DIRECTIONS Lauren Harbert
Hello LTEN community, and happy December! I hope this season of energy, excitement and love has settled in your hearts and homes as it has in all of ours. Holidays are often time for wishes, and as we close out this year and look to what lies ahead, I wish for so many things for all of us. And I’m not alone in that.
My dedicated LTEN staff is the driving force behind all we do for members. So, in the spirit of the season, I turned to them to share their wishes, both personally and professionally, for 2024. Their responses are a testament to the commitment, innovative spirit and shared vision that makes LTEN a true community of excellence.
Join me as I share a bit of the heartfelt wishes of the remarkable LTEN team:
Director of Events
In my professional role, I aspire to increase engagement at our events through experiential learning. The value of learning through experience is immeasurable, and I believe it will greatly enrich the events we offer to our members.
On a personal level, I aim to practice daily gratitude, appreciating all the gifts life has bestowed upon me. Gratitude is a powerful force that can bring positivity and contentment into our lives.
Advertising Director and Publisher
Professionally, my wish for 2024 is to challenge myself to better anticipate the needs of our Preferred Industry Partners and provide them with the information and opportunities required to maximize their partnership with LTEN members.
On a personal note, I hope to reinstate the tradition of family gatherings, even though the geographical distances may pose a challenge. Family is at the core of our lives, and creating those cherished moments is something I hold close to my heart.
Special Projects Coordinator
Professionally, my wish for 2024 is to see a new association management system implemented so we have an easier way to maintain our member database and integrate seamlessly with other software we use. Simplifying these processes will not only save time, but also enhance the member experience.
Personally, I hope to enhance the balance between taking care of others and taking care of myself. It’s easy to forget self-care, but it’s vital to be at our best when helping others.
Director of Marketing Communications
In 2024, I am thrilled about rolling out new technology that will empower our small but mighty team to focus on exciting new offerings and innovations. This step will not only benefit our team but also our cherished members who rely on us for quality content and engagement. Furthermore, I wish to see our strategic goals translate into new products and offerings for our members.
On a personal note, my wish for 2024 is to find balance in my life, leaving room for more crafting and adventures. It’s important to nurture one’s creative spirit and explore the world outside of work. Crafting and adventuring offer a perfect escape from the everyday hustle.
Editorial Director
My professional wish for 2024 is complex: I wish for everyone to have the time they need to pursue their professional and personal dreams. Time is a precious resource, and I often hear from members who struggle to balance their professional pursuits with their personal lives. I hope that everyone finds the time to write the article they want, attend an event they’re excited about, and enjoy quality time at home without feeling they’re missing out. And if I can help someone find that time through my work, I hope for that too.
On a personal note, I have a profound wish for the world. I hope that peace, love and acceptance spread far and wide, uniting people as friends and neighbors. It’s a vision of harmony and unity that I hold dear, and I believe we all deserve nothing less.
Director of Member Services
Professionally, my wish for 2024 is to nurture and grow our Ambassador Team. These dedicated individuals are unsung heroes of LTEN, and I want to offer them ample opportunities to shine as champions of our organization. Recognizing their hard work and commitment is essential, and I hope to see them receive the recognition they truly deserve.
On a personal level, I wish for continued happiness and health for my family, the peace that comes with entrusting everything to God’s hands, and the fearlessness to embrace the new adventures ahead. Life’s beauty lies in its unpredictability, and I look forward to what the future holds.
My professional wishes mirror much of what has been shared by the others. In 2024, I wish to see the successful implementation of new management software and its accompanying programs. This advancement will better support our internal needs and, most importantly, enhance the experience for our valued members. As we strive for excellence in serving our LTEN community, I hope it will empower us to be more efficient, responsive and impactful. It’s an exciting step forward for LTEN.
And on a personal note, my wish for 2024 is simple yet profound: health, happiness and a sense of “settled.” In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s important to find moments of tranquility and contentment. I hope to strike that balance between professional achievement and personal wellbeing.
As we celebrate the close of 2023 and look ahead to the adventures that 2024 promises, let these wishes from our team serve as a reminder of the aspirations and dreams that drive us at LTEN. The dedication and commitment of this team are the cornerstone of our success, and together, we can achieve great things in the year ahead.
Happy Holidays!
Lauren Harbert is executive director of LTEN. Email Lauren at
lharbert@L-TEN.org.