How long have you been a member of ATDKC, and what keeps you engaged with the community?
2014. Initially it was to connect with and learn from others in the industry. (Context: Learner and Woo are in my top Strengths Finder strengths). Now, it was a desire to grow and get better in my profession by learning from others. Now what keeps me engaged is the opportunity to be with give back to others because of what I learned from such amazingly talented people
Tell us about your journey in the Talent Development field. (work history, groups or organizations you are involved with)
A professor in college asked me if I’d consider this profession. It came to fruition in an interview with a leader who asked “what do you really want to do?” and then said “come here, take this job, and let’s get you there.” She was an incredible mentor and absolutely kept her word. They invested in my development with certifications and continually encouraging more growth to get better. I learned even more through involvement with ISPI and then came to ATD as ATD expanded past what I perceived as an organization only “for facilitators”.
If you could instantly master one new skill, what would it be?
Coaching with strategic mindset (tricky huh in getting more than one in there at the same time)
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
As a child, I was very shy and quiet, a book nerd. My mom made me take a speech class in junior high and that speech teacher changed it all.
What’s a key lesson you’ve learned in your career that you’d like to pass along to others?
Don’t steal the learning from the learner. Be the guide on the side, not the sage on the stage.
Do you have any favorite books, tools, or podcasts you’d recommend?
So many. A few:
Book: All in talent development should be required to read “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker
Tools: ATD Capability Model (yes, I believe that)
Podcasts: so many but these are my two “go too’s” right now:
“What’s it like to be” with Dan Heath (listen to his questioning, what he learns from others who are doing what they do; it’s what we get to do all the time if only that well)
“Curiosity” with Adam Grant and Brene Brown
What’s your go-to coffee order (or favorite workday beverage)?
Homemade pourover dark roast Bolivian coffee, freshly ground, with a splash of half and half and a smidge of caramel syrup
How do you like to recharge outside of work?
Gardening, exercising, reading, dance lessons with my husband (the research on the benefits of it and the humility / connection are soooo good)
Favorite quote:
Have more than one. Here are my top ones today:
Empathy is realizing someone else's world is as real as yours." (not sure who said it; wrote it in my planner a few years ago)
"When our intent is pure we will use the power to empower, not overpower." --Jeremie Kubicek, 5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive When There Is Never Enough Time
