By Lori Gerdts Moening
Three decades ago, I walked into IN Food knowing this was where I should be, but I had no idea that it would become such a defining part of my life. It’s been an absolute privilege to build a career merging food and design, my two passions, with this talented and extraordinary team. So many memories and learnings… here are thirty of them:
- I’ve always been a harmony-seeker (classic middle child), but I’ve realized that chasing peace at all costs can sometimes keep you from moving forward.
- You can’t market well what you don’t believe in. Find a way to believe or be confident enough to question.
- There are countless books filled with leadership skills, motivation techniques, and decision-making tools. Advice is endless, but I’ve learned the most important thing is to start with what you’ve got and expand from there.
- It’s easy to see the big picture — the vision, the strategy, the end goal — but it’s the details that bring it to life. The details take time, attention, and care, and they are worthy of it.
- We do our best work when values are shared and respect is mutual.
- Don’t assume clients are always right. Clients expect expert perspectives. Listening, processing, and offering input builds trust.
- Fairness doesn’t mean sameness. Every team member brings something different. Equal opportunity matters, but it’s important to recognize and reward people for their individual strengths.
- I wish there was a COMMAND+Z for everyday mishappenings.
- I have a natural tendency to pour 120% of my time and energy into projects and ideas. It’s taken a while to understand how my focus and passion affects others in my life. WIP!
- Thirty years in, and I still believe that food is the perfect subject to pour your heart (and career) into.
- Learning the art of “loving to please while not living to please” may take another decade!
- Problem solving is my triple-berry jam.
- Over the years, we’ve had so many valuable, talented, and inspiring people work here. Although it can be hard to see some of them go, I’ve learned that it doesn’t hurt when I know they are following their needs and dreams. Go fly! With that said, I’m grateful for those who find fulfillment with this team. Let’s grow!
- Design skills can be taught, experience can be gained… work ethic, values, and passion come from within.
- Understanding others doesn’t mean you need to change your views if they differ.
- The things I fear most are the things I should tackle! I have never loved speaking in front of people, but doing it, even when it’s rough, is rewarding and makes the next time easier.
- Preparation and planning for any scenario are key in managing photoshoots, events, and multi-faceted projects.
- When you accidentally wear two different shoes to work, just say it’s a creative expression.
- Trust your gut when hiring people.
- I am the worst dancer on earth… but the day my team drug me out of my office to “Bad Romance” playing in the kitchen was one of my all-time favorite memories.
- Skipping joyfully through the streets of downtown Minneapolis to relieve stress… works!
- Don’t hide the blueberries in the yogurt packaging file and send it off to print. And I love blueberries!
- I NEVER say, “It can’t be done”… and I will never forget the one time I did.
- Trends come and go. The mediums change, but the need for meaning doesn’t.
- Curiosity is the best creative tool we have.
- Doodle on! It can actually help you absorb and focus.
- Working with people who support each other in and outside of the office makes working more meaningful.
- Approaching conflict as an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow removes the fear of it.
- I get teased for my adoration of ellipses… teasing is a form of adoration, right?
- We spend a large portion or our waking hours with co-workers. Learn with them, care for them, have fun with them.
If there’s a theme that ties all these lessons together, it’s gratitude. For the people I’ve worked alongside, the ideas we’ve chased, and the laughter that fills the gaps between deadlines. The work keeps changing, but the joy in it hasn’t. Here’s to whatever comes next!
