Reflections on change through empowering others Taylor's impact on the profession of fisheries science

I began interacting and working with Bill Taylor in the mid 1980’s when Shelby Gerking was in the AFS Presidential leadership. Bill was Shelby's PhD student, and they shared a strong bond. Bill and I shared a strong interest in bringing relevance to students and young professionals through mentoring and listening to mentees’ perspectives to improve our understanding of all we do. His work on behalf of promoting other talents has nurtured dozens of extraordinarily successful professionals. Bill collaborates with emerging professionals, in a fashion that I find truly ignites them and encourages them to bloom. I took part in projects and initiatives with Bill over the years; Bill's book projects were a vehicle to highlight leadership and emerging talents, and hearing their passions drew me into a closer relationship and understanding of his skills. The book “Lessons in Leadership: integrating courage, vision and innovation for the future of sustainable fisheries” provided me to write of my own reflections and lessons regarding leadership. The book “Future of Fisheries: Perspectives for Emerging Professionals” was a real hit with several of my students and engaging with them on their contributions was a great experience. It clearly worked and listening and watching the synergy from the sessions devoted to these themes was a real treat.Bill's recent approach to communicating across disciplines and networks has recently used the term “Telecoupling.” This collage of approaches has been an engaging arena, and it has provided an avenue to bring diverse players to the table to discuss and approach problems and translate information for a wider audience. I also appreciate the multinational approach in much of the focus that Bill has brought into meetings, and writings. I would bet Bill did not start with those focuses in his career, but the personal experiences and information obtained though his working with some incredible dynamic institutions, such as the Great Lakes Commission and the many international opportunities through Michigan State changed and broadened his understanding of the problems, and potential solutions that can come from interactive approaches to learning. All of us in the American Fisheries Society and the disciple of Fisheries Science have benefited from his enthusiasm, engagement and leadership.