Some people seek out the world of learning and development (L&D) with intention. Others, like Paul Venderley, find themselves in it by chance.
“I was the epitome of an accidental trainer,” Paul shares. “A subject matter expert who fell into the role because I was good at explaining things. As my responsibilities grew, I found myself floundering—searching for guidance and a community of peers who understood the challenges I faced.”
That search for support led Paul to ATD Orange County—thanks to a chance meeting one morning on the Metrolink.
“She noticed what I was doing had the hallmarks of a trainer prepping for a course and suggested I join the Chapter,” Paul recalls. “From my first experience, I knew I had found my people—a group of professionals eager to share their experiences and insights.”
From there, Paul immersed himself in the Total Trainer program, learned from seasoned practitioners, and discovered that ATDOC was more than a professional association—it was a community where he could belong, learn, and contribute.
Paul’s journey with ATDOC didn’t stop at membership—he became a volunteer, taking on the role of Communications Manager and helping publish the Chapter’s newsletter, Orangespiel.
“I probably would have been content in that role for quite some time,” he admits. “But someone saw leadership potential in me and encouraged me to step up as VP of Communications.”
Since then, Paul has held several Board positions, each time stepping up because someone believed in him—and he wanted to live up to that trust.
As VP of Marketing, Paul’s vision goes beyond promotion—he wants to spark meaningful conversations.
“I probably dated myself with Orangespiel, but it was more than just a means of promoting the Chapter—it was a way for members to share expertise and connect,” Paul explains. “I want to bring that sense of community back to our eNewsletter so people look forward to reading it, not just scan it for updates.”
But he doesn’t want the conversation to stop there.
“I want people to talk about the Chapter like someone did with me. It's my hope that people who encounter ATD Orange County share something of their experience and invite others to join this community,” he says. “So many of us say, ‘I’m here because I received so much from ATDOC, and I want to give back.’ I want others to have that same experience—to connect with this talented group of L&D professionals and interact in ways that go beyond the digital world.”
With Paul at the helm of ATDOC’s marketing efforts, expect more storytelling, more shared insights, and more ways to engage with the Chapter’s vibrant L&D community.
Are you ready to be part of the conversation? Stay connected with ATDOC and discover how you can learn, grow, and give back!
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