Must Read | Rising Stars Lindsay Bons, 24 Senior Business Development Manager IDLine Brooklyn Park, Minnesota What does being a PPAI Rising Star mean to you? It’s a huge honor, especially seeing who was named a Rising Star in the past. We’re amongst an impressive group of people. It’s a huge honor to be recognized for everything that I have put so much hard work into. Being real and challenging the norm has probably impressed the people who have nominated me. I’ll respectfully challenge someone and have those conversations, which is how we grow and be better and change things that might not be working. What is the biggest challenge for you in your career? Something I’m trying to learn and be diligent at is failing more. I’m uncomfortable doing that, but that’s how I can grow. Through failure is how I’m going to gain more skills and experiences. It allows me to see what works and what doesn’t. Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? I want to be leading people. I’ve always had a passion for leading individuals and making them better. Even if there’s not a space in the organization for them anymore, that’s a success story if they have to move on to gain something else. What does the industry need to do to attract and retain more young leaders? Get information to colleges and universities, as well as just believing in young people. We have a unique space in the promotional products industry where you can be creative while also being a leader. Everyone’s strengths can help an organization. What excites you in your role? I bring my opinion to the table and back it up with information to either try something new or try something again. I work for a third-generation, family-owned business, so when someone says, ‘We’ve always done it this way,’ I ask why. Getting people to talk out what they’re thinking has helped a lot. 56 • NOVEMBER 2024 • PPAI
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