Member Spotlight.

Q: What is your current position? 

Change Management Lead at Pekin Insurance

Principal Consultant at Life Ecology Organization (LEO) LLC.

Q: What is your educational background?

B.A. Psychology - University of Madison-Wisconsin

M.A. Industrial-Organizational Psychology – Argosy University

PROSCI

Q: How long have you been in the OD field?

Since May 2018.

Q: How long have you been a member of MNODN?

Also since May 2018.

Q: Why did you join?

I was doing HR Consulting at the time and met the former chair while networking. I was asked by the former chair if I’d like to help run MNODN’s Mentor Program alongside one of my former grad school classmates – Kyle Nelson. I gladly accepted and that’s how I got started on my journey at MNODN. I was able to quickly start building my identity in the OD field from there.

Q: What benefits do you gain from membership?

I have benefitted the most from the incredible people that I have met. OD professionals from all different backgrounds and experience levels have allowed me to gather perspectives that have been invaluable to my own professional development. The community of MNODN has helped me shape my identity with the OD field and shown me so many ways to help organizations become healthier and more efficient.

Q: What special skills do you possess that make you an effective OD professional?

My knowledge of behavioral and neuroscience-based concepts and tools, coupled with my ability to quickly gain trust and uncover barriers to change, allows me to effectively help others work through issues and find solutions that they may not have realized were possible. I am effective in facilitating workshops and discussions around foundational work (Mission, Vision, Values), leadership development, and how to have difficult conversations. I am also certified in the Prosci Change Management methodology. My deep empathy allows me to effectively take on new perspectives so that I can offer creative insights to organization members and leaders.

Q: Have you been a board member/volunteer with MNODN before? If so, please share your experience/benefits.

I am currently serving my second year as the Director of Programs and Professional Development at MNODN. It has been enriching for my life and career, as I have met so many brilliant and talented OD practitioners. It continues to be a humbling and rewarding role.

Q: What advice do you have for people entering the field?

If you can learn how to ask the right questions and follow the breadcrumbs, you can gain clarity quickly and put yourself on a path toward incredible career development and self-actualization. Don’t be afraid to take creative risks. And don’t forget to balance out your career with your personal life – always take time to recharge!