Food for Thought Summer 2022

What was Future Leaders like? Amanda: SNA Future Leaders Program was a great experience. This year was a bit different than years past as they decided to do a more blended program with NLC. This allowed Future Leaders to be able to attend the keynote speakers and certain sessions with the whole group but still have a track with only those attending Future Leaders. Future Leaders had 33 attendees from all different states. I was able to make some great connections with a leader in Kentucky and one in South Dakota! It’s so interesting to learn more about how other states operate both their associations and their programs. Would you encourage others to attend as a Future Leader? Amanda: Yes, I would absolutely encourage others to attend the Future Leaders Program! I felt it was a good experience to grow as a leader. I had the opportunity to meet several inspiring SNA board members and enjoyed spending time with fellow Indiana members. We really dug into state planning, brainstormed new ideas for the association and connected with each other! I had a great time and learned a lot!

What is one thing that you took away from NLC? Stacie: One of the breakout sessions was titled: Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes. In order to keep the association moving forward, it is ok to “modernize” some processes. We do not need to revamp everything, just modernize as we move forward. We need to be sensitive to our board members’ time and run meetings efficiently. It’s ok to do a concise agenda and our board meetings are not spent reading reports. One final point: Don’t be an Eeyore in the boardroom, we need cheerleaders. Cheerleaders are FUN and contagious. People will follow FUN. Courtney: I attended a session titled Leading with a Sense of Humor. One thing I wrote down and underlined was “find comedy in the chaos!” I love that! It wouldn’t be Food Service if it weren’t for all the chaos we experience day in and day out. We still have to get the job accomplished regardless of how we respond to it, so why not choose happiness and keep a positive outlook? I always say you spend too much of your life at work not to enjoy it. Let’s find ways to laugh and release those endorphins!