| | OCTOBER 2024MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM8In MyOpinionNatalia Matusevscaia is the Director of People Development at Fairstone, where she utilizes the extensive experience she gained in her previous role at Ellicom. She earned her Master's degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from Concordia University. Natalia's diverse skill set includes coaching, course design, training, elementary education and teacher development, positioning her as a well-rounded expert in the field of learning and development. Crafting Growth in a New LandMy journey has been shaped by transformative changes, driven by both my age and my immigration to Canada. After fifteen years as a teacher in my home country, I moved to Canada and shifted careers to become an instructional designer inspired by new technological advancements. I specialized in creating training programs for various age groups, focusing on adults in the industrial sector. As the Director of People Development at Fairstone Bank, I am responsible for identifying the development needs of various teams and levels within the organization. My team and I create and deliver tailored training solutions--whether through e-learning, in-person sessions, or virtual formats--to enhance skills and drive positive outcomes. This role enables me to leverage my experience to support employee growth and meet their evolving needs effectively. Tailoring Training to Real NeedsWhen it comes to accommodating learning preferences, I hold the belief that learning styles are largely a myth. Instead, individuals have diverse preferences and beliefs about how they learn best. While these preferences can provide some guidance, I prioritize developing skills through the most effective methods, even if they don't always align with individual preferences. At times, a more impactful approach is necessary to ensure retention and comprehension.Addressing the diverse needs within different groups can be challenging, as these needs are often not immediately evident--even to those who have them. To navigate this complexity, my team actively listens to leaders' requests for specific training and proactively monitors industry trends. By staying attuned to the evolving skill demands in the finance sector and anticipating future changes, we can better identify and address MASTERING THE ART OF LEARNING By Natalia Matusevscaia, Director of People Development, FairstoneNatalia Matusevscaia
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