Secretary of the AUA is a big job—a really big job. The Secretary is responsible for a myriad of tasks, ranging from leading the planning for the Annual Meeting to being the face of the AUA internationally to acting as Editor-in-Chief for AUANews, just to name a few. This job is tough enough during “normal times,” but imagine having to pull it off in the middle of a global pandemic. Clearly, not everyone could do it, but John Denstedt has done it in the most outstanding fashion. When I started as Secretary-elect, I realized 2 things. First, I had some big shoes to fill. Second, I was lucky to have the chance to spend the year watching and learning from the master himself…and I have learned a lot. I learned invaluable content knowledge on how to put together and run the Annual Meeting, how to work with the Board of Directors, how to help promote the AUA’s mission internationally, just to name a few of the many topics we covered.

While all of this is important, I think the most critical lessons I have learned from John have been around managing people and confrontations. Specifically, I have watched John adeptly deal with some very “politically sensitive” situations while putting together the program for the Annual Meeting. While many people (including me) might react rashly and perhaps too emotionally, John always approached these problems in a measured and objective way, considering all sides and working with everyone involved to come to an acceptable conclusion for all. John’s approach is balanced and personal, and it’s something that I hope I can emulate going forward. When there was an issue, he would just say, “Let me call and talk to them,” and invariably things would be worked out pretty much to everyone’s liking. I don’t know if his approach comes from his years as a Department Chair, from being a longtime leader in the Endourology Society, or just being “Canadian-nice.” Whatever it is, I just hope a little bit rubbed off on me.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t share a critical practical lesson that I learned from Dr Denstedt. As some of you may be aware, Dr Denstedt loves to travel and has probably traveled more in support of the AUA’s international mission than any prior Secretary. His efforts in this domain have really benefited the organization and will serve us well for years to come. One of the things I was always amazed by was the fact that John could go on an international trip for a week-plus and do it all out of a single carry-on suitcase. This just seemed impossible to me, and so I finally asked him the secret. He looked at me and said “David, you do realize all of these hotels have laundry services, don’t you?” Practical advice from a practical and very effective leader. John, thank you for all your guidance and mentorship over the past year.