Prasad is a seasoned executive from the life sciences industry with 25+ years of varied operational experience across the globe. Prasad is an engineer by training and has spent most of his career building and growing high-performance teams. His passion for people and deep industry experience in hiring, coaching, developing, evaluating (and also, letting go) professionals across cultures and countries got him interested in the science and accessibility of soft skills professional development. In 2021, Prasad launched PB JAM, an edtech start-up to pursue this interest. PB JAM is on a journey to empower every professional in taking charge of their own development via novel, simple, effective, and science-based approaches. Every day,
PB JAM is a force multiplier for people leaders, TD, and HR in providing individualized, verifiable, and sustainable professional development for the modern workplace at scale.
Prasad likes ATD-KC for its community of like-minded and welcoming professionals. When not working on PB JAM or ATD-KC, you can find Prasad playing Capoeira, reading, cooking, and playing with his younger son and an adorable yellow lab named Lucy.
Nora is a dedicated professional with a rich background in education. After earning her BFA in performance from Emporia State University and obtaining her K-6 teaching licensure from Ottawa University, she spent 18 years shaping young minds as a teacher.
Transitioning to Olsson, she now is a Senior Talent Development Coordinator, where she passionately supports the Preparing Emerging Professionals (PEP) Talks groups, a program designed for high-performing employees who are in the first year of their career. The program provides opportunities for participants to learn more about Olsson, discuss situations that they may run into during their first year, network with other employees, and ask questions. Nora also supports the Rising Professionals, a year-long development program aimed at building connections across high-performing, junior-level employees. This program incorporates mentoring, learning more about Olsson operations, career development, and project management. Additionally, she supports Supervisors in their development program. Nora also contributes as an instructional designer, enhancing the firm's training initiatives.
Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband Mike, their children Emily and Brady, and daughter-in-law Josie. A true Kansas City sports enthusiast, she enjoys cheering on the KC Current, Sporting, Royals, and the Chiefs!
Bart brings over 15 years of rich experience in talent and leadership development within diverse organizational contexts. With a Master of Arts in Management and an Associate Certified Coach credential, Bart's professional journey is marked by a deep commitment to fostering leadership skills and organizational growth.
Throughout his career, Bart has taken on key roles within organizations, focusing on talent development, leadership coaching, and business consultancy. He has led teams with a strategic vision, ensuring that leadership development aligns with organizational goals and drives performance. As a career development coach, he has guided individuals through their professional journeys, helping them identify their strengths, navigate career transitions, and unlock their leadership potential.
Bart's expertise extends to working with leadership teams to design and implement effective succession planning and workforce development programs. These initiatives have been critical in ensuring organizational resilience, preparing for future leadership needs, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
In his most recent endeavors, Bart has concentrated on aiding mid-level, experienced leaders to explore and define their growth opportunities within their organizations. His approach is centered on understanding the unique challenges and aspirations of each leader, crafting personalized development plans that leverage their strengths and address areas for growth.
His work at Redwood Leader is a testament to his belief in the power of integrating natural growth processes, as seen in the redwood ecosystem, with leadership development. Bart leverages this unique perspective to inspire leaders to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness within their teams and organizations.