Embrace the Change

In June, the chapter welcomed Anabel Chotzen as its featured speaker. The topic was "Adapting to Change and Thriving in a Volatile Marketplace." Being able to adapt to change and learning how to thrive in uncertain times is very applicable and timely with the fast pace changes in technology, the country's current administration and the constantly changing world. It applies to all federal agencies, cybersecurity and technology companies. Chotzen said westerners often fear change. The Chinese symbol for crisis and opportunity is the same. The word for change in the Hawaiian language is "Ho'ololi. The Hawaiians believed in the importance of embracing change. Chotzen then told the chapter about the seven dynamics of change, the process of change, the reasons people resist change, ways to assess the difficulty of acceptance of change and strategies for getting others to accept change. Being an outstanding communicator is critical during times of change. Most people are not very good listeners. Chotzen explained the steps she uses in her workshops to help people become great communicators. It is also critical that we understand that people respond to change differently based on other things including their personality type and generation. She concluded her presentation by asking participants to stand, reach their arms high and say, Ho'ololi. Embrace the change! During the luncheon the chapter recognized Col. Claire Cuccio, chief of staff, 311th Signal Command (Theatre), as Senior Government Leader. Also recognized was IT1 Ermine Bulls of NCTAMS PAC as the Young AFCEAN of the Month. Lastly, Linda Newton, board member of the AFCEA Hawaii Education Foundation, presented Christine Lanning an appreciation certificate for her service to the Foundation as a board member.

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