cocktail party, or a black tie affair.
She understands the value in tradition and embraces innovation for the future. With the insights and training Diane shares through Etiquette Essentials, her clients learn the skills to be professionally polished and socialize with grace and sophistication.
“Etiquette Is Not the Social Norm. It Is Social Excellence.”