Week 6 - INTERVIEW

Today I (AMB) interviewed Susan Loken (SL) who I shadowed during her day in the office.

AMB: What types of challenges do you face?
DL: Balancing my time. Time managment. As a mom and runner myself, I have so many hats I have to wear each day in order to plan events and choach and market.

AMB: How do you deal with deadless stress, difficult people and internal politics?
SL: With deadliens it's all about planning ahead. That's key. And then with stress, I run! Running and staying active helps relieve stress for me big time. As for internal politics, I like to talk it out. When we are all super busy here we both have time when each of us will take turns holding down the fort. And communication is key!

AMB: What do you like and dislike about your position?
SL: I like knowing that I am doing what I love every day which is helping other people and bettering the lives of others. I dislike the fact that there is always sooo much to do and sometimes I feel like...I wish I could do more. And do it better.

AMB: What do you feel can be done to make work go smoother?
SL: More interns!!! More volunteers.

AMB: How do you feel about working with others?
SL: I love it. Wouldn't have it any other way. Relationships are the most important thing to build in this organization.

AMB: How do you seperate the personal from the professional?
SL: Live in the moment. Often times my family IS and can be involved within my professional life such as when we put on family races and workshops. Love for my family to be involved.

AMB: Do you enjoy working on group projects?
ASL: Yes, very fun. Leaders and coaches..all of us..four brains are all better then one and you can accomplish more. Success is not a sole journey!

AMB: What is your ideal work environment?
SL: Active, lots of poeple, healthy, POSITIVE, where everyone is working together for a common goal in harmony.

AMB: How does your personality help or hinder your communication with others or your conflict resolution approaches?
SL: I am good at confronting people and putting a positive spin on it if there is a conflict and I am good at confronting it before it gets to be too big.

AMB: How has your education and experience prepared you for your current job?
SL: I just finished personal training school so I can be better at my job and with my coaching certification class USATF in Chicago. It's all helped mme so much.

AMB: After whome do you model your work behavior? Or, who do you most respect?
SL: My boyfriend Bill. He has a strong work ethic and is just a fair and loyal and hardworking person who gets the job done. He is supportive through and through. He has had the same secretary for 20 years which says something about how he treats his employees...and he works as hard as they do. I like that because...if you're going to tell someone to clean the toilet you should be able to do it too!

AMB: Have you reached out to mentors and has the mentorship systeam worked for you?
SL: I learn from everyone, everyday. Different team members have brought something new to the table and I learn from them. I am a sponge and everyone has their strengths and I try to better myself and the organization through them.

AMB: In doing what we did today at the meeting, what do you think is the most important characteristic to have?
SL: Passion. A passion for what you talk about. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Practice and endorse what you preach. I am talking about something I love and do personally. Passion.

AMB: It can be difficult post graduation and in today's economy to land that dream position. Any advice?
SL: life is a choice! I choose to be happy, everyday regardless. So, I advise you and my boys to be happy, don't stress. If it's meant to be yours it already is. Enjoy the journey getting there.