Our Gardian of the Month is Christopher Urena, MBA, FASAE, CAE, Chief Learning Officer, Endocrine Society.
EG: What strategies have you found most effective when faced with learning a new subject or skill?
CU: It often depends on the impetus behind learning a new subject or skill. When connected to a personal passion, it’s much easier to lean into the process and devote the necessary time, focus, and energy. For example, I’m keenly interested in 18th-century English craftsmanship, particularly furniture, artwork, and architecture. At times, I genuinely have to pry myself away from books, documentaries, and yes, even TikTok on the subject. When learning aligns with natural curiosity, I’ve found the key is to enjoy the journey and intentionally reflect on how insights from that experience can be applied to other areas of life.
When I’m faced with learning something that is less familiar or especially challenging, I remind myself to lead with curiosity, patience, and clearly defined goals. Curiosity helps me stay open and ask better questions, rather than becoming discouraged by what I don’t yet understand. Patience is essential, because meaningful learning rarely happens linearly. There are moments of discomfort and uncertainty that are simply part of the process. Finally, having defined goals gives the effort direction and purpose, helping me focus on what “progress” actually looks like and avoid being overwhelmed by the scope of the subject
EG: Who are the people in your life that have served as mentors and what have they taught you?
CU: There are four extraordinary leaders whose influence has left an indelible imprint on me and continues to shape how I approach leadership and life more broadly. I try to intentionally model their strengths and integrate the qualities I most admire in each of them into my own leadership style.
- Rich Finstein, Founder and former CEO of CommPartners — exemplified an enterprising spirit and tenacity. Through his leadership, I learned the value of persistence, creativity, and taking thoughtful risks to drive growth and innovation.
- Susan Robertson, former President and CEO of the American Society of Association Executives — demonstrated what it means to lead with depth of knowledge and presence. She showed me how being well-versed, prepared, and grounded enables leaders to influence not just organizations, but entire fields.
- Vicki Deal-Williams, CEO of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association — modeled critical thinking rooted in humanity. From her, I learned how rigorous analysis and genuine care for people can, and should, coexist in effective, values-driven leadership.
- Arlene Pietranton, former CEO of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association — embodied skilled communication and decisiveness. Her ability to communicate with clarity and act with conviction reinforced for me how essential those qualities are, especially during moments of complexity and change.
I would be remiss if I did not extend my heartfelt thanks to each of these individuals, whom I consider dear friends and part of my extended family.
EG: What is something you most enjoy teaching others?
CU: I most enjoy helping others make sense of complexity—connecting strategy, purpose, and day-to-day work in a way that feels clear and empowering. Whether I’m working with staff, volunteers, or peers, I take genuine satisfaction in helping people see how their individual contributions fit into a broader mission and how thoughtful decisions can translate into meaningful impact. Teaching in that way not only builds confidence and capability, but also creates shared ownership and momentum.
EG: Just for Fun - If you could have dinner with anyone, real or fictional, who would it be and what would you ask them?
CU: Princess Diana. I would ask which humanitarian effort she was most proud of, and what sustained her commitment to service in the public eye despite the onslaught of tabloids and relentless criticism.
EG: What is a resource that has been valuable to you in your work, and what makes you appreciate it?
Click the video below to see Christopher's response!
