Member Spotlight.

Q: What is your educational background? 

I recently graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with an MBA in Leadership and Change. I also earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

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

I first learned of OD through a relationship I built with the founders of Laera Coaching and Consulting. I was able to shadow and learn about OD by observing their practices and am grateful for their encouragement to pursue further education and a career in the field. Although I currently do not hold a formal OD job title, I have been fortunate to integrate OD principles and practices into my work for the last 2 1/2 years.

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

I have been a member since October 2021.

Q: Why did you join?

I joined MNODN because I believe in its mission, find value in collaborating with like-minded individuals, and want to develop my OD knowledge and skills. I truly enjoy spreading awareness about the field, and meeting others who share that passion.

Q: What benefits do you gain from membership?

Personally, I gain value from the people I met through MNODN. I have learned from a handful of consultants who possess unique perspectives, experience, and approaches. As someone new to the field, I love simply observing. It feels like my membership with MNODN is constantly growing my personal “OD toolbox”, as we say. Lastly, I am challenged by the individuals in this organization, and I appreciate the space that MNODN has created to learn and be vulnerable.

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

As a very process-driven individual, I find that my ability to trust the OD process, even when it takes time, has been effective. I believe my ability to build relationships grounded in trust and vulnerability, and my appreciative mindset, also make me an effective OD professional. Whether a skill or a passion, I LOVE sharing resources with people and can often find connections between an individuals’ needs and a resource that can support them, whether it's sharing a tool or introducing them to another person.

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

I started volunteering with the Community Consulting Program program in August 2021 as a Core Team member working to develop the greater Minnesota network of consultants and non-profits. Additionally, I am currently on a CCP project as a consultant that will wrap up in January.

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

Be patient with yourself. The field of OD is not one where you get the answers before you work; instead, you work to discover the answers. I also loved the advice I received from a graduate professor: “In the field of OD, you should consistently be working yourself out of a job.”