It is an intriguing challenge to take time every month to sit and reflect on four guiding questions that are intended to make the most out of one’s career path. I am game for this challenge because I can see the value in periodic reflection and introspection to ensure we are making happiness a priority.

1. What am I good at?

2. What do I value?

3. How did I get here?

4. Where am I going?

1. What am I good at?

I am good at working with people and deadlines, making plans for accomplishments and leading others to harness their strengths. I am good at building relationships, instilling trust, and interpersonal skills. I have a deep sense of integrity and drive which makes me good at achieving goals and being authentic. I am good at speaking French. I am good at facilitating change and supporting others to feel like they belong, are seen, and are safe so that they can thrive. I am good at staying calm in a crisis and making decisions. I am good at coaching and public speaking.

2. What do I value?

I value integrity, equality, hard work, dedication. I value my family, my pets, and taking time to be physically and emotionally healthy. What makes me happy is to feel like I have made a difference in some way that enriched people’s lives, eased their stress, or positively impacted the community. I love collaborating with others, working at my own pace, and being part of a team that is achieving something great. While not feeling hugely led by money, I do value my time and the time I place in work needs to be valued enough that it is worth taking it away from my family and my community.

3. How did I get here?

I got here through a chutes and ladders path of decision making to balance work, professional ambition, family, and personal goals. I have wanted to finish my master’s degree for a long time, but family responsibilities didn’t make it feasible until now. I was working as a Communications Manager and leading transformation/automation projects and change management. I was also in talks with the small business owner to be their successor when the pandemic hit. After six months, the business closed and I decided to go to graduate school and teach yoga part-time while in school. I chose OSU for their MBA program with the Portland hybrid option. I chose this course, MGMT 548, because the topic of Employee Recruitment and Selection interests me as a job seeker to see the process from the other side and for future application when the hiring needs arise.

4. Where am I going? (if I stay on this current track…)

I am going to graduate from OSU with my MBA. I am going to change my career field into something more focused on change management and projects. I am going to continue to teach yoga and reconnect with friends and family that have been patiently in the background while school has taken priority. I am going to find work that is fulfilling and I can make a difference.