Educator (3rd generation), author, speaker, solutioneer*, a life-long and long-life learner.
I was literally born into academic life. My grandfather, both parents, and husband were all teachers. Education was going to be my destiny and, in a sense it was, for no matter what I have done in life, it has always included a teaching function. I just did not know it because I took it for granted.
I received an outstanding education in social sciences. All of my actual academic studies were in American political and economic history. There is no better preparation for life than studying changes from the past to the present. Understanding how and why people made decisions that made lasting impacts on future generations is the key.
What I also took for granted was a brain “wired” to seek solutions. The moment I see a situation or a problem, I have to start thinking how to make it better or find the solution. My first job, (with a B.A. in American history) was with a manufacturing company’s engineering department which had a problem that they could not figure out. They needed someone with a brain that could “think sideways” and the ability to ask the unexpected question. It was a dream job. I got all the support anyone could ask. When it was over, I was ready for my next job, whatever it would be.
This really charted my course for whatever job I held thereafter required assessments, possibly some research, and actionable solutions.
I was a social worker (both inner city and service organization), library specialist (being able to handle a dozen languages came in handy), a university lecturer (American history), researcher and analyst, (both institutional and business), and college administrator.
Periodically, I was able to continue my academic education, earning M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in American History. In between, I became certified in quality management, as well.
Periodically, I was able to continue my academic education, earning M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in American History. In between, I became certified in quality management, as well.
My definitely non-linear career taught me the primary importance of integrating leadership, teamwork, and problem solving in all areas of organizational development. Eventually, I was able to align academic teaching with successful business coaching and training experience.
My passion is in using collaborative means to help companies define complex organizational problems, find the right solution, implement it successfully, and move on to the next challenge. I found that thinking sideways and asking the apparently unrelated question is for an organization a powerful way to innovate and move forward, because “The only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask!”.
As the character Iris said in The Natural, “…the life we learn with, and the life we live with after that.”
* Solutioneer: One who seeks the best implementable solution.