Working at a start-up business taught me the importance of learning through failure and staying resilient in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. By joining the Strategy Consultant team before process or structure was spelled out, I was able to critically think and problem solve each day. I had opportunities to build lasting relationships with customers, contribute to sales training and process design, and pursue personal growth goals.

Teaching communication courses at the collegiate level for two years was fantastic preparation for my career. To impact learner retention, I tapped into my creativity, accountability, and emotional intelligence to form a connected in-class experience. During this time, I witnessed learner vulnerability; a beautiful sign that psychological safety had been established, which is essential for learning. I constructed the course layout, syllabus, assignments, and tests in each class. I researched and incorporated a multitude of teaching tactics to stimulate a range of learning styles. I tested, experimented and refined my facilitation skills. I took complicated information and found ways to effectively explain it to others in an entertaining manner; a proclivity that draws people in. Teaching furthered my confidence in front of large groups of people, improved my leadership skills, and showed me the importance of continual learning through life. You could say I fell in love with the craft.