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Looking for inspiration, insightful advice, and a supportive community to help you navigate your business journey?
The Carolina Women's Collective is your one-stop shop. This biweekly podcast, hosted by Booth Parker, features interviews with a powerful network of female entrepreneurs and business leaders, sharing their inspiring stories, actionable advice, and industry expertise.
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Booth Parker: [00:00:00] Today on the Carolina Women's Collective Podcast. I am joined by Katherine Metz. Katherine is the Economic Development Officer for Morehead City, North Carolina. Welcome to the podcast today, Katherine.
Kathryn Metts: Thank you so much for having me.
Booth Parker: I think you've been in this role about a year.
Booth Parker: Can you tell us a little bit about what an economic development officer role does?
Kathryn Metts: Yeah, absolutely. So, yeah, like you said, I'm coming up on a year, which is really exciting and also hard to believe it has gone by much more quickly than I can even wrap my head around. But the position of an economic [00:01:00] development officer, at least here in Morehead City, um, my role is to.
Kathryn Metts: Assist in facilitating business recruitment and attraction for Morehead City along with working on projects for general commercial development that are facilitated within our planning and development department. So, uh, those that I have not already. Recruited within the year, those that were ongoing before I came into this position, sort of helping keep those going working with our partners on that.
Kathryn Metts: And then in addition, I also help with some business retention and expansion measures, just supporting our existing businesses and doing other. Foundational things. So this is a new role, and we didn't have anything in place, so I'm doing a lot of background. Data entry, you know, pulling together contacts for our commercial network with different businesses, but also our different, [00:02:00] uh, partners such as utility agencies or people within the state systems like the Department of Commerce or the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
Kathryn Metts: So a lot of the boring behind the scenes stuff. That's a, a huge part of the job right now as we get this going.
Booth Parker: Gotcha. Sounds interesting and a lot of different, uh, moving parts, so to speak. And since this is a podcast and people can't see you and realize that you're quite young to be in this, in this role already serving as economic development officer, what kind of sparked your interest at a young age to go into government work like this then that it's the right path for you?
Kathryn Metts: Sure. Yeah, I can't say that I necessarily like had a spark in the way that people may, where I was like, I'm very excited about government work in particular. I have heard from a lot of other professionals in this field that everybody tends to [00:03:00] have a roundabout way of finding this profession or similar related professions, and mine is no different.
Kathryn Metts: So I technically. Started in economic development through the North Carolina Main Street program. I moved to Morehead City and started working with our downtown Morehead City Inc. Which is a part of that Main Street program. And they do a little bit of economic development, economic vitality and event programming for the downtown district.
Kathryn Metts: And it was through that role that I. Learned the majority of the applicable skills for this job and was able to transfer that and then come into this.
Kathryn Metts: It's something I enjoy very much, but it was not something I, you know, knew that I was gonna do I love it.
Booth Parker: Yeah. So you mentioned your position with downtown Morehead City, Inc. And that's a nonprofit, correct? Yes,
Kathryn Metts: that's right.
Booth Parker: Okay. Mm-hmm. So you left that and moved into your current role.
Booth Parker: Mm-hmm. How. [00:04:00] How did you know that that was going, that you had the confidence, I guess is what I'm asking? Where did you find the confidence to just know you could go ahead and make that leap and that you were the right fit?
Kathryn Metts: I mean, if we're being honest, I didn't, but, um, I, I thought that it was a really, a neat opportunity and it was a brand new position and I felt at the time that if I applied and I didn't get it.
Kathryn Metts: Then there was no harm, you know? And um, but if I applied and I did, it would be a really exciting step forward in my career. Um, and because as I've mentioned, although I didn't know that that was something I would be as passionate about. I worked with downtown Morehead City for about three years, a little bit less than that.
Kathryn Metts: Um, and it just really, it took hold. The small business support in particular was something I was really invested in, and I felt like it was great to be offering that within the downtown district. But then the city created this position and I thought it would be an awesome [00:05:00] opportunity to be able to do that.
Kathryn Metts: For the whole of the city. And then, you know, expand my skillset, my understanding, my knowledge in economic development, you know, even further. So, um, I, you know, really benefited from the training that the North Carolina and Main Street and Department of Commerce offered. So in learning through those different opportunities, I thought, why not?
Kathryn Metts: I'll just, I'll throw my hat in the ring. And, um, and I'm just very fortunate it ended up being the right fit.
