Pivotal Moment

It's almost surreal to think that two decades have passed since I purposefully embarked on a transformative journey – a deliberate shift in my career trajectory towards human relations. This marked the pivotal moment when I transitioned from a background steeped in sales and marketing to an unwavering focus on people in my future endeavors.

During the early stages of my career, while working with the American Red Cross (ARC) and collaborating with remarkable individuals on a German military base, I was fortunate to amass a wealth of invaluable experiences that have left their marks on both my professional approach and personal life. Notably, these experiences also forged enduring bonds of friendship.

Whether engaged in strategic planning as an integral part of the Advisory Board team, spearheading community volunteer initiatives, orchestrating fundraising campaigns, recruiting talent, facilitating training and certification programs, providing support in times of disaster relief, or coordinating emergency communications, reflecting upon my early career journey brings to light a treasure trove of acquired skills and the meaningful relationships that blossomed.

Among the many skills I gleaned during those formative years, several have remained central to my professional growth:

• Empathy & Compassion: The ability to genuinely connect with others and understand their perspectives.
• Communication: Effectively conveying ideas and information, a skill indispensable in any setting.
• Relationship Management: Nurturing and maintaining connections with diverse individuals and groups.
• Project Management: Organizing and overseeing tasks and initiatives to achieve desired outcomes.
• Training & Development: Fostering learning and growth among individuals and teams.
• Event Management: Skillfully orchestrating and executing events of various scales and purposes.
• Data Analysis: Leveraging data to inform decision-making and enhance effectiveness.
• Ethical Leadership: Guiding and inspiring others through principled and morally sound leadership.
• Cross-Cultural Sensitivity: Embracing and respecting cultural diversity to foster inclusivity.
• Adaptability: The capacity to navigate change and pivot when necessary.
• Strategic Thinking: Formulating long-term strategies to achieve overarching goals.
• Networking: Building and maintaining a robust professional network for collaboration and support.
• PR & Marketing: Crafting compelling narratives and strategies to promote initiatives and causes.

These skills, cultivated during my early career, continue to evolve and flourish, shaping my path as I navigate the dynamic landscape of human relations. Thank you to all the ARC leaders & talent I had the privilege of partnering and serving.

Picture: Taken at the ARC in Würzburg, GE