eLABorate Topics

In this episode, join Tywauna Wilson and Stephanie Whitehead as they dive into their recent experience at the Lab Manager Leadership Summit. From insightful sessions to engaging workshops, listen as they share their key takeaways, memorable moments, and reflections on how the summit has impacted their approach to laboratory management and leadership.

Tune in to hear Tywauna and Stephanie unpack their summit experience and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of laboratory management and leadership.

To listen to similar episodes:

Episode 10: Navigating Laboratory Leadership: Insights from Dr. Rodney Rohde

Episode 5: "Lab Manager Leadership Summit: Elevating Excellence with Scott Hanton and Michelle Hoad"

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1. Follow @eLABorate Topics on all social media platforms and Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
2. Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!
3. Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
4. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!
5. Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
6. Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or sending us an e-mail at [email protected].

In this episode of eLABorate Topics, hosts Tywauna Wilson delve into the critical role of emotional intelligence in the digital era, especially within the high-pressure environment of medical laboratories. Listen in to discover practical tips and insights for enhancing your emotional intelligence, leading to a more harmonious and effective workplace.

Today, we'll cover:

- The importance of emotional intelligence for effective communication and teamwork

- How emotional intelligence impacts patient care and job performance in the lab

- Techniques for managing stress and maintaining composure under pressure

- Strategies for developing emotional intelligence to advance your career and leadership skills

- Practical quick wins to start building your emotional intelligence today.

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Related Episodes:

• Episode 5 (Season 4): Lab Manager Leadership Summit: Elevating Excellence with Scott Hanton and Michelle Hoad
• Episode 10 (Season 4): "Navigating Laboratory Leadership: Insights from Dr. Rodney Rohde
• Episode 18 (Season 4): Achieving Work-Life Alignment: Essential Strategies for Medical Lab Professional Leaders

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Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! 

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Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Connect with Coach Tee Wilson

To connect with Tywauna for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics visit: TywaunaWilson.com or connect with her on LinkedIn where she shares topics to help you learn grow and develop in the area of leadership and personal development.

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us by completing the guest interest form or e-mailing us at [email protected].

In this episode, host Lona Small addresses the top challenge facing medical lab professionals leaders today: work-life balance. Lona introduces the concept of "work-life alignment" and shares seven essential strategies to help professionals achieve a fulfilling and balanced life.

Key Points:

1. Envision Your Ideal Life:

• Imagine your perfect day from morning to night, including work and personal time.

• Visualize interactions, accomplishments, and routines to create a clear picture of your ideal day.

2. Journal Your Why:

• Write down at least 20 reasons why you want the life you envision.

• Anchor your goals by understanding the deeper motivations behind them.

3. Prioritize What’s Important:

• Create a comprehensive list of priorities, combining both personal and professional tasks.

• Rank them to ensure the most important tasks are addressed first.

4. Celebrate and Be Grateful Now:

• Practice gratitude and celebrate the present moment to maintain motivation and positivity.

• Visualize and express excitement for future successes.

5. Eliminate Non-Essentials:

• Reduce or remove tasks that don’t align with your priorities through delegation, automation, or elimination.

• Focus on tasks that truly matter and bring joy or fulfillment.

6. Schedule Your Priorities:

• Integrate both personal and professional priorities into one calendar to ensure nothing gets overlooked.

• Use the concept of "big rocks" to prioritize essential tasks first.

7. Establish Routines and Rituals:

• Develop consistent daily, weekly, and monthly routines to create structure and predictability.

• Include rituals like morning mindfulness practices, gratitude exercises, and intentional planning.

Action Steps:

1. Self-Assessment:

• Evaluate your current work-life alignment. Are you satisfied with how you're balancing your professional and personal life?

2. Vision Creation:

• Start by creating a detailed vision of your ideal life. Write down your goals and the steps needed to achieve them.

3. Join a Support Community:

• Consider joining a community of medical lab leaders for support and accountability. Reach out to Lona Small on LinkedIn to join the first group of 20 leaders.

Additional Information:

• Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!Host’s Closing Remarks:

Lona emphasizes the importance of integrating work and personal life into a harmonious alignment. By following the outlined strategies, listeners can create a fulfilling, impactful, and stress-free professional and personal life. Lona invites listeners to share the episode with colleagues and friends and stay connected through various platforms for ongoing support and resources.

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Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1. Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
2. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!
3. Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
4. Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
5. Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or sending us an e-mail at [email protected].

