Q & A
Happenings | THE LOBBY
You’re an active person, whether it’s paddling at Outrigger or playing softball in Honolulu’s leagues. How do these activities influence your connection to the community, and what else do you enjoy doing for fun? I have always enjoyed team sports, mainly because of their ability to create community. As an adult, it is challenging to carve out consistent time to get to know new people in a meaningful way. Paddling is this incredible vehicle that has allowed me to be surrounded by so many wonderful people that I would have otherwise never gotten to know. Many of my closest friends (some reading this right now) are a priceless gift that paddling and the Club have given me. These days, the most fun I have is seeing the world through my son’s eyes. Many of you may have seen him roaming the Club, laughing and insisting on having a conversation with whoever is willing. Nothing is better than a morning or evening at the Club, bouncing around from the ocean to the beach to the Snack Shop with my family. How has OCC positively impacted you? In more ways than I can articulate. I moved to Hawai’i in 2010, but it wasn’t until I started paddling at the Club that I felt it could be my home. My novice coach, Liz Perry, will always be the embodiment of the Club’s spirit. Seeing her love of this place and the openness with which she invites new people in, year after year, is truly special; so a special “thank you” to you, Liz. From that moment forward, the Club has been the backdrop for countless memories, spanning many life chapters—my wife and I at our rehearsal dinner, my son’s first dip in the ocean, regattas and distance races—and I look forward to making many more. If you could describe the Outrigger Canoe Club in one word, what would it be? Home.
Reflecting on the deep connection he’s found at Outrigger, President Mallet plans to lead with the same spirit of community that welcomed him. Photo Courtesy of Art Mallet
Board by design has members of different ages and backgrounds, which ensures that viewpoints from those groups are heard and valued. The opportunity is being a bridge to the next generation. Seeing someone not quite their parents’ age, who did not grow up at the Club but has a passion and appreciation for all it offers, will hopefully plant the idea that they should start getting involved and take ownership of a place that brings us all so much happiness. It’s never too early to make your mark on our Club. You’re also a leader in your workplace – what qualities do you think make a strong leader? I have always leaned on emotional intelligence and communication more than anything. When you work in a team setting, which is very much the case in my workplace, you want your colleagues to be able to leverage their talents and see the immense value they bring on a daily basis. Facilitating that can take many forms, and the ability to understand people, their perspectives, and choose the best course of action is a powerful skill. That becomes even more important when you and your colleagues are all volunteers and experts in their chosen fields, as is the case with the Board. What general message, if any, would you like to share with OCC members? A general message that I believe to be timeless is, the Club, at its best, is a reflection of the best of its members. We all have a role in shaping it, and I am honored and humbled to have a small part in it.
MARCH / APRIL 2025 | AMA 13
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