What’s Next? Embracing Lifelong Learning as a Leadership Journey, Not a Destination
Corrie Klimek
Global Operations & Technology Leader | Driving Excellence through Collaboration | Passionate Lifelong Learner
A few months after I completed the MOR Leaders Program, a colleague asked me, "What’s next for you?"
The question focused on where I saw myself going next in leadership and how I planned to leverage my new MOR credentials. Honestly, it caught me off guard and made me reflect on why I applied to MOR in the first place. I hadn’t viewed the program as a stepping stone to a new role or title. Instead, I saw it as an opportunity to grow within my current role at ND Global, where I still have much to accomplish.
At the heart of it, I’ve always considered myself a lifelong learner. This mindset naturally extends to professional development—something I view not as a destination but as a continuous journey.
When I applied to the MOR Leaders Program, it was with the belief that professional development is a career-long commitment. It involves embracing various forms of learning and exploration, whether through reading leadership articles and books, participating in book clubs that share insights, or building communities of practice across institutions and disciplines. It could mean engaging with regional or national organizations, attending conferences, workshops, and seminars—or joining structured programs like MOR, guided by experienced professionals.
This diverse approach to learning keeps me motivated, especially given the rapid pace of technological advancements and the evolving nature of my role. As a lifelong learner, I’m driven by the intrinsic desire to acquire knowledge and find meaningful ways to apply what I learn in both my professional and personal life.
领英推荐
Taking ownership of your unique professional development journey empowers you to lead from where you are, stay relevant, and adapt to new challenges. It ensures you remain agile enough to navigate uncertainties and seize emerging opportunities. This mindset requires the ability to:
An added bonus? Connecting with peers and experts who share your passion for learning.
Are you a lifelong learner? I hope so! Together, we can support each other’s growth, foster collaboration, and spark new innovations.
Wishing you a great day!
Leadership Coach | Team Facilitator | Change Communications Consultant | Co-Founder at Trinity Performance Group
5 个月Corrie, so wonderful to see how you've continued to grow and develop your skills!!
Executive Director | Strategic Nonprofit Leader | PhD Candidate
5 个月Corrie, it’s been such a pleasure getting to work with you and learning from your leadership. Reading your reflections on lifelong learning really resonated with me. My own journey, whether through formal education, like pursuing my PhD in Leadership Studies, formal programming, like Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka, and other informal exposures to leadership, has shown me that I’m never done learning. These opportunities have shaped my growth as a servant leader and deepened my commitment to continuous development. I’m always inspired by how leadership is about staying curious and adaptable.