I often attempt to make dining out for lunch a common occurrence. Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Gavin Baker, CEO of Abunga.com.

We shared a lot of good stories pertaining to the past and present. I was, however, caught off-guard by a question from Gavin who asked, “how did the Casey who grew up in East Tennessee become the Casey Peters that we know today?”

I can’t say that I have ever given much thought to that question. As I fumbled around I left wondering if I really answered his question. So, here are a few short points that get at an answer.

• I’m not afraid of being wrong. Someone once asked me, “Casey, what would you say to a classroom full of high school students?” to which I replied, “Screw up and screw up often.” I don’t advise that you begin a search for mistakes; that would be like putting your car in reverse. However, I have learned more from being wrong than I have from being right. Furthermore, mistakes have forced me to become more innovative.
• You have to care about everything. If someone takes the time to create an application, write a book, carry out a favor, let that person know that you care. Send a note or e-mail stating that it changed you so it can in return, better the creator/writer/person or their work.
• I’m not afraid of ‘no’. Everyone puts their pants on the same way in the morning; maybe some are more graceful than others. If you want advice, feedback or have a favor request, don’t be afraid to climb the totem pole for an answer. I promise, hearing ‘no’ isn’t all that scary.

Well, I did it.

Effective June 1, 2008, I will become member and President Emeritus of Young Professionals of Knoxville (YPK). After agreeing to serve a second year, I have decided that it’s best for me to hand the torch to a more fitting individual and relinquish my leadership role.

In my e-mail to the executive committee I stated that it was hard to pin-point a single reason for my decision. But, that kind of reason never satisfies anyone. To cast a better light onto the situation, here are a few reasons for my departure:

• Vision: I’m a firm believer in that a founder should only lead for so long. Since 2005, I have worked on YPK to take it from idea to organization. I have always been an “insider” so I feel it’s time to bring on someone who has an “outside” view of the group to spark new energy.
• Pockets of Energy: Knoxville is sitting on the tipping point for a myriad of great ideas. I want to make some of those happen and keep my home life intact. So, my priorities received a much needed shift.

As I stated above, I will remain a member, focusing my efforts on becoming a technician rather than an entrepreneur. We have started work on a brand new website which I will manage until completion.

I still very much believe in what YPK stands for and know that it will thrive throughout the Knoxville community.

Many thanks go out to those who helped get YPK started, those who keep YPK running and to those that will come along and change the future.