Errin Flynn, 39
Executive Director, Capital Region Legislative Delegation
A career in politics usually isn’t the logical next step for a kindergarten teacher. But Errin Flynn took it in stride. As head of the Capital Region Legislative Delegation, Flynn has become a top advocate for her regional constituents and a powerhouse in the state Legislature. Although once a seasoned elementary school teacher, Flynn switched gears in 2008 and became a legislative affairs deputy under former Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration. Outside of politics, her community involvement extends to the Capital Area CASA Association, the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum, and Habitat for Humanity.
NAME THREE MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
1. Transitioning from a seasoned kindergarten teacher into the world of politics.
2. Managing and winning my first political campaign.
3. Watching some of the children that I taught in kindergarten graduate from high school and enter college as happy, successful young adults.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS AND INVOLVEMENT.
Since moving back to Baton Rouge in 2008, I’ve been involved with many organizations, including Capital Area CASA Association and Habitat for Humanity. Most noteworthy is the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum, where I served as the 2014 and 2015 Annual Gala Chair. Before that, I co-chaired the raffle committee for two years and served on host and auction committees.
NAME ONE BOOK THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU PROFESSIONALLY.
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. It brings great perspective to dealing with change. I find myself still to this day welcoming the inevitable changes in my life because of this book. Great read.
“See what you’re doing wrong, laugh at it, change and do better.” ―Spencer Johnson, Who Moved My Cheese?
WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
A Rockette – Radio City’s legendary dance company in New York.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, HOW OLD WERE YOU AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?
My first job was teaching pre-kindergarten at the age of 22. I learned that I have the ability to make a positive impact in someone’s life every single day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH IN BATON ROUGE, AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH THERE?
Bistro Byronz – any salad.
HOW DO YOU GET PUMPED UP BEFORE A BIG MEETING, PRESENTATION OR PITCH?
Coffee and lots of deep breaths, plus a really good song in the car.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST FULFILLING MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Recently it has been working with the dedicated members of the capital delegation to make Baton Rouge a better place to live and raise a family.
WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL “AHA MOMENT?”
When I realized how influential a positive attitude could be in any situation.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST PRODUCTIVITY HACK?
Starting the day with apple cider vinegar and a walk clears my mind. Then going over my to-do list and checking the calendar gets me ready to tackle whatever the day may bring. And when all else fails – sticky notes!
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THE HARD WAY?
That no matter how hard you try, you cannot please everyone.
HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY DRESS FOR WORK—CASUAL? PROFESSIONAL? BUSINESS CASUAL? OTHER?
Professional, always.
WHAT PART OF YOUR JOB DO YOU LOVE? WHAT PART DO YOU HATE?
I would never say hate, but… Legislative session. Legislative Session.
MAC OR PC?
Mac.
ARE YOU ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA? IF SO, ON WHICH PLATFORMS ARE YOU MOST ACTIVE?
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
HOW MANY TEXTS DO YOU SEND ON AN AVERAGE DAY? HOW MANY EMAILS?
Too many.
HOW LOW WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR REMAINING PHONE OR COMPUTER BATTERY LIFE GET (IN %) BEFORE YOU HAVE AN ANXIETY ATTACK?
A drained cell phone battery is not what will give me anxiety.
HOW MANY UNREAD MESSAGES ARE IN YOUR INBOX RIGHT NOW?
71.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE APP AT THE MOMENT?
Calendar app. As soon as I get meeting dates, appointments, after-school activities, sports games, etc. I add them to the calendar. It keeps me on track.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE PAST DECADE?
Waze for day-to-day life in Baton Rouge traffic and road trips.
WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO YOU WISH WAS NEVER INVENTED?
I love technology and cannot wait to see what the future holds in further advances. I do wish there was a way to prevent drivers from texting.
WHAT TIME DO YOU GET UP ON WORKDAY MORNINGS?
6:15 a.m.
BREAKFAST AT HOME? BREAKFAST ON THE GO? BREAKFAST AT YOUR DESK? NO BREAKFAST AT ALL?
Breakfast at home. “Most important meal of the day!” My dad always reminds me of this.
THE SAYING GOES: ‘BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.’ SPECIFICALLY, WHAT ARE YOU ‘BEING’ TO MAKE BATON ROUGE BETTER?
My grandmother always taught us to leave anywhere you were better than you found it. This could mean picking up litter, moving a buggy from the grocery parking lot – little things that make a difference. Many in Baton Rouge set examples of caring for the environment and for our fellow citizens. And I like “being” part of those efforts.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE “GROWN UP”?
I bought my first house at 23. I’d say paying a mortgage makes you feel pretty grown up.
WHAT WAS THE BEST VACATION YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN?
My trip to South Africa, but in a couple of weeks it will probably be my honeymoon.
FAVORITE GIFT YOU WERE GIVEN AS A CHILD?
A gold necklace with my name in hieroglyphics from Egypt. I still wear it and get tons of compliments on it.
WHICH TALENT OR SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE AND WHY?
I don’t like to see others suffering or in pain. If anything, I would want to have the power to take away any pain.
WHAT’S A NICKNAME YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE FOR YOU?
Nanny, Aunt E and Fancy Pants.
WHAT ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS ABOUT?
If I find a penny on the tails side, I will always flip it to heads for the next person to find. And for some reason, I have to tap the side of an airplane before boarding a flight.
WHO FASCINATES YOU?
Anyone smiling.
FAVORITE DRINK?
Red wine.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAND OR SONG?
My fiancé’s band – Mr. Vigs and the Generators.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
WHAT SCARED YOU AS A CHILD, AND WHAT SCARES YOU NOW?
Open water and open water – no cruises for me.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Relax.
PETS?
Dogs.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY MEMORABLE CELEBRITY ENCOUNTERS? WHAT HAPPENED?
My sisters and I got to go backstage before a Lionel Richie concert. As he walked out to go on stage, he stopped to say hi, tell my sister happy birthday and take a picture with us.
WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG PERSONAL OR CAREER CHALLENGE YOU PLAN TO TAKE ON?
Personal – it is getting married and becoming a stepmom. Career – it is working with the Capital Region Legislative Delegation to improve Baton Rouge and our state.
WHAT CONCERNS YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE?
The current political and social division in our country.
WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST HOPE ABOUT THE FUTURE?
Confidence that we can overcome our challenges.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR FUTURE FORTY UNDER 40 HONOREES?
Appreciate and welcome the opportunities before you without limitation. This is a great country and state – there is always room at the top.
DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN THE CAPITAL REGION FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Absolutely, I love Baton Rouge, and we are only getting better. Yes, we are having growing pains, but we have a dynamic group of leaders across the region who are working together to make Baton Rouge the great place we all know it can be. Hang in there fellow Red Stick residents.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST HOPE FOR BATON ROUGE?
It’s been a challenging year for Baton Rouge. I am hopeful that our residents will rebuild and continue to care about each other and our prosperity as a community.
DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 THINGS ON IT?
1. Vacation in the Maldives.
2. Learn to scuba dive, despite my fear of open water.
3. Get back to yearly ski trips.
