By: Jonathan Ahmadi, PMP, BS, LBBP
Those of you who regularly follow this blog might get a kick out of this— I’ve recently been honored with the prestigious title of “Best Dad Jokes 2023–2025” by the University of Iowa! This unexpected recognition came during their inaugural Dress Rehearsal event for the new orthopedic hospital they’re building in North Liberty. You’re probably wondering, “What on earth do dad jokes have to do with Transition and Activation Planning?” I’ll admit, I was just as surprised when I received the award!
But here’s the thing: Transition and Activation Planners, much like professionals in the restaurant and hospitality industries, are in the business of exceptional service. We’re dedicated to meeting customer needs with experience, expertise, and unwavering support. At the heart of it all is one simple truth: customer service is key to excelling in this field.
I take this responsibility to heart, recognizing that our services come at a cost to our clients. I constantly challenge myself by asking, “Am I providing full value for our clients’ investment?” The answer always needs to be “yes,” which drives me to go above and beyond to make their lives smoother—not harder.
To provide a five-star customer experience, no matter your industry, I’ve found these principles to be invaluable:
- Be Honest. Trust is everything. If I don’t have an answer, I own up to it and make it a priority to find the solution and follow up promptly.
- Stay True to Your Word. Promises matter. Whether it’s with clients or colleagues, delivering on your commitments builds credibility and respect.
- Cut the Fluff and Close the Loop. Clear, concise communication is key. Truly listening to your client’s needs ensures that you’re addressing what matters most.
- Become a Power Team. My clients may not have opened a hospital before, just as I’ve never performed surgery. By combining our strengths and bridging knowledge gaps, we create a solid, dependable team.
Now, you might ask—how do dad jokes fit into all of this? Well, it’s simple: being authentic and approachable is just as important as being professional. Life demands us to wear different hats, whether with family, friends, or at work. But that doesn’t mean we can’t bring a little fun to the table, even in our most professional roles. I like to kick off meetings with a dad joke while waiting for everyone to join—it lightens the mood, puts people at ease, and sometimes, it’s the boost someone needs to get through a tough day.
And on that note, let me leave you with the very first dad joke I ever shared with a client: Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was “out standing” in his field. 😉