Advice from the 2018 Association Executive of the Year, Arlene Pietranton
Association TRENDS named Arlene Pietranton, FASAE, CAE, the 2018 Association Executive of the Year. Pietranton, CEO of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, will be honored at the Salute to Association Excellence, March 1 at the Capital Hilton in Washington. Following is an excerpt from her interview with Association TRENDS about her professional history, approach to association management, and advice to young association professionals.
Who are your influencers today and what would you like young professionals to take away from your leadership?
There are any number of people and sources that influence me. Within the association community, there are so many dedicated, smart, collaborative individuals who are generous at sharing their insights, learnings and perspectives – I am so grateful for those colleagues and cohort. I think of my cognitive style as one that tends to be horizontal versus deep, so I enjoy learning a little bit about a lot of things, then engaging with others who have a genuine depth of knowledge to help bring about a better result, or a better product or outcome. I like reading articles, books and publications from a variety of different sources, along with going to movies and live theater. I also love to travel, I really enjoy being in an environment where things are done differently than what I’m used to, so I have to figure out how I can adapt in order to mix and mingle and participate within an unfamiliar environment. I’m also fortunate to have a supportive family and a wonderful group of friends who are generous with their candor as well as their time and kindness.
There are three things in particular that I would offer to younger colleagues:
• Whenever possible, follow your heart and look for those professional opportunities that align with your passion. You’ll be more engaged, more impactful, and ultimately more successful…all of which will likely bring other progressive opportunities your way.
• Be clear about your personal and professional goals…and, stay open to those unexpected opportunities along the way, some of which could wind up taking you and your career in directions you could not have anticipated, but where you may find deeply and enduringly engaging and satisfying opportunities.
• The association community holds amazing career opportunities across so many areas of expertise and competency. Association’s mission-driven work is filled with meaning and purpose; we truly make the world a better, safer and smarter place!
For more on Arlene Pietranton or the Salute to Association Excellence, including all of the TRENDS honorees, visit the event site here, http://www.associationtrends.com/salute-to-association-excellence/