• LinkedIn: Lona Small, Stephanie Whitehead, Tywauna Wilson

Join us today for an inspiring episode as Stephanie Whitehead and Aaron Odegard interview Mark Ishaug, a transformative leader and CEO, who shares his philosophy of leading with love and passion. Mark reveals how his compassionate leadership style has fostered a thriving workplace culture and driven remarkable organizational success.

Tune in to learn how love and empathy can be powerful tools for effective leadership.

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us on all social media @elaboratetopics.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

Podcast Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!!

Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1. Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
2. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!
3. Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
4. Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
5. Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or sending us an e-mail at [email protected].

In this episode of eLABorate Topics, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of laboratory technology and staffing with our guest, Lee Springer, a seasoned expert in healthcare administration. We explore the critical challenges and innovative solutions that can redefine the future of laboratory operations and personnel development.

Today, we'll cover:

- The innovative use of AI and machine learning in developing software tools to transform lab ordering processes.

- Strategies for enhancing staff competency and job satisfaction through technology and training.

- The significance of cross-departmental collaboration and partnerships in optimizing laboratory protocols and processes.

- The urgent need for industry-wide initiatives to address the shortage of laboratory professionals and attract new talent.

- Lee Springer’s insights on the importance of embracing change and learning for professional growth in the laboratory industry.

Guest Bio:

Lee B. Springer, PhD brings executive experience in clinical diagnostics, laboratory medicine, healthcare regulations, and FDA regulatory and compliance. He has worked extensively in laboratory, hospital, and health system operations, including process improvement, service line development, strategic initiatives, and growth strategies. Lee also has served in executive roles for medical device manufacturers leading new product and service line development in conjunction with bioassay/device research and development and sponsored clinical trials and investigations. Lee also has designed, developed, and led organizational change strategic initiatives for physician practices, corporations and health systems that were focused on collaboration, culture, and quality. In addition to his significant industry experience, he has served in various capacities in higher learning from lead faculty, program director to course and online learning environment development.

Wanna Stay Connected with Lee? Lee Springer on LinkedIn or Visit Lab Savvy

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Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! 

Podcast Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!!

Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us by completing the guest interest form.  

In this episode, cohost, Stephanie Whitehead, explores the quiet battle of impostor syndrome with our special guest, Marisa James, CEO of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Impostor syndrome, marked by self-doubt and feeling inadequate despite achievements, impacts people in various professions, even CEOs. Marisa shares her personal experiences, challenges, and strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome in leadership roles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Impostor Syndrome: Marisa shares their journey of recognizing and grappling with impostor syndrome, highlighting its prevalence even among accomplished professionals.
2. Impact on Leadership: We explore how impostor syndrome can manifest in leadership positions, affecting decision-making, confidence, and relationships within organizations.
3. Coping Mechanisms: Marisa provides valuable insights into coping mechanisms and strategies they have employed to navigate impostor syndrome, offering practical advice for listeners facing similar challenges.
4. Empowering Others: Marisa emphasizes the importance of mentorship, open communication, and self-reflection in empowering individuals to overcome impostor syndrome and realize their full potential.

Special Guest Bio: As the recently appointed CEO of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), I bring nearly two decades of professional experience as an educator in an accredited Medical Laboratory Science program. My tenure as CEO coincided with NAACLS' 50th anniversary, an occasion I have been thrilled to commemorate. I am a passionate advocate dedicated to showcasing the brilliance of those working behind the scenes in healthcare. My volunteer service with ASCLS, ASCP, and NAACLS has played a pivotal role in my career journey, culminating in my current position. An engaging, authentic, and enthusiastic leader, I prioritize mentorship, lifelong learning, and the development of strong interpersonal relationships. I am committed to advancing the standards of accreditation and fostering excellence in clinical laboratory sciences.

Connect Marisa James:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-james-naacls/

Connect with Stephanie Whitehead Click on the link to connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics.

Podcast Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!!

Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1. Follow @eLABorate Topics on all social media platforms and Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
2. Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!
3. Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
4. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!
5. Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
6. Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or sending us an e-mail at [email protected].

In today’s episode of eLABorate Topics, we delve deep into the intersection of opportunity and growth within the pathology and laboratory medicine arenas, guided by the engaging insights of Dr. Dana Powell Baker, president of the Society of Black Pathology. Get ready to explore the expansive impact of saying "yes," embracing leadership, and fostering inclusivity in the field.

Today, we’ll cover:

- Dr. Dana Powell Baker’s journey from a medical laboratory scientist to the president of the Society of Black Pathology and how strategic opportunities shaped her career.

- The importance of overcoming discomfort and fear to seize growth opportunities in professional settings.

