A Year of Learning

08/03/2023

Dear Members,

I started working as the Class Director at BHC about a year ago.  As I look back, it feels like the time has flown by, but I remember a lot.

It took a great deal of patience and creativity to remodel Studio Y.  Members and instructors demonstrated their flexibility as we moved from place to place in the gym to keep classes going.  Pat’s persistence and hard work really paid off, of course.  The new Studio Y is more beautiful than ever, and it keeps improving.

I have also gotten much better acquainted with the operations side of the gym.  Ivana, the trainers, and the staff at the desk make a really impressive team.  Time and time again I have seen people pitch in to help one another to provide the best possible service to members.

I have also come to appreciate our instructors more than ever before.  Life is uncertain, so we often need coverage for classes on short notice.  Our instructors have volunteered so frequently to teach each other's classes that we have almost never canceled one.  It is hard to find talented, dedicated instructors, so I really value these colleagues.  So do you, of course  Your feedback reflects a lot of enthusiasm and appreciation.

Getting to know more about our neighboring business owners was a real treat when we celebrated our 25th anniversary in May.  So many of them were eager to congratulate us on our many years in business and donate a gift card for our raffle.  It made me feel the Ballard Love up close and personal.

Naturally, I have also developed my technical skills.  I am able to upload classes for Video on Demand with the best of them now.  Scheduling with MindBody and working with Excel sheets has gotten much faster and easier thanks to Pat’s patient instruction.

Working with Pat this year has made me think back on other bosses I have had in the past.  When I was in graduate school, my scholarship required that I work in a clerical position at the Center for Russian and East European Studies.  Typing was not my strong suit.  My boss used to regularly repeat, “Marianne, for this I will surely kill you.”  Obviously, he never did, but I am sure that he wanted to.  Pat has a very different management style.  When I have made blunders, he has consistently regarded them as a learning experience and encouraged me to look forward with confidence rather than look back with regret.

You members have also exhibited a lot of patience with my mistakes and expressed your gratitude for the things that I have gotten right. .I appreciate this opportunity to learn and grow. 

Best wishes,

Marianne Clarke
Class Director
marianne@ballardhealthclub.com