Gardian
Our Gardian of the Month is Steven Stout, Executive Director for the Texas Society of Association Executives.
Hacking For Good – I once booked a “white hat” hacker to speak at an event once and hearing their discussions on “hacking” for good I found totally fascinating. It completely inspired me to want to save the world from the comfort of an office desk chair.
I really enjoy listening to people. I try my best not to dominate a conversation knowing networking is a two-way street. I have gained some really great insight just by shutting-up and listening. It is amazing what people will share when they feel very comfortable AND that you are actually listening to them.
I love research I always have so anything I can get my hands on that has to do with trends or innovations in our space. I will take the time to read I probably subscribe to more industry magazines than I should but I enjoy the varying perspectives on things plus I feel more aware of what is going on in our space the more I read
There was a fantastic book that came out in 2018 by Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE called Pivot Point. Despite coming out in 2018 and reading it that year I came across the book again in 2020 during lockdown and in rereading it was shocked how applicable it was during that time. I think so many of us are used to being able to identify a solution to a problem or at the very least have an idea of how to approach a problem but last year definitely helped me understand the power of saying “I don’t know but I’ll figure it out” or being open to changing something that I wouldn’t have dreamed of adjusting in the past.
Travel Show Host – getting to travel the world on someone else’s dime is incredible! Getting to experience food and cultures almost every day as part of your paid employment sounds like a DREAM! I have always loved to travel ever since I was little and have done a fair share but I watch those travel shows and think “what a life!”.
