Message from AHVAP President-Elect

Ted Lasso — I Finally Get It!

For a while now, I have heard a certain AHVAP President (I am looking at you, Karen Niven) talk about Ted Lasso. I am typically behind on the latest shows, so I had no idea what she was talking about when she would quote from the show. I had not seen one episode. That is, until last week. It was the season opener when Ted walked into the locker room for the first time. He was new to football (soccer), and as he walked through the locker room door excitedly, he said, "It smells like opportunity." It was then that I got it. You see, I spoke about a waiting room being a classroom at last year's conference. At the same conference, Dr. Carrico spoke about creating a library. The locker room, the waiting room, and the library are all different versions of the same concept. It's about being ready to recognize and seize the moment when it arrives. It is about creating spaces and a plan to prepare for future opportunities. Success rarely happens by accident; it's the result of deliberate preparation.

If you have been on this Earth for any length of time, you may have noticed that opportunities don't wait for perfect timing. They appear when they're ready, not necessarily when you are. That's why preparation is so critical. Whether landing your dream job, stepping into a leadership role, or tackling a new challenge, the work you do beforehand sets the stage for success. Think of a time when you felt completely ready for a challenge. Chances are that your confidence came from the groundwork you had already laid. Preparation turns uncertainty into capability. It's the difference between hoping for an opportunity and being prepared to capitalize on one.

The locker room is where athletes prepare for the game. It's where strategies are reviewed, gear is checked, and mindsets are sharpened. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to benefit from this concept. Everyone can create their version of a locker room (or waiting room or library)—a space dedicated to preparation and growth. Here are a few ways to build yours. Enroll in a certification program such as one of our micro-credential programs. Expand your expertise by pursuing relevant certifications. They not only enhance your knowledge but also signal your commitment to growth. Take relevant courses online or in person. Carefully curated courses can deepen your understanding and broaden your skill set. AHVAP provides a multitude of opportunities for this type of learning. Many of these webinars are a benefit of AHVAP membership. Read leadership books to help inspire and create curiosity about the topics you may not know or understand. Great leaders are lifelong learners, and books on leadership, personal growth, and industry trends can inspire new ways of thinking. Conduct self-assessments and regularly evaluate your strengths and areas for improvement. Tools like 360-degree feedback or a personality assessment can provide valuable insights. Don't hesitate to contact colleagues and involve those closely you work with. Lastly, seek mentorship and surround yourself with people who can challenge and guide you. A mentor can help you navigate your path and uncover blind spots. Be a part of a community like AHVAP, participate in our zone meetings, and contribute to the Circle app.

Preparation isn't just about actions; it's also about mindset. A proactive attitude turns everyday tasks into opportunities for growth. View challenges as steppingstones rather than obstacles. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as a tool for improvement. Curiosity keeps you engaged and eager to learn, even when the path isn't clear. When opportunity knocks, preparation ensures you're ready to answer. Think of it as practice turning into play. The work you've put in behind the scenes—whether through education, reflection, or skill-building—pays off when the moment arrives.

So, how does your locker room (or classroom or library) look? Are you actively preparing for the opportunities that might come your way, or are you waiting for the right moment to start? The truth is there's no better time than now. Opportunities are out there, and they're waiting for someone ready to seize them. As Ted Lasso reminds us, opportunity has a way of showing up—but it's up to us to be ready.

Sincerely,

Anne Marie Orlando, MBA, RN, RCIS, CVAHP™, FACHDM, PNAP, FAHVAP
President-Elect, Board of Directors
AHVAP