Booth Parker: Yeah. Super. And as I mentioned, you're, you're very young in this role and, uh, so you're constantly surrounded by I'm gonna call them more seasoned leaders, so to speak. And do you feel like being in surrounded by seasoned leaders that you're younger age gives you some fresh perspective and ideas, and then kind of how do you stay connected?
Booth Parker: Two people within your age group constantly being in, surrounded by older [00:06:00] people?
Kathryn Metts: That's a really good question. I mean, yeah, I do think that being younger than the majority of my peers in the the field, it does give me a different lens. It's also nice to work with a mixed variety of ages and experiences and also backgrounds because a lot of people.
Kathryn Metts: Have not been here specifically for the whole of their career. And I'm the same. So, um, I think that it's not only the age, but it's also the experiences outside of Morehead City or Carteret County that give me a little bit of a, a different perspective. And so. It's nice because we all bring these you know, unique experiences together and then it creates a better collaborative environment and just more diverse experiences to pull from.
Kathryn Metts: But I do think that there's a lot of value in working with other young professionals because it makes you feel more secure. Because sometimes when the folks are older and more [00:07:00] experienced it can be intimidating. But. It's also nice to have them as mentors and as role models to learn from and work with.
Kathryn Metts: But I am active in the, um, connect Carteret young professionals network through the Chamber of Commerce. And so not everybody is within economic development or an associated or affiliated sphere. But that group of people are all in similar age ranges and we all, you know, benefit from having. The opportunity to connect on being of a similar age and having, you know, like-minded thoughts, experiences, and all being here, you know, in the same geography.
Kathryn Metts: So, but I, I think it's a benefit to have an array. And I, I do think that when I moved it was interesting because I did see things differently. Um. People that have more seasoned experience have it for a reason. And so it's good to to learn from that and listen to it also.
Booth Parker: Absolutely. That's great. I love the way you're just [00:08:00] encompassing all of it and, and using it.
Booth Parker: And so you kind of started to mention your experience outside of Carteret County and that is where I wanted to go next. So you have international work experience, I believe, in both the UK and Spain. Is that correct? Have you been to both?
Kathryn Metts: I've been to both. I didn't work in Spain. I only studied abroad, but I did live and work in the United Kingdom.
Kathryn Metts: And, um, I worked for a pet care franchise company. So I was in their headquarters team, which was a really cool experience and I. Was labeled a business growth intern, but primarily did marketing. Um, but in that role was the first time I had a lot of like one-on-one experience with the business models and how, uh, small business ownership and then through the franchise model in particular, how it could empower people.
Kathryn Metts: And um, and I do think that was my. Yeah, my transition previously, I really thought that the healthcare profession, um, or field was what I wanted to do, [00:09:00] but, um, but it was, yeah, that unique experience and being over there that helped me find what I feel like is my correct path now. So, but definitely a, a completely different environment in another country.
Kathryn Metts: And then, you know, coming back over here to the us so, yeah, it's fun though to, to think about it in two parts and, and use those experiences also.
Booth Parker: So what were some things that I guess they do differently that you learned, uh, what, while you were there that are kind of different than the way maybe businesses do things here, but can also give ideas to use here as well?
Booth Parker: Mm-hmm.
Kathryn Metts: I mean, uh, they have different business regulations, first and foremost, just because of the nature of the way that their government is structured. But then also because it's a small, I mean, it's a small country, so comparatively things are so much different on our scale. We have a very large nation with a lot of independent states.
Kathryn Metts: So, their business models were different because they were much more they were tailored to smaller areas and [00:10:00] their franchises had. Smaller service territories. And it was interesting to me how much they cared about the customer service experience and the bespoke nature of what they offered. And um, and that was relative to, you know, the exact, the, the pet care that they were offering.
Kathryn Metts: But I felt that whenever I would go to small towns or villages and experience, you know. Small mom and pop businesses, you know, people really did get to know one another. And it's sort of similar to how we have it here in Carteret County. There is definitely a small business atmosphere. Not to say that we don't also have, you know, a mix and we have larger businesses, but their differences are largely because of their size, their geography, and um, and then their business regulations that are assigned by their, their governments.
Kathryn Metts: But I would say that here. We prioritize profit over the experience to an [00:11:00] extent, especially as you get larger and larger and, um, and they're more about lifestyle. So their lifestyle business model is sort of like the pinnacle. Not always, not every single person, but in entrepreneurship, they all sort of ex, they expect to get to a lifestyle model where they can just live comfortably.
