Our Gardian of the Month is Jaime D. Costello, MPH, Director of Programs for the National Council on Problem Gambling.
EG: What tips do you have for someone having difficulty during the learning process?
JC: Try something different. Switch up the format — go from reading to listening, shadow someone who's already doing it, or just dive in and try it yourself. Change your scenery too; sometimes stepping away from the desk and reading at the park is all it takes to shift your perspective. And if frustration starts creeping in, take a break before it takes over. Most importantly, remember that learning is a lifelong process. None of us have it all figured out — even the most seasoned experts are constantly learning something new.
EG: What are some effective strategies you use for initiating conversations at networking events?
JC: Keep it simple and genuine. Compliment someone on their outfit — it's an easy, low-pressure icebreaker that almost always lands. Another go-to: if you spot someone you know talking to someone you don't, introduce yourself. You already have a built-in connection, which makes the conversation feel natural from the start.
And here's an almost guaranteed way to connect authentically — find someone who's standing alone and introduce yourself first. Chances are they're feeling just as awkward as everyone else and simply don't know where to start. You'll likely make their whole event. I always think back to the idea of sitting with someone at lunch who has no one to sit with — it's one of those lessons I wish every kid were taught. As adults, we could all stand to carry that same instinct into the rooms we walk into.
EG: How do you keep track of best practices and industry trends?
JC: We work in the addiction space as it relates to problem gambling, which means the landscape shifts constantly as gambling and technology evolve together. I stay on top of it by reading prepopulated news feeds regularly, scanning partner newsletters for anything that looks unfamiliar, and when I'm feeling overwhelmed, or trying to catch up after time off, I'll ask an AI tool to surface the top news in our space from the past week or month.
But honestly? The most effective strategy is collaboration. My colleagues and I are each exposed to different partners, research, conferences, and conversations — and that collective knowledge is invaluable. We make it a point to share what we're learning, because our team is genuinely one of the best resources we have.
EG: Just for Fun - If you could have any superpower, but it had to be completely mundane, what would it be?
JC: I actually have two answers for this one. At home, I'm a mom of teenage boys — so without question, I'd want to click my heels and have the house magically clean itself. Professionally, I'd want to close my eyes and have all the key updates from the gambling and addiction space automatically download into my brain... and stored somewhere I could actually find them later. That last part is non-negotiable.
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 Jaime's response!
Resource: Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing by Laura Mae Martin
