How long have you been a member of ATDKC, and what keeps you engaged with the community?
I’ve been a member of ATD KC since 2009, and an active member since about 2016. What keeps me engaged is the opportunity to network with and learn from so many awesome people in our community. I’ve made real friends, I’ve found mentors, I’ve helped people, and it has made me a better and more effective L&D professional. I get so much out of ATD KC, I have to make sure I’m giving back!
Tell us about your journey in the Talent Development field. (work history, groups or organizations you are involved with)
I started my career in TD because I was working at a job I didn’t love (Search Engine Optimization for business-to-business magazine websites. Riveting publications like Concrete Products, Cement Americas, and Fire Chief. Yes, these are trade publications that exist!), and a friend pointed out the only time I sounded like I didn’t hate my job was when I was talking about the training I was doing for the magazine writers.
That friend suggested I try training/facilitating full-time. I gave it a shot, landed a full-time training gig, and never looked back!
In the 15+ years since making the jump, I’ve worked in a few different health care organizations as a trainer, instructional designer, program manager, and now lead a team of instructional designers at Husch Blackwell, a local law firm.
If you could instantly master one new skill, what would it be?
Strengths coaching! I’ve been fortunate to work with some excellent Clifton Strengths coaches, and I’d love to be able to pass that value forward.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m an extroverted people person, but I also need quiet time to balance things out.
What’s a key lesson you’ve learned in your career that you’d like to pass along to others?
Don’t let perfect be the opposite of good. Try the thing. Learn from it. Iterate and make it better. As long as you’re clear about the intent, most leaders will be supportive of that approach.
Do you have any favorite books, tools, or podcasts you’d recommend?
I have become a big fan of a note-taking tool called Obsidian.md of late. It’s a locally stored note-taking tool that uses Markup language for formatting. It has hundreds of community-powered plug-ins for different functionalities. It’s made a huge difference for me in keeping my notes straight and organized – and keeping my to-dos in one stream!
What’s your go-to coffee order (or favorite workday beverage)?
Winter: Large, hot Americano with room (unflavored ½ and ½)
Summer: Large, iced Americano with room (unflavored ½ and ½).
How do you like to recharge outside of work?
Spending time with my family (wife Carrie and son and daughter Will and Joey – both 10), writing, game night with friends, watching sports.
Favorite quote:
I’m struggling to limit myself to the following three:
I think, therefore I am. - Descartes
You gotta love living, ‘cause dying is a pain in the a**. - Sinatra
