Our Gardian of the Month is Colby Horton, Founder and CEO of Association Briefings
EG: What type of environment/setting do you find that you learn best in?
CH: I learn best in collaborative environments where ideas are openly shared and explored. I’ve always considered myself a strong listener, and I enjoy hearing how different people approach challenges or think through problems. Some of the most valuable learning happens when conversations move beyond presentations and become real discussions. Whether it’s in a meeting, at a conference, or during a casual post-session conversation, I tend to absorb the most when people are exchanging experiences, perspectives, and practical insights. I also appreciate environments where curiosity is encouraged and people feel comfortable sharing both successes and failures.
EG: What is your go-to question or topic when networking with new people?
CH: One of my favorite questions to ask is, “What podcast are you listening to right now?” I’m always curious to hear what people are consuming outside of the great association-focused podcasts that are out there. You can learn a lot about someone based on their answer.
If someone listens to comedy podcasts, they’re often looking for connection, relatability, or a way to unwind. People drawn to true crime usually enjoy storytelling, detail, and problem-solving. Sports podcast listeners tend to love debate, analysis, and community. And people who gravitate toward documentary-style or business podcasts are often naturally curious and lifelong learners.
From there, I like to ask what they enjoy about the show itself. Is it the host? The storytelling? The pacing? The authenticity? I think there’s a lot associations can learn from mainstream podcasts in terms of creating content that feels engaging, conversational, and human. Some of the best ideas for association podcasting don’t necessarily come from within the association space. They come from understanding what people genuinely enjoy listening to in their everyday lives.
EG: What strategies have you found most helpful applying new knowledge to practice?
CH: I’ve always believed people retain ideas better through stories and real experiences than through theory alone. Hearing how someone actually applied an idea, solved a problem, or adapted to change makes it easier to envision how it could work in your own environment.
I also tend to process ideas through conversation. Talking through concepts, asking questions, and hearing different perspectives helps me move information from something abstract into something practical and actionable.
At the same time, I’ve learned that ideas don’t really matter much if they just stay in a notebook, even though I have a decent collection of notebooks proving I’m still working on that myself. After a session, meeting, or conversation, I like to identify one thing I can realistically apply right away. Even small adjustments can create momentum, and over time those small ideas often lead to bigger changes.
EG: Just for Fun - What is your favorite hobby and how did you get into it?
CH: I've always loved baseball. Today, my favorite part is watching Texas Rangers games with my son, but it all started when I was a kid.
My dad and grandma would take me to Rangers games, and we'd sit out in the Texas heat on those old metal bleachers. I have so many great memories from those days, but one always sticks with me: my grandma would buy us nachos in the fifth inning. Always the fifth inning. Never before. Never after. It was just our tradition.
Baseball has been part of my summers for as long as I can remember, and now I get to share that with my son. We watch games together (apologies to my wife and daughters), head to Globe Life Field whenever we can, and spend way too much time talking about players, prospects, and stats.
What started as time with my dad and grandma has become time with my son. That's what I love most about the game. It's become much more than a hobby.
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 Colby's response!