Kathryn Metts: And here we have some of that. We're seeing a lot more of it. It's actually a trend on the rise, but, um, but we have more and more people that are really eager entrepreneurs and they want to, it's the American dream. So it's an interesting, like, differentiation in how it's just a, a, I think, a psychological mindset.
Kathryn Metts: But yeah, that's the big difference.
Booth Parker: I like the way you, you worded that it's like a, it's a lifestyle thing there. Like they're go, they're after profit 'cause they're making a living, but at the same time there's it's like a sustainable level of happiness, so to speak, for, for their lifestyle and the way they approach their, their business a lot more.
Booth Parker: Um, I like the customer experience part [00:12:00] where they focus on that. So there is a lot to, uh, to be able to utilize with. A lot of small businesses like we have in this community. So that is that's a, that's really interesting to hear. So I'm gonna switch gears a little bit. Going back to kind of the economic development role that is kind of traditionally you see a man in that role.
Booth Parker: How do you feel like being a woman, we've kind of talked about your age, but how do you feel like being a woman has given you different perspective for that?
Kathryn Metts: You are not wrong. There are a lot of men in the field. I think I would say being a woman, there are some advantages, and I don't wanna say that, you know, there aren't men that also have this advantage, but, um, women I think do a really good job of relationship building.
Kathryn Metts: Network formation and and maintenance. And I think that that has been something that I have benefited from is just, I'm also an extrovert and I enjoy meeting [00:13:00] new people establishing a connection or a relationship with new people. And that has been really helpful in this field just because I can.
Kathryn Metts: Remember folks and, and talk to them and have like a personal one-on-one connection. It also helps that I'm not in, you know, a large metropolis like Raleigh or Charlotte, but being able to put the pieces together and so you know, where I have a connection with a business owner and also. A utility provider and provide resources and make the connections.
Kathryn Metts: I think that women do systems and networks really well. Um, and certainly men do too, but I think women are, um, really good at multitasking, um, and juggling. So that's certainly an advantage that I think I, um, have experienced. But I would also say that, you know, it's just an empowering thing to be able to look back historically and.
Kathryn Metts: You know, just like documentation of who [00:14:00] was doing what in different roles and see how it has shifted. And so for me now to feel like there were very few barriers to my access or less than, I won't say very, very few, but you know, um, in being able to apply or be invited into the rooms and sit at the tables and now, you know, attending forums and trainings and seeing a really diverse.
Kathryn Metts: Mix of people. Um, I think as a woman, it's just empowering and meaningful. And I wouldn't say that this is something that it helps me with the job because I feel like I'm just equally qualified. But I do think that there's just so much more space now than there was. But certainly when you look backwards.
Kathryn Metts: It was less and less apparent. There are some things that are still sort of, you know, gate kept or held, but I do think that that's it's slowly receding. So, that's, you know, exciting. And I also, I would say that [00:15:00] maybe women have an advantage. This is probably gonna be controversial, but like, you know, sometimes we get a negative rap for gossip, but a lot of economic development is like word of mouth and word on the street.
Kathryn Metts: And I do think that part of the networking, and not only relationship building, but women are really good at talking, at communicating. And I think that that has also been a benefit. And, um, in maintenance with other networks and relationships, the communication wheel, that definitely helps. So maybe it's not gossip, maybe it's, you know, just keeping in the know.
Kathryn Metts: But, um, but that helps, you know, get the right people to the right table or get projects to fruition you know, keep things going. So maybe that's an advantage. So I would say those things, but that could be, yeah.
Booth Parker: Yeah. You, you mentioned, um. That there was a little bit of, of gatekeeping, and I'm gonna say something that, that might be controversial, and I don't mean it to be, but you know, [00:16:00] this, this area.
Booth Parker: There are some that would say it has a lot of good old boy mentality to it. Mm-hmm. But this area has also seen tremendous growth, especially since COVID, I would say, you know, the last five years plus seen a lot of growth, so. Your role, you're having to kind of bridge a gap between, there are a lot of community members, longstanding ones that are averse to change and growth, and then a lot of younger pe new people here that have a lot of fresh ideas.
Booth Parker: How are you kind of trying to bridge the gap there and, and you can't make everyone happy, but attempt to make everyone happy so that at the end of the day everybody gets a win in in some regard.
Kathryn Metts: Yeah. And that's tough because like you said, you can't make everybody happy. I think that ultimately, um, and this is where, you know, some of the differentiation between my [00:17:00] former work in the private sector, it's, um, it's shifted.
Kathryn Metts: You know, my mentality has shifted. So now because I'm with a local government unit it's, I just take everything in, you know, anything that I hear from. Any private citizen, an elected official I definitely take it to heart and, and listen to it and hear it. But the role of the local government is to act on the behalf of the whole of the citizens.
Kathryn Metts: And, and we also have, you know, some regulatory practices in place. So. We work hard, um, as much as possible to do what we feel is in the best interest of the whole and in the best interest of the future. So, you know, um, there are a lot of things that I think will have to change because change is inevitable and then there are some things that, you know, may have to do that more rapidly or less rapidly.
Kathryn Metts: Um, we've got some really important plans that have been set in place. So, before I came on board, the. You know, I guess it [00:18:00] would've been the council, um, and perhaps the city manager or the admin office with the planning department put together the 2032 comprehensive plan, you know, um, and that's sort of a guiding framework for how we intend to perform economic development.
Kathryn Metts: And then also the council put together just this past year, a strategic plan. And so those are some guiding principles. So it's, you know, helpful to fall back on that framework, thinking intentionally. Within what we have as regulatory guidelines. But it is, it's tough, you know? So just trying to act in the best interest of the whole city for as many people as possible is the best that we can do.
Kathryn Metts: Um, but it, it is not always, uh, the most popular thing, and it's not always the easiest thing, but, um, that usually it's for the best, you know, um, as much as it can be.
Booth Parker: Yeah, that is, that was a fantastic answer because I was, [00:19:00] I'm always amazed by people who can, can just bridge those gaps and keep moving forward with what needs to be done.
Booth Parker: And like you said, you run up against some regulatory issues and I'm sure there are some established processes that maybe need to be changed and refreshed. So are there any like. Regulatory things or established processes that you've run up against that you feel are antiquated and are ready for change?
Kathryn Metts: Yeah, I would say so. There are some that, you know, are certainly being worked on. We have a really visionary staff and I would say that Morehead City is, uh, an impressive government unit because. Generally the forward thinking. And I say they, we, a lot of it's been done before my, um, tenure, but we are in the process of updating our unified development ordinance.
Kathryn Metts: And so that is certainly applicable to economic development because it dictates how we can go forward with commercial development in addition to residential and everything [00:20:00] else. But, um, we have been set back by a few house bills and. They're in the process, um, the legal team, planning director and, and others on trying to navigate how we move forward.
Kathryn Metts: It's some very complex. Stuff that I don't really understand fully because it has to do with land use and laws that are above my pay grade. I did not go to law school. But, but those are some challenges just because they, um, they would be, you know, applicable across the city and, um, and if they're not entirely favorable for commercial development, then that, you know, impacts what we can do in terms of.
Kathryn Metts: Business, you know, um, recruitment and or expansion, um, new development redevelopment. So, um, so that's something that's in limbo, but, but we're hoping that there is a light at that end of that tunnel. But, um, but yeah, that's one zoning can be one of our challenges and that is where we we're feeling antiquated.
Kathryn Metts:
Booth Parker: Yeah. And, [00:21:00] and here, I mean, because there's water everywhere, the road infrastructure is probably an an issue. How do, how do y'all deal with that when you're trying to attract business and you know that there's going to have traffic flow issues created?
Kathryn Metts: Yeah. Um, that one, I, that's a DOT thing to an extent. There's obviously some city, you know, input, but we, we do have some goals that would hopefully help bring in business that would not be quite so impactful on our infrastructure that exists because we don't want to overexert, but it's just one of those, we have, you know, a swath of challenges, a swath of opportunities, and hopefully working to bridge all of the gaps so that we make the most strategic decisions.
Kathryn Metts: We have a unique and beautiful place that we live, and so we'll just continue to, to find the solutions where they are available. But to an extent, traffic is just gonna be one of those that [00:22:00] we contend with, I think for the rest of time.
Booth Parker: Yeah. I know it's from when I was little to now. It's, it's very, very different.
Booth Parker: But I mean, oh yeah, we can't, we can't drive on water unless you're in the boat. Right. So you mentioned the 2032 and the strategic plan that is in place that's actually kind of right around the corner, but government work can sometimes feel like it's. You know, moving slowly. 'cause there's a lot of hurdles with the regulatory stuff you mentioned.
Booth Parker: What kinda keeps you motivated and pushing forward on projects when they're taking months and even years to complete?
Kathryn Metts: Ironically, I heard someone say that, uh. You have to be an eternal optimist to work in local government. So I feel like that's just sort of my motto, but um, I think, you know, you just have to know that there is a finish line and.
Kathryn Metts: There's a lot of people involved in the [00:23:00] projects. There's red tape. Sometimes it's frustrating because you can feel like it's one person's fault over another's, but ultimately it's just that everybody's trying to do their best to make things happen as quickly as possible, and it can seem like it's just the worst process.
Kathryn Metts: Nails dragging on chalkboard. But I would say that it, it's just one of those patients, you know, you just have to have it. I will say that, you know, there are some that I think a lot of people are probably, you know, also wondering about in the background. And we work every day to try and make things more efficient.
Kathryn Metts: But but some things are out of our controls and that just is what it is. But we just remain optimistic that it will continue to improve and get better. And then, um, and then maybe it will, maybe it won't, but if a project is worthwhile, it'll come through, it'll go to fruition. And, um, and if it's not, then I think [00:24:00] unfortunately may not have, you know, been meant to be, but but they're, they're usually, you know, I don't know.
Kathryn Metts: There are reasons and, and it's, it's all. Everybody's working to try and make it happen.
Booth Parker: I like that. Eternal optimism. It's, it's all about the attitude and the mindset and all, all of that stuff. So, uh, when we were talking just a second ago about you can't make everybody happy and, and doing all of, all of those pieces to, to try to attempt to, you know, being in government work, it does require a level of diplomacy because.
Booth Parker: You're there for the greater good of, of everyone. Mm-hmm. What, what is maybe like an advice tip, something you've learned that you would give to other professionals who are trying to institute change but they don't wanna ruffle a lot of feathers. What are, what are some helpful tips?
Kathryn Metts: Ooh, that's tough.
Kathryn Metts: I would say, I mean, I do think that although it can be frustrating, patience is one of the [00:25:00] most important. Facets of any job. Um, but especially those, you know, that are, whether they're in local government or any capacity where you are working to make a change especially if it's in a community. You know, I think that at the end of the day, the majority of people want what's best for the places that they live, the people that they care about.
Kathryn Metts: And so. I resonate with the fact that it can be really, really tough when it feels like the wheels are turning and nothing is happening. But patience is certainly important. And I would also say that, you know, some of the advice that I've received that has been really wonderful is that, um, it is always valuable to continue to learn.
Kathryn Metts: And so every learning opportunity, is worthwhile and to keep an open mind. So, um, there's always, there's always more to learn to know. And then, you know, if you continue to do that, [00:26:00] it makes, it, makes it easier, I think, overall. But, um, I don't know if that answers the question fully. But, um, but yeah, I know it
Booth Parker: patients, some people have more than others and, you know, always, you know, the open-minded and learning and it's, that can be hard too, when you get set in your ways.
Booth Parker: So that's, I think that's a great perspective to, to have for sure. Um, so in this role you've been in for roughly a year mm-hmm. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced and how did you work through it?
Kathryn Metts: I would say, I think the biggest challenge was that I thought it would be a lot less like government red tape than I, maybe it was.
Kathryn Metts: And so I think because all of my prior experience was in the private sector, I just didn't know exactly how to adjust. And I think that that's normal for anybody that has not worked in a public sector before, [00:27:00] but I think. Overcoming it has really been to the point that I just made about being open-minded and learning and being willing to be patient.
Kathryn Metts: So, there's a lot of. You know, background, like the regulatory stuff can be frustrating, but but usually it's there for a purpose. And so, um, private sector is fast and public sector is slow, but they need each other to make things happen. So it's a symbiotic relationship and um, and I think that although it was a challenge at the beginning you know.
Kathryn Metts: In the long run. I do think that this, this position is such an exciting opportunity and it's a valuable resource. I think it'll be a benefit for the city, for the citizens, for the business community. Um, and I'm just, I'm so fortunate to, to be able to serve in this way, and I'm excited for everything that it may bring.
Booth Parker: Fantastic. Yeah. There's lots, lots of great things going on for sure. [00:28:00] And people are what make all these things happen. And you mentioned the public and the private sector. You also mentioned a minute ago that you consider yourself an extrovert and that you like people and everything, so. What are some ways people can, who maybe aren't quite an extrovert, what are some ways people can make those connections for themselves and their businesses and, and, and, and continue to contribute to growth?
Booth Parker: Just great networking connections. What are some tips you have for people kind of struggling with that?
Kathryn Metts: Oh yeah, absolutely. I think that if people are extroverted in-person networking is still really valuable, especially here in Carteret Rock County. We still have sort of a, an old fashioned approach and it's, um, it's just really effective.
Kathryn Metts: So I do recommend if people are open and willing to to get out to network. There are lots of resources. The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce hosts a lot of networking events. The small business center hosts round [00:29:00] tables, the downtown Morehead City, um, also does some similar events, but those are specific to downtown businesses.
Kathryn Metts: So, um, all of those, you know, resources are available. And then for those that are less extroverted and are maybe not super excited about getting in person, that's totally fine. Um, there are a lot of online network. Uh, so of course everybody I think is pretty plugged into LinkedIn as an opportunity, but we have some really great Facebook resources right now.
Kathryn Metts: Um, there are a couple of Carteret County specific business pages. There are groups that you can join and people are on those to provide advice or ask questions, um, as well as just post, Hey, I've got this sale going on, or. I have this happening at my business. So you can promote yourself or you can connect with people in those ways and not have to get out in person.
Kathryn Metts: And actually put yourself out there if you wanna do it that way. That's a good opportunity. And then I would also just recommend we have a lot of resources on our website. Through our economic development pages as [00:30:00] well as any of those other organizations. The county has resources. I would say it's just worth a Google, you know, there's a lot out there.
Kathryn Metts: I know that it's sometimes tough when people don't know where to go, but, um, but if you start with one of these, that's, that's a good place. And then it all sort of, it continues and it evolves from there.
Booth Parker: Fantastic. That was. Great information for lots of people, especially locals. So, and speaking of, of locals, so you are kind of the, the next generation of women shaping government and business in, in this area.
Booth Parker: So how do you hope to maybe encourage others, especially women, to step into these big leadership roles?
Kathryn Metts: So I always encourage people if. You have an opportunity to try and take it. I mean, the worst thing that can happen is that [00:31:00] if you apply and you don't get it, it's good experience for application, interview, whatever stage of the process you get to.
Kathryn Metts: I think that every experience is worthwhile. It's a learning opportunity or a teaching opportunity. And I do think that reaching out to area resources like the Young Professionals Network, getting. The people to give advice, you know, on whatever your, um, particular interests are. I think that to your point about my age group or my being a part of this, you know, up and coming generation we are.
Kathryn Metts: A smaller proportion of the population in this area in particular. And so it's important for us to try and take advantage of the opportunities that come available because we have local institutional knowledge to stay in place and and try to. You know, uh, bring people up and, and stay here. I think that's going to be critical and, [00:32:00] and important.
Kathryn Metts: But I just think that if people try, the worst that can happen is that you fail and you learn and then you try again. But I do think that there are a lot of support networks and resources if people are uneasy or. Don't know exactly where to begin, how to start, want some time or training that's available.
Booth Parker: Okay. Fantastic information. 'cause it, it is, it's an area where there's not a ton of young people, especially in the professional realm. So I, it could be very difficult to, you know, be, be confident and step out and so that was fantastic advice there on that. Some little tips. So I'm gonna ask you one last question.
Booth Parker: Sure. What is the best business or life advice you've ever received that you would like to share with others?
Kathryn Metts: Ooh. Best advice I've ever received
Booth Parker: or learned through experience that you would [00:33:00] like to share?
Kathryn Metts: You know, I think that it's.
Kathryn Metts: I feel like I'm gonna reiterate myself. I really do think that it is that you, if you are given any opportunity to learn something new, take it. As long as it's aligned with your interests. If it's something that you're not interested in, maybe it's not worth it, but, um. I do think that that is valuable because it can be leveraged in some way.
Kathryn Metts: Maybe you don't need it right now, but I feel like there is no wasted learning opportunity. So I would say that anytime it presents itself, it's worthwhile.
Booth Parker: Yeah, I love that. I feel like a lot of people may be, let opportunities slip by out of that whole fear of, of failure thing. But like you said, if you fail, just learn from it and seize the next opportunity.
Booth Parker: So, man, that's, that's just absolutely fantastic advice for, for your age generation and mine. So I, I love that so much. Um, this has been. A fantastic conversation. You are [00:34:00] wise beyond your years as a do a dorky old person would say. So, I just want to thank you so much for your time and your perspective.
Booth Parker: It has been really enlightening to, to hear all your, all your story and, and all your advice. It's just fantastic. So thank you.
Kathryn Metts: No, thank you for having me. I appreciate it.