| | APRIL 2024MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM9CAREER OBSERVATIONSsomething totally different for me, but I always enjoyed being in front of a classroom or large audience, helping them connect the dots, helping them learn through storytelling and making it enjoyable for them. And let's face it; no one else wanted to do that, so everyone was happy to let me be the one to travel all over and do the necessary training. This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. So, I took it and grew the department to include an e-learning team, performance support, and a global presence in all regions. We won awards on the national and international stage for our work. After almost 24 years, I knew I needed to branch out and learn another industry besides pharmaceuticals. Again, I was allowed to learn a different side of business, sales and marketing, in a global consumer goods company. Like that jungle gym, I went from a senior director at JNJ to a Regional Director role at Avon Products. This was really outside of my comfort zone! Not only was it something completely different, but it was also a 2.5-hour commute from my home to Manhattan! But growth comes from discomfort, and I knew I had to challenge myself to grow and learn, and I knew my skills were transferrable to another industry. After two years of transforming how they did sales training, they asked me to head up L&D in the Global Talent Management department globally for the entire corporation, and I was promoted to Executive Director, moving upwards on that career jungle gym. Again, I was learning new things and pushing myself. Every experience was another puzzle piece towards my ultimate goal of becoming a Chief Learning Officer one day. After two years, that dream became a reality when I accepted the position of CLO and Vice President of Talent Development & Diversity at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in NYC. This job was my biggest role to date. I was responsible for Training & Development, Technology Learning Solutions, Organizational Development, Recognition and Events, and by the time I left the role almost ten years later, also Diversity & Inclusion and Talent Strategy, another rung up on that jungle gym. I was stretched and challenged and grew in many ways. My skills and capabilities grew enormously. Being in healthcare and being a corporate officer of the organization during the global pandemic was also a very fulfilling experience for me and something I will always be proud of. My team worked tirelessly to support our frontline colleagues in fighting against COVID. Never did I think my leadership skills would be put to that kind of test. Four months ago, I swung up another rung and took on the exciting role of Vice President of Global Talent Management for Sysco Corporation, a leader in global food distribution. I went from pharmaceuticals to consumer goods, healthcare to food distribution. My capabilities, skills and talents were industry agnostic, and the transition to different industries has been very seamless. I learned never to be afraid of learning a new industry and all that goes into its success. To succeed, especially as an HR leader, you must also be a lifetime learner and always be intellectually curious.As I look in the rearview mirror of my career, I realize that every role I took was a stepping stone to get me to where I am today. My biggest learnings were these: 1) when an opportunity presents itself to you, take a leap of faith and try it and learn from it; 2) believe in yourself; 3) there is learning and growth through mistakes and failure ­ it's how you handle them and what you do with the learning that will set you apart from others; 4) find a mentor or sponsor and if you can't find one, be your own advocate; and lastly and most importantly, 5) be true to your personal values. I was widowed at 32 and had a 2-year-old son. He was and always will be my number one priority. I held fast to that and stuck to my convictions about always being there for him as his only parent, and I was still able to grow my career. Set your boundaries, communicate them, and don't be afraid to stick to them. I always ensured I was at school events, ran him to hockey practice, etc. Was it hard managing work and life and trying to find balance? Of course, it was. But I knew what my priority was, my north star, and I let that guide me. As I look back, I'm proud of that, and I know it had a positive impact on my son.Don't be afraid to climb higher on that jungle gym or even miss a run or fall off. Just jump back on and remember that only you can decide your next step. But by all means, take that step! I did, and I've never looked back! Don't be afraid to climb higher on that jungle gym or even miss a run or fall off. Just jump back on and remember that only you can decide your next step. But by all means, take that step! I did, and I've never looked back!
< Page 8 | Page 10 >