About

Hitch” is the writing moniker and trail name of Sven Leff.  A life-long public servant through parks and recreation, Sven ultimately is a teacher with more than 30 years experience at mentoring and leading adult employees, a speaker to national, state and regional conference audiences, a former committee chair for the National Recreation & Park Association’s annual conference, state conference chair in Nevada and Iowa, and past president of the Nevada Recreation & Park Society, a professional association.   He also has 20 years experience at parenting a couple of grown kids.

“I’ve found some success in my career, been credited for my leadership, served my community in hundreds of ways, and found happiness within myself.  I’ve raised two wonderful daughters, coached teams to state championships and national tournaments, built million dollar buildings, spoken to national audiences, mentored people through college (both undergraduate and graduate), and recreated in some amazing places.  It hasn’t all been roses and easy, though.  I’ve been divorced, attempted businesses that failed, put my beloved dog to sleep, lost my home, moved across the country, changed careers, and more.  Actually, I’m just a regular guy with something in common with most Americans.”

Through a career in public recreation, Sven has learned and seen the benefits of human connectedness. Magic is made when people engage with each other as participants in programs and patrons of parks and recreation facilities. Experiences are shared. Community is built. People find expression and peace. Relationships blossom. Mental and physical health improves. Magic. And this applies for the people who work or volunteer to make these opportunities possible from inside the company as well. The planning, organizing, communicating, purchasing, promoting, supervising and leading that happens within an organization can be just as magical.

“I always say about our work, ‘If you’re not having fun you’re not doing it right’. Our industry is a people industry. Being in a position of leadership and management is an opportunity for making magic. With my team, I am a teacher first.  I find I frequently teach communication, relationships, time management, leadership, use of social media & texting, knowing the audience, getting to “yes”, providing options instead of saying “no”, personal habits, managing change, integrity, patience, organizational efficiency, analysis, strategic planning, metrics, honesty, openness, finances, and more… all in the effort to build the most capable team members and the most effective organization. Mentoring, coaching, parenting, and teaching have all given me the most satisfaction from helping others to grow themselves.”

These skills and principles of human connection work in every industry and in any organization. They can be learned and nurtured for the betterment of the individual as well. Everyone can make magic. Sven has committed himself to teaching these skills as the foundation of a good life, good relations, good business, happiness and peace. Reach out to him if he can be of service.