About me
As Vice President of Product Development, I lead cross-functional teams of designers, developers, QA testers and product stakeholders to develop, launch, and improve products customers need and love.
Previously, I've worked in a variety of leadership roles in education / learning & professional development. Through my experience, I've become accustomed to working across departmental silos and with various stakeholders (executives, end-users, faculty, staff, students / learners, alumni, parents, regulatory agencies, partners and employers) to facilitate collaboration and advance common goals. In my previous roles, I've advocated for student needs and driven organizational change that helped educators do their best work, students thrive in their careers, and employers connect with quality talent.
Despite different contexts, a common theme in my career journey has been to do work that contributes to a mission which improves people's lives. It's also always been important for me to work with an organization whose values align with my own. I'm a listener, empathizer, customer advocate, servant leader, and lifelong learner. I'm never satisfied with status quo, I constantly strive for "better," and I'm driven by genuine curiosity to solve complex problems.
“Work to become; not to acquire.” -Elbert Hubbard
Hi Sharon,
I relate to your experience. I think the challenge has multiple aspects. The obvious challenge is that people in general have not acquired career literacy skills (also called pre-employment skills, career management skills, job searching skills, etc.). These skills are just as (if not more) important than "hard" skills necessary to perform job functions because if you have all the skills necessary to do a job but aren't able to market yourself so the right people know it, how do you ever get the job and advance in your career?
The other challenge is attitudes. It has been… >>>