Training for Success: Skills, Culture, & Growth

Kickoff Corner

“A winner is that person who gets up one more time than she is knocked down."?–?Mia Hamm

February brings a fresh energy. Maybe it’s setting new goals, refining your skills, or embracing opportunities for growth. This month, I’ve been thinking about all the ways we learn and how skill mastery comes from persistence rather than perfection. The lesson: growth happens when we lean into learning process.

In this edition, I’m sharing insights on skill-building, the power of networking, teamwork in action, and more. Let’s kickoff the 2nd edition!

The Matcha Mindset: A Recipe for Skill Growth

You may have seen my #MatchaMonday post earlier this month. What if we applied that lesson beyond the kitchen?

In that post, I shared my journey of learning to make my own matcha latte. At first, making a great cup of matcha felt overwhelming: the temperature, the technique, the proportions. Through research, trial, and persistence, I learned to master the skill. Have you ever held back from learning something new because it seemed too complex?

Here’s how the matcha mindset works:

? Be Curious:?Take the first step. Ask questions and explore the unknown.

? Invest in the Right Tools:?Set yourself up with the right learning resources.

? Have Courage:?Be willing to fail, adapt, and try again.

? Practice, Practice, Practice:?Repetition leads to growth.

??Pro Tip: Take a moment to reflect on your career journey, and ask yourself:?What skill am I committed to developing? How will I embrace the learning process?

Game-Changing Connections: AI, HR, and the Future of Work

Earlier this month, I attended my first?SuncoastHR event, where Stephen Lytle, SHRM-SCP ?? led a deep dive into?Generative AI, covering everything from foundational concepts to real-world applications. The session made me think of soccer and how the game and workplace thrive on adaptability and connection.

In soccer, no player wins alone. Strikers rely on midfielders to create plays, defenders hold the line, and goalkeepers protect the net.?Growth in our careers and personal lives works the same way. ?Success comes from teamwork, strategy, and the right support.

Beyond the insights shared, the most valuable part of the event was the opportunity to connect with?thought leaders shaping the future of HR and talent development.?Their perspectives reinforced the importance of?surrounding yourself with people who challenge your thinking, introduce new ideas, and push you to grow.

Takeaways from the Event:

AI Access - Free vs. Paid: Think of it like music evolution:?Free AI is like an 8-track, while paid versions offer an MP3 experience - faster, more precise, and enhanced capabilities.

AI as a Search Powerhouse: AI-driven search capabilities are continuously improving, offering?more accurate, contextual, and real-time information?to support HR decision-making.

Better Prompts, Better AI Results: Mastering prompt engineering is key. Clarity, detail, and experimentation lead to better outcomes.

AI Adapts to You: The more intentional you are with your inputs, the better the results over time.

Attending this event left me even more energized to engage with my peers to drive change - shout out to new connections from SuncoastHR: Jessica H. , Johnny Farris , and Brian J. Fitzpatrick, SHRM-SCP .

The Jersey Reveal & Culture Shapes Success

I had the chance to attend the?2025 Orlando City SC Jersey Reveal, and beyond the excitement of the new kit, I walked away with a lesson in?teamwork and culture.

During the event, three players took part in a fun game where they were asked questions like,?“Who’s the best-dressed player?”?All three pointed to the goalkeeper. It was a lighthearted moment that revealed something deeper - team chemistry, mutual respect, and shared experiences matter.

Think About This:

The best teams not only play together - they also trust each other.?Success isn’t about skill; it’s looking out for one another and building lasting relationships.

Culture isn’t built in a single moment; it happens in the small ones.?A shared laugh or a moment of recognition creates an environment where people feel?connected and valued.

Winning teams recognize strengths beyond performance.?Respecting and celebrating what each person brings?to the team builds a culture where everyone thrives.

??Watching the?Orlando City SC players interact?reinforced a simple truth:?great culture isn’t accidental. It’s intentional.??

Resource Spotlight: Building Change Intelligence?

This past month, I partnered with?Barbara Trautlein?to bring a?Change Intelligence? session?to a group of leaders. The experience was transformational: change is more than a strategy; it’s about inspiring people.

In recognition of?Global Change Management Day from February 11, 2025, this felt like the perfect time to reflect on what it takes to successfully lead change.?The CQ? Assessment?provides a framework for understanding?how we approach change leadership?by balancing three key elements (Source: ChangeCatalyst.com):

???Engage Hearts?– Inspiring people to embrace change by helping them see the “why.”

???Enlighten Heads?– Providing the knowledge and rationale so people understand the change.

??Equip Hands?– Giving people the tools and support to take action.

Previously, I had the opportunity to learn my own?Change Leadership Style, and when we understand our own style, and the styles of others, it helps build stronger, more adaptable teams that navigate change with confidence.

If you're looking to strengthen?change leadership?in your organization,? Barbara Trautlein ?offers the tools and insights to help companies drive meaningful, lasting change.?Visit ChangeCatalyst.com?or reach out to Barbara to learn more!

Ask Me Anything: Leadership Insights

A reader recently asked: “How can I create a workplace where continuous learning is part of the culture, not just an occasional training?”

My Answer: ?Make learning a habit, not an event.?Encourage employees to share insights from books, podcasts, or courses in team meetings. When learning becomes part of daily conversations, it reinforces a growth mindset across the organization.

??Got a question for the next edition? Reply or comment and maybe it will be featured in?Ask Me Anything!

Final Whistle

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the key themes we’ve explored:

Skill-building is a journey – Remember my matcha story? Growth happens when we embrace curiosity, courage, and practice.

Your network is your team?– Just like in soccer, career success isn’t a solo game. Connecting with the right people, like SuncoastHR or your peers, can unlock new perspectives.

Culture & teamwork drive success?– From the?Orlando City SC jersey reveal?to our workplaces, strong teams thrive on trust, recognition, and shared goals.

Change is constant – always be ready.?Global Change Management Day reminded us that transformation isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process.?The best leaders build the capability to lead change by engaging?hearts, minds, and hands, turning change into opportunity.

Until next time, keep your eyes on the goal ?

Your Goals & Growth Strategist,

Michelle