Chair of Service Project Committee Rita Malvone

We know her as a restless woman full of energy who sometimes is accompanied to Club meetings by her mother Mama Carms. Rita Malvone not only holds the Chair of Service Project Committee, she also communicates and connects with people far beyond RCS activities. Pagoda portraits the person behind the office. 

When did you join RCS and who was your sponsor?

I joined RCS in September 2015. David Smith and Andy Hill both sponsored me and really encouraged me to join. On paper, though, I think Dave was the official sponsor.

Where are you hailing from?

I grew up in a town called Massapequa on Long Island, New York. In 2011, I moved to Nanjing and then onward to Shanghai in 2012.

What are you doing professionally?

I’m a business performance consultant and an executive coach. I help individuals to achieve their goals, and I help companies set their strategic plan, improve their organization effectiveness, and ultimately, operate better, smarter, and faster. This has led me to also become a CEO whisperer, a speaker, a trainer, a facilitator, and a writer. My background in marketing, international business, and supply chain management positions me to address most general business challenges.

What would you like to share with our readers about your family?

I come from a fairly traditional Italian family. Most of you have met Mama Carms (aka Crazy), my mother, and some of you have met Bei, my feisty, deaf, food-obsessed pup. I’m sad you never got to meet my father. He left this world in 2010, and I know he would have loved everything about RCS.

What are your hobbies, apart from RCS?

I love Art Deco and history. I regularly take tours in Shanghai and I travel as much as I can. Every month, I try to do something new that I’ve never done before – whether it is climbing on the outside of a building, or riding a motorcycle – I’ll do nearly everything at least once. I am a baker, a SCUBA diver, and an avid theater goer.

How do you recharge your battery?

To recharge, I don’t make plans on Sundays after 3PM – that’s ‘me time’. I love to go for long walks in Shanghai with a book in my ears and, most of the time, with Bei in her stroller. Whenever possible, I go to the beach and put my feet in the sand.

Best/Last book you read and why

I have a pattern I follow: 3 business/personal growth books, 1 book on China, 1 on something else I should learn about, and then 1 book for pleasure. I recently finished “Principles”, by Ray Dalio and “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brene Brown. My favorite books include “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek, “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coehlo, and “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom.

What is your favorite place in Shanghai?

The Fairmont Peace Hotel. Other favorite spots include: the boutiques of the FFC, the Office Bar, and my bridge (Nanpu Daqiao).

What is your advice to any new member of RCS?

The fellowship is so much richer when you are active, join a committee, attend a service project, share your ideas. This organization has so many assets – including YOU!