- Insights into the Society of Black Pathology’s mission to enhance diversity and empower underrepresented groups within the pathology field.

- Practical advice for professionals on engaging with and contributing to organizations to advance their careers and professional networks.

- An enlightening discussion on the personal and societal benefits of inclusive leadership and structured mentorship in pathology and laboratory medicine.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Dana Powell Baker is the Manager for Academic Partnerships with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL). An ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist, her areas of expertise include higher education, learning and development, relationship building, laboratory operations, interprofessional education and healthcare simulation. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is a champion for STEM as well as an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Furthermore, she serves as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Dr. Baker has been recognized with various awards for her contributions and service to the laboratory profession most recently being named as a co-recipient of the 2022 ASCP President’s Award. She serves in leadership roles across professional organizations including the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). She is actively engaged mentorship of emerging laboratory professionals.

Connect with Dr. Powell Baker:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/danapowellbaker

Twitter : @thatlabchick

The Society For Black Pathology

Website: https://www.societyofblackpathology.org/

Email: [email protected]

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! 

Podcast Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!!

Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Connect with Coach Tee Wilson

To connect with Tywauna for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics visit: TywaunaWilson.com or connect with her on LinkedIn where she shares topics to help you learn grow and develop in the area of leadership and personal development.

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us by completing the guest interest form or e-mailing us at [email protected].

 In this episode of the eLABorate Topics podcast, host Lona Small delves into the challenge faced by lab leaders in securing support from upper leadership for their initiatives. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, Lona outlines five strategic steps to effectively garner the backing needed for successful lab projects. From knowing your "why" to presenting results, each step is crucial in navigating the complexities of organizational support. Join Lona as she shares practical advice and actionable tips for lab leaders seeking to make an impact in their institutions.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to the challenge of securing support from upper leadership
• Personal anecdotes and insights on navigating organizational dynamics
• Five strategic steps to secure upper leadership support:
  1. Know Your Why
  2. What's In It For Them
  3. Communicate The Value Of The Initiative
  4. Have Stakeholder Representatives As Champions On The Project
  5. Present Results To Upper Leadership
  
  
• Common pitfalls and how to overcome them
• Encouragement for lab leaders to start small and build trust with upper leadership

Host: Lona Small, Executive Coach for Lab Leaders
Co-Hosts: Tywauna Wilson, Stephanie Whitehead

Additional Resources:

• Join the eLABorate Topics LinkedIn group to engage with the community.
• Email [email protected] with suggestions or questions.
• Connect with Lona Small on LinkedIn for personalized career support and guidance.

Subscribe: Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to the eLABorate Topics podcast on Direct Impact Broadcasting, your favorite podcast platforms, or LabVine.

Follow Us: Stay updated with the latest news and episodes by following us on social media. Find us on LinkedIn

Website: Visit directimpactbroadcasting.com for more information and access to previous episodes.

Thank You: Thank you for listening to this episode of eLABorate Topics podcast. We appreciate your support and feedback. Together, let's empower lab leaders to achieve impact and fulfillment in their careers.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Rodney Rohde and delve into the dynamic world of laboratory science and the journey of transformation led at Texas State University. Dr. Rohde shares insights into the pivotal decision to transition the program's name from Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) to Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare education and practice.

We get a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive two-year process Dr. Rohde and his team undertook to officially change the name of his university's program from Clinical Laboratory Science to Medical Laboratory Science. From building proposals to updating curricula and signage, he walks us through the key steps, challenges, and relatively low costs involved.

As the landscape of healthcare undergoes rapid evolution, it becomes imperative for educational institutions to adapt accordingly. Tune in as Dr. Rohde provides insights into the meticulous process involved in rebranding the program, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, garnering support from stakeholders, and ultimately implementing the change.

Key Take Aways: 

• Challenges and Opportunities: Discover the challenges faced by the program in aligning with contemporary healthcare paradigms and the opportunities arising from embracing change.
• Strategies for Transformation: Hear firsthand how Dr. Rohde navigated the process of renaming the program, including stakeholder engagement, curriculum revisions, and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Impact and Future Outlook: Learn about the impact of this transformation on students, faculty, and the broader healthcare community, as well as the future direction of MLS education at Texas State University.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone passionate about the advancement of the laboratory profession.  Join us as we explore the power of adaptation and innovation in shaping the future of healthcare education.

Check out these resources referenced during this episode:

• www.NAACLS.com
• https://asm.org/Articles/2023/June/Developing-Relational-Skills-in-Medical-Laboratory
• https://asm.org/Articles/2023/April/Public-Health-and-Medical-Laboratory-Professional 
•  https://www.ascp.org/content/news-archive/news-detail/2022/10/07/facing-massive-labor-shortage-ascp-committed-to-expanding-medical-laboratory-workforce#
•  https://ascpcdn.s3.amazonaws.com/static/ISTP/Siemens_Clinical+Laboratory+Workforce_Blueprint.pdf
•  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyTVxvuakOk  [Webinar]

Special Guest Bio:

Dr. Rodney Rohde has published over 90 research articles and abstracts, two books, and is a highly sought keynote presenter with over 100 international, national, and state conference presentations. His two books focus on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) adaptation and Clinical Considerations in Rabies. In recent years, he has become a globally viral author subject matter expert utilizing invited articles, TEDx talks, podcasts, video casts, and interviews to enhance science communication and translational health research literacy in public health, healthcare, and the medical laboratory environment.

During the #SARSCoV2 / #COVID19 pandemic, Doc R is the #1 quoted Texas State subject matter expert and conducted over 150 interviews for podcasts, TV, newspapers, and internet sites including dozens of webinars and workshops at all levels. He has received numerous awards and honors during his career, and most recently, added to The Pathologist’s PowerList 2020 and Cardinal Health’s Laboratory Excellence List (2022).

Listeners can connect with Dr. Rodney Rohde at: 

Personal Website: https://rodneyerohde.wp.txstate.edu/

Twitter: @RodneyRohde | @TXST_CLS | @TXST_THR

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneyerohde/ [personal]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-state-clinical-laboratory-science-program/?viewAsMember=true 
[Texas State CLS Program]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010172941875 [personal]

https://www.facebook.com/txstate.cls/ [Texas State CLS Program]

https://www.facebook.com/txst.THR/ [Texas State Translational Health Research]

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWrOlPkjfLm2_i1G3ZVWBg [Youtube channel]

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!
Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

In this episode, Stephanie Whitehead delves into the fascinating world of leadership with a twist - the introverted leader. Join Stephanie as she sits down with Jennifer "Jeni" Becker, a seasoned clinical laboratory leader whose introverted demeanor belies a wealth of leadership insights and strategies.

Introverts often find themselves in leadership roles, yet their approach may differ significantly from the extroverted stereotype. Jeni shares her journey, navigating the complexities of leadership within the clinical laboratory setting while embracing her introverted nature as a source of strength rather than a limitation.

We explore topics such as:

• Strategies for Communication: Explore practical communication techniques tailored to the introverted leader, including leveraging written communication, one-on-one interactions, and strategic pauses for reflection.
• Embracing Solitude: Understand the importance of solitude and introspection for introverted leaders, providing essential opportunities for recharge and creative problem-solving.
• Navigating Networking and Public Speaking: Gain insights into how introverted leaders navigate networking events, conferences, and public speaking engagements with confidence and authenticity.
• Balancing Leadership and Self-Care Delve into strategies for introverted leaders to maintain a healthy work-life balance, prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries to prevent burnout.

Join us as we uncover the quiet strength of introverted leadership in the dynamic world of clinical laboratory management. Whether you're an introverted leader yourself or seeking to better understand and support introverted colleagues, this episode offers invaluable perspectives and actionable strategies for success!

Check out Stephanie Whitehead's recent article on this topic here: Introverts in Leadership: Tips to Celebrate Your Quiet Impact | clinicallab

Special Guest Bio:
Jennifer Becker, MLS(ASCP)CM is the Laboratory Supervisor at Urology Nevada where she oversees the molecular microbiology PCR lab and is the quality officer for the clinic and surgical center. Jennifer is a generalist but her focuses in the lab have been in microbiology and blood banking, and she has 11 cumulative years of experience in the medical laboratory beginning as a phlebotomist and working her way through to specimen processor, pathology technician, and finally as an MLS. Jennifer served for 2 years on the Nursing Shared Governance Council at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center on both the Research and Education Council and the Ancillary Services Council. Jennifer is responsible for developing interdisciplinary educational and training materials for doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and medical assistants for laboratory testing protocols as well as implementing an outpatient antimicrobial stewardship program and overseeing the data analysis of clinical trials.

Connect Jennifer Becker:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @jeni_becks
X (Twitter): @JeniBecks 

Connect with Stephanie Whitehead
Click on the link to connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics.

Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!
Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

Podcast Call to Action
We would love to feature YOU!!!
Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!
1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!
3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!
If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or sending us an e-mail at [email protected].