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Member Profile: Simone Wilson

16 May 2019 8:00 PM | Deleted user

Hello ATD: Long Island! As we head into summer I can honestly say that I feel the ATD: LI events have been keeping me engaged and informed. While attending the Career Journey Open Mic night last week, I had the good fortune to meet and receive some advice from this month's highlighted member, Simone Wilson.

Ms. Wilson is another great example of how the professionals who make up ATD: LI step-up and contribute their uniques insights and talents, helping our members to achieve further career growth and success. 

Read below for some talking points the next time you catch Ms. Wilson at an event, and perhaps you can learn some more about getting the best value from learning & development in your organization!

ATD: How did you come to be a part of ATD LI?

SW: I learned about ATD LI (ASTD at the time) while I was in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology Master’s program at Hofstra University. When I entered the workforce, I was re-introduced, attended a few meetings and joined ATD LI.

ATD: Where do you work currently and what does a workday look like for you?

SW: My current work situation is two-fold. I serve as Talent and Organizational Development Leader for United Methodist Women, a nonprofitorganization headquartered in NYC. In addition to this role, independently through 

Wilson Rose Solutions, I provide career coaching and facilitation services to help individuals and teams achieve results. My workday at United Methodist Women varies, with the commonality of regular meetings with colleagues in different roles across the organization. I oversee the organization’s newly rolled out Learning and Development Communities and collaborate with our Senior Leadership Team and Human Resources Director on strategic initiatives to help strengthen the organization.

ATD: How did you begin your career in talent development?

SW: My interest in talent development began while I was in the Master’s program at Hofstra University. Years later, I secured a training specialist role which allowed me to hone my skills and gain more in-depth experience. Prior to that it was self-education and connecting with individuals already in the field.

ATD: What do you suggest to new members for them to gain the most benefit from ATD LI?

SW: I would suggest to new members to not only join ATD LI, but really engage with other members and get involved in events. It’s an opportunity to engage with people with common interest, and the added benefit of different levels of experience and perspective. A suggestion that I am currently practicing.

ATD: What was the most challenging experience you ever had in talent development, and why?

SW: The most challenging experience I’ve faced is navigating the gap that can exist between a stated desire to develop talent and the actual resources that are available to help drive successful implementation. I’ve found it beneficial to outline what’s needed and critical to success and to get support on the front end, not just in words but in action.

ATD: What are some of the biggest challenges facing the learning and development field?

SW: In some spaces, learning and development is viewed as an add-on versus a component of the organizational strategy. The best value will be seen when it is tied to the overall culture of the organization.


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