Late this year, The Langdon Group welcomed two new team members to their staff: Dianne Olson and Gemma Puddy. We asked Dianne and Gemma to sit down and interview each other so we could get to know them a little bit more. Part 1 of this blog post features Dianne’s responses to interview questions.

Q: Dianne, where are you from?
A: Born and raised in Salt Lake City, though I went to school in Logan, Utah and lived briefly in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Q: Describe yourself in 5 words,
A: Analytical, Responsible, Compassionate, Optimistic, Open-minded

Q: If you were to provide a brief timeline of your life, what would the milestones include?  
A: I went away to college at Utah State University and really fell in love with Natural Resource management and education. After that I spent 2001 to 2016 working for non-profits where I expanded my passion for the outdoors with engaging with the public in being active stewards. The highlight of my life was when I had my children. That event helped me really start thinking outside of myself and taught me that I can do “hard things.”

Q: Who has provided inspiration to you in your life/career?
A: I was super shy as a kid so my mom put me in a drama class with another friend. The teacher/director was Ralph Rodgers, the most outgoing, kind, gregarious, talented person that was such a great mentor. He was equally dedicated to his family and faith as he was to his community. He helped me see the world with a new perspective that embraced and celebrated the differences of others and my own.

Q: What is it about Public Involvement that you love or that excites you?
A: I love working with people. It’s invigorating to be able to come together with your community and problem solve and work collaboratively.  I’ve seen such positive results from taking the time to listen to the various perspectives and find common goals.

Q: What has been the most exciting thing about working for The Langdon Group?
A: Early on there was a sense of team work and collaboration. Its great to work with people with such diverse backgrounds to come together in a fun, motivated, and cohesive group.

Q: What are you passionate about?
A: Honestly, being a mom became a passion 10 years ago, and community. I seek out community in all aspects of my life from enjoying the local farmers market to getting involved in different volunteer opportunities.

Q: What do you do to relax and recharge?
A: I love winter and all winter sports – skiing, snowshoeing. In the summer I like to garden – it is very meditative.

Q: Where is your favorite place in the world or that you’ve traveled?
A: There are still a lot of places I would like to still travel to, but I spent an extended period of time in Israel and Jerusalem. It was historically, culturally, and geographically rich with people that were so incredibly kind and had something to discover around every corner.

Q: What is your favorite type of music or band?  
A: I enjoy a lot of different types of music from 70’s rock, 80’s pop, to folk rock like the Avett Brothers or electronic pop like Chvrches.

Q: What are you currently watching on Netflix?
A: Aside from Star Wars Cartoons with my kids? I just finished “Longmire” about a cowboy sheriff in Wyoming.

Q: What is your spirit animal?
A: Leslie Knope…or a Snake, according to an online quiz.

Q: What is your secret talent that no one knows about?
A: Singing Broadway tunes.

Check back next week for Part 2: Dianne’s interview of Gemma!