DIRECTIONS
Lauren Harbert
Hello LTEN community, and happy December! The holiday season always brings a chance to pause, reflect and express gratitude — and around here, it also brings a little fun. As we close out the year, I asked the LTEN team one simple question:
“If you could give one gift to LTEN members this holiday season, what would it be — and why?”
I told them there was no copying each other, but I didn’t say anything about enlisting the help of ChatGPT. Let’s just say a few of us had some AI-powered help with our wrapping paper this year.
Here’s what the team shared:
Nannette Nolan, our marketing director, would gift a cozy pair of LTEN “Toe-tally Engaged” toe socks — because great learning starts from the ground up! Each pair would be covered in little reminders like “Step Into Learning” and “Keep Your Toes in the Know,” celebrating all the trainers who help others grow one step at a time.
Tim Sosbe, editorial director, would give the gift of TIME — literally. He even turned it into an acronym:
T for Tenacity, to keep pushing forward when things get tough.
I for Inspiration, to fuel new ideas and growth.
M for Mindfulness, to stay present and aware.
E for Empathy, the skill that makes every trainer’s impact truly lasting.
Nadia Aboulhouda, our events director, would give the gift of renewed curiosity — the spark that drives innovation, growth and discovery in life sciences training. She hopes the coming year brings opportunities to explore, question and learn together.
Gregg Haunroth, advertising director, would give the gift of resources — the partnerships, tools and services that help you efficiently tackle your toughest training challenges. From thought leadership and vendor connections to creative ideas that save time and spark innovation, Gregg’s gift is all about helping members do what they do best: Deliver learning that works.
Cayme Momita, special projects coordinator, would give the gift of perspective — the ability to pause, step back and see the bigger picture. It’s easy to lose sight of how far we’ve come, she reminds us, and a little perspective helps us appreciate the progress, the people and the purpose behind all we do.
Miki White, our membership director, would give the gift of connection — that warm, sparkly kind that reminds you you’re part of something bigger than yourself. Whether through a new friendship, a shared idea or a moment of inspiration, connection is what keeps our LTEN community thriving.
And finally, my gift to LTEN members would be confidence — confidence in the impact you make, the innovation you bring and the people you inspire. In the rush of projects, deadlines and changing priorities, it’s easy to forget how much your work shapes teams and touches patients’ lives. My hope is that you carry that confidence — and the knowledge that what you do matters deeply — into the year ahead.
As we close 2025, I’m grateful for this incredible team and for each of you who make LTEN more than a network – you make it a community. May your holidays be filled with connection, curiosity, perspective, time, resources and confidence … and maybe even a cozy pair of toe socks.
Happy holidays, and cheers to an exciting year ahead!
Lauren Harbert is executive director of LTEN. Email Lauren at lharbert@L-TEN.org or connect with her through www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-harbert/.