Chapter Connections

Patience, adaptability, and the power of connection in volunteer leadership.

Leading in a volunteer organization comes with its own unique challenges and rewards. For Gillian Wilson, her time as a leader at ATD-Orange County taught her the importance of patience, teamwork, and building meaningful professional relationships. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the growth and connection that come from stepping up to lead.

The Balance of Patience and Progress

Gillian’s experience as a board member highlighted a fundamental truth: leading volunteers requires flexibility and understanding. Unlike traditional workplace teams, volunteer board members are balancing their ATD-OC commitments with busy professional lives and personal priorities.

“You have to understand that the board is important but not their first priority,” Gillian shares. “Working around that to get things done takes patience, collaboration, and time.”

For Gillian, this meant adjusting expectations and allowing extra time to achieve goals. Her leadership experience tested her ability to keep projects on track while fostering a supportive and understanding team environment—an essential skill for any leader.

Achieving Results Together

One of Gillian’s proudest accomplishments was leading the revision of ATD-OC’s chapter bylaws. Though the process took longer than expected due to the dynamics of volunteer leadership, the accomplishment reflects her perseverance and ability to navigate challenges.

By adapting to her team’s needs, Gillian demonstrated that leadership isn’t about pushing people—it’s about working with them to move forward. Her experience shows that with patience, persistence, and teamwork, even the most complex projects can come to fruition.

Connections That Matter

Beyond project accomplishments, Gillian found immense value in the relationships she built during her time at ATD-OC.

“I know more about the companies and organizations operating in the OC area—some I hadn’t heard of previously,” she explains. But it’s not just about networking; it’s about connecting with passionate individuals who share your goals and values.

Gillian describes these relationships as ones she can rely on for years to come: “People who have your back and who I know I can reconnect with down the line.” ATD-OC offers a unique space to foster connections that extend far beyond board meetings, workshops, or events.

Gillian’s Leadership Lessons

Gillian’s experience at ATD-Orange County offers key insights for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills:

1. Patience Is Essential: Volunteer leadership requires flexibility, understanding, and the ability to adapt to others’ priorities.

2. Collaboration Builds Success: Great leaders work with their teams, not against them, to achieve collective goals.

3. Connections Are Powerful: Relationships built through leadership roles can provide lasting personal and professional value.

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ATD-Orange County: Your Platform for Leadership Growth

Gillian Wilson’s story reflects the opportunities for growth, connection, and accomplishment that ATD-Orange County provides. By stepping into leadership roles, volunteers like Gillian not only make a difference for the organization—they also gain skills that transform their own professional journeys.

At ATD-OC, leaders learn to navigate challenges, inspire teams, and foster connections that last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to refine your leadership style, take on new projects, or build relationships with professionals in the L&D community, ATD-OC is the place to grow.

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?

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.

Leadership Is About People

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.

Celebrating Team Successes

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:

1. Gamification Workshop: A standout event that engaged members and elevated learning.

2. Creating Training Program: Graduating seven new professionals—a testament to ATD-OC’s commitment to skill development.

3. A Mix of In-Person and Virtual Learning: Ensuring flexibility and accessibility for all members.

4. 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.

Connections That Last

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.

What Lynn’s Story Teaches Us About Leadership

Lynn’s experience as a leader at ATD-Orange County offers powerful takeaways for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills:

1. Lead with Empathy: Understand what motivates individuals and communicate in ways that inspire and engage.

2. Celebrate Team Wins: Leadership isn’t about personal success—it’s about empowering others to shine.

3. Build Meaningful Connections: Relationships built through leadership roles provide lasting value, both personally and professionally.

Your Leadership Journey Starts Here

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.

How mentorship, growth, and a passion for giving back shaped Michele Bivens' leadership experience.

Leadership opportunities often emerge when we least expect them. For Michele Bivens, serving as the CFO for ATD-Orange County wasn’t just about budgets and reports—it was about building connections, fostering mentorship, and leaving a legacy for future leaders. Her story is a testament to how stepping into a leadership role with ATD-OC can spark personal growth and professional transformation.

Mentorship: An Unexpected Gift

When Michele joined ATD-OC, she didn’t anticipate the profound impact mentorship—both giving and receiving—would have on her leadership journey.

“I recognized that mentors can be found anywhere,” Michele shares. Through her interactions with volunteers and members who reached out to her, Michele found herself guiding others to uncover insights they might not have realized on their own. At the same time, she learned from those around her, gaining lessons from board members and volunteers.

This reciprocal mentorship experience reinforced a critical leadership truth: when we open ourselves to both teach and learn, we create opportunities for unexpected growth.

A Legacy of Improvement and Impact

As CFO, Michele brought her dedication to excellence and her commitment to leaving the role better than she found it. From streamlining processes to improving financial transparency, her contributions have created a lasting impact:

• Transitioning ATD-OC’s bank accounts to a nonprofit-focused institution, helping ATD-OC save money while increasing returns on savings.

• Simplifying financial documents to make monthly reports easier for non-financial board members to understand.

• Updating process documents to provide a valuable resource for her successor.

Michele didn’t stop there. Recognizing the value of mentorship in her own experience, she paid it forward. Over several months, Michele worked closely with the incoming CFO, sharing knowledge, processes, and insights to ensure a seamless transition.

“It was extremely important to me to pay forward the mentorship I received,” she reflects. Her efforts exemplify ATD-OC’s culture of collaboration, support, and shared success.

Leadership Lessons That Last

Michele’s experience at ATD-OC highlights key leadership lessons:

• Mentors Are Everywhere: By staying open to learning and guiding others, you’ll uncover opportunities for mutual growth.

• Leave a Legacy: Leadership is about making a positive impact that outlasts your tenure.

• Pay It Forward: Sharing your knowledge and experience ensures the next generation of leaders can thrive.

Why ATD-OC Is a Leadership Launchpad

Michele’s story is just one example of the transformative leadership opportunities available through ATD-Orange County. Whether you’re leading workshops, mentoring new professionals, or stepping into a board role, ATD-OC provides a supportive platform for developing essential leadership skills.

“Mentoring and receiving mentoring outside of our organizations can help us grow in ways we did not expect,” Michele shares. Her experience proves that leadership doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when we connect, share, and learn together.

Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Journey

Are you ready to develop your leadership skills, connect with like-minded professionals, and make a lