Stepping to the Side

Stepping to the Side

When I was in high school I saw a film called 'Out of Africa', starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. It’s the story of author Karen Blixen’s life in Kenya during the first world war and her life journey during a very challenging time in history. There was a quote from that film that has stuck with me all these years and has helped me navigate my own journey. The line is, “...the Earth was made round so that we would not see too far down the road.”

When I joined the Los Angeles Business Travel Association back in 2006 I could never have imagined what was in store for me. I was new to Los Angeles and I was the Travel Manager at Guess Inc. Fast forward 10 years and so much has changed since then. I feel like I have come a long way since then and LABTA has been major part of that journey. Over the last 10 years LABTA has been so many things to me. It has been a mentor and a teacher. It has been a sounding board. It has been an employment agency and it has been a good friend. December 13th marked the end of my presidency with LABTA. This was my second time around as President and I know for some people it seemed I would never go away, but as my mom would always tell me just before I was about to get in trouble, “Sean, you better quit while you’re ahead”. Nobody wants to be the last guest at a party. It’s time for new faces and fresh ideas and so my time has come to an end. It's time for me to explore other roads and find new adventures. 

I can never express how much of an impact being part of LABTA has had on me both professionally or personally. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today in my career if it were not for my involvement with LABTA. Now that I will be just another face in the crowd at the meetings I can’t imagine what life will be like, but I can’t wait to see how it turns out. It has been my privilege and an incredible honor to lead LABTA and I want thank all of the members for allowing me to be part of something so very special. There are too many people to mention here, but every single one of you made a difference in my life. I am a better person for it, thank you.

Well said Sean....I hope to be able to do some good during my upcoming year there and continue the evolution of our wonderfully diverse local chapter known as LABTA! Thanks for your great work!

Matt Gerrish

Ground transportation consultant who unlocks strategic business value through customized mobility solutions.

8 年

I'm just bummed I left town before your presidency. That would have been too much fun!!

volunteer leaders make this industry move forwards. thanks for doing your "bit" but know once you're in you're in!! the only question to answer is what's the next voluntary gig? GBTA ladders mentor?

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Monty Criss

Results-driven leader

8 年

Good luck to you Sean I will always remember our first phone call

Judy Hommen

Sales and Client Relationship

8 年

Sean, thank you for your volunteerism, leadership and sharing your valuable time and commitment to LABTA! Wishing you all the best in your new adventures!

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