Leadership Academy 2013-14 LeadingAge New York Feb. 2014 | Page 8

Diane Darbyshire
Senior Policy Analyst
LeadingAge New York

Engaging the Consumer in the Dialogue
About the Future of Aging Services
1

How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

As LeadingAge New York works with our members to shape the future of aging services in New York, it is critical that we engage
the consumer in the discussion. At this time of dramatic change, aging service providers need to respond not only to policy shifts, but
also shifting consumer preferences, needs and resources. It is more important than ever that our members provide consumers with
services and products that they need, can afford, and will want to purchase. Ultimately, a greater synergy between our members’
innovations and consumer interests will enable us to be allies in creating a future vision that we all want to work towards. The
dialogue can also be used to educate consumers about aging services options, which can be difficult to navigate.

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

The project is currently in the planning phase. However, I’ve already had some discussions with my colleagues at LeadingAge New
York who have been tremendously helpful in developing my thinking and approach. We have the benefit of having people here with
many diverse skill sets, and getting feedback from people who think differently than me has helped to strengthen my project. As a
leader, it’s a wonderful reminder that diversity, and sometimes even healthy conflict, can lead to an even better product or stronger
team. I’m certain that