Whitney Standefer-Smith, 31
Founder/principal attorney, Local Venture Legal PLLC; Assistant men’s rowing coach, Baylor School
Who’s your favorite “Game of Thrones” character?
Honestly, it’s probably Lyanna Mormont. She’s the only character who never let me down. She was fierce and ethical from start to finish. She was a respected leader regardless of her age and gender. She even died in the same way she lived. That said, my even more honest answer: Ghost. He’s a very good boy.
Which GOT character do you think you would be?
After careful self-reflection, I would have to say that I am most like Sansa Stark. She may have ended up a fierce and respected queen, but it took many years and mistakes and a lot learning to develop into that queen. I like to think I’m on that same character development arc: constantly growing and learning from the headstrong and fallible child that I was into the (still-fallible but) balanced voice and strong leader that I hope to become.
Who would you have put on the Iron Throne?
Jon Snow, but not because he was the rightful heir. I like the idea of kings being chosen and not born going forward. However, everyone who ever followed Jon agreed that he was someone truly worth following. He was diplomatic but could be forceful when the situation demanded it. He was a proven general. He accepted both criticism and advice from others. His word meant something. And he always tried to do what was right. As a literary character, he’s not particularly complex, but as a king, I think he would have been the best choice.
Last book you read and/or show you binge-watched?
“A Sand County Almanac and Other Essays” by Aldo Leopold.
If you ruled the world (or Chattanooga), what would you change?
If I “ruled” Chattanooga, I would focus on sustainable and equitable economic development by concentrating the city’s resources on the development of local businesses. This would include a long-term plan that identifies and corrects the holes in our economic infrastructure, such as what we as a region tend to import but could provide locally to keep more local dollars circulating locally, what we could export more of to bring more outside dollars into local circulation, and developing our education system to meet these demands. I would also make sure that any long-term economic plan identifies and protects our local ecosystem services.
Who would be on your advisory council?
I would need a lot more time to think about this to give a realistic answer. I would attempt to find people who agree with my broader goals but can provide expertise and knowledge in areas where I am weaker. I would also want advisers who can provide diversity of perspective and personality. But since I recognize that is a boring dodge to the question, here is my fantasy answer: Hermione Granger, Gandalf the Grey, Aslan, Tyrion Lannister, Jon Snow, and the Lorax.
Is ruler a position you’d even want?
That’s not an easy question. I would want a seat at the table that would allow me to effect real change. Being “ruler” would certainly get that done. However, I have never met a truly intelligent person who actually wants to be a ruler. I think “Game of Thrones” was on to something when they suggested that the best kings are the ones who never wanted it but accept the responsibility nevertheless for reasons outside themselves.
What drives you professionally and/or personally?
I’m driven by the question of what kind of city/country/world I’m leaving behind for my daughter. I want her to live a healthy life in a place where she is the only one who can set her limitations.
What’s one thing you’d really like to accomplish?
Has that goal changed over the years? I know that my daughter is watching me no matter what I do or how I do it. If all I accomplish is that she knows her mom tried to do good work in a good way, even if her mom sometimes slipped, then that will be all I can ask of myself. I’ve always wanted to do something with meaning and purpose. However, having a child watching and learning from you really creates a finer point to it.