Company: Kohl's

Tell us a little about yourself.

I have a beautiful wife of 14 years, and three kiddos. They're my inspiration and drive. I love art in all its expressions. And I love sharing things that inspire me. 

My path to Talent Development hasn't been linear. I've led diverse teams in many disciplines - from manufacturing and distribution to retail. From procurement to marketing and photography. Developing self and others was always in my blood. But, little did I know there was a profession for it!    

What attracted you to the field of Talent Development?

People have three intrinsic desires: belonging, purpose and progress. They want to be able to bring their whole selves to work and be accepted. They want to know the work they do, and the contributions they make, have meaning. And they want to grow - to know that tomorrow can be better than today. Talent Development has the privilege of helping people realize these intrinsic desires, which in turn propels business objectives. There's an immense opportunity to influence and inspire culture and leadership, and I'm here for it. 

What prompted you to join SEWI-ATD?

The ability to connect with other TD practitioners in the region. There's always more to learn and apply.

In what ways have you been involved with the chapter?

The majority of my time has been as a learner and participant in the virtual and in-person workshops. Last December, I presented how my team is creating customGPTs to help research and craft engaging workshops that build leadership and professional skills.

What is about the chapter that you enjoy most?

Everyone's coming from a different context, domain or sector. But, we're all united in this pursuit of developing people to help them, and our companies, reach their potential. I love the idea sharing, the generosity, the pursuit of excellence. The people and the intentionality are what make SEWI-ATD so special.

What piece of advice would you offer to people coming into talent development?

Seek inspiration. Make it a way of life. Find the insights, the gold, that will shift people's perspective and support actual behavior change. And look outside Talent Development, too. What inspires you? Dissect those works and experiences to understand why they resonate. 

Favorite Blog or Podcast?

The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish.
The Creative Confidence Podcast by IDEO U.
Rebuilders with Mark Sayers.

What do you do for fun?

I love spending time with my family. I read. I run. I play music in wine bars and coffee shops. I brain dump on Substack. I'm involved in my local church.