How leading volunteers and celebrating success builds lasting leadership skills.
What does it take to lead in a volunteer organization? For Lynn Nissen, leadership at ATD-Orange County was about understanding people, celebrating team accomplishments, and finding joy in the process. Her experience serves as a powerful example of how ATD-OC empowers leaders to grow, connect, and make a meaningful impact.
Lynn’s leadership journey at ATD-OC reaffirmed a critical lesson: volunteers are driven by purpose, not paychecks. Unlike traditional leadership roles, where compensation often motivates teams, leading in a volunteer environment requires a deeper understanding of individual motivations.
“No two people are the same. No two leaders are the same,” Lynn explains. “It’s up to you to find what motivates each leader.”
For Lynn, this meant recognizing that how you communicate—what you say, how you say it, and how you make others feel—is the key to engagement. Volunteers stay committed not because they have to, but because they feel valued, inspired, and connected to a shared purpose.
Lynn’s pride in her role as a leader comes not from personal achievements but from what the ATD-OC team accomplished together.
“The successes this year belong to the chapter,” she shares, pointing to highlights that reflect the team’s dedication:
Gamification Workshop: A standout event that engaged members and elevated learning.
Creating Training Program: Graduating seven new professionals—a testament to ATD-OC’s commitment to skill development.
A Mix of In-Person and Virtual Learning: Ensuring flexibility and accessibility for all members.
ATD ICE Chapter Team: Representing ATD-OC on a national stage and showcasing the chapter’s impact.
These accomplishments reflect the collective efforts of leaders and volunteers working toward a common goal—supporting the professional growth of the L&D community.
Lynn’s role at ATD-OC also gave her the opportunity to build meaningful connections with members passionate about their professional development. This year, co-leading the Creating Training workshop series, she engaged with individuals focused on honing their skills and growing their careers.
“It was great to get to know each of them as individuals over the course of the workshops,” Lynn reflects. These connections are more than just professional—they are lasting relationships built on shared goals and mutual support.
Lynn’s experience as a leader at ATD-Orange County offers powerful takeaways for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills:
Lead with Empathy: Understand what motivates individuals and communicate in ways that inspire and engage.
Celebrate Team Wins: Leadership isn’t about personal success—it’s about empowering others to shine.
Build Meaningful Connections: Relationships built through leadership roles provide lasting value, both personally and professionally.
ATD-Orange County is a place where leaders like Lynn Nissen grow, connect, and make a difference. Through hands-on experiences, collaboration, and mentorship, ATD-OC provides the platform to build the leadership skills that matter most.
Whether you’re mentoring others, leading programs, or supporting chapter initiatives, you’ll find opportunities to develop the empathy, communication, and connection that make great leaders.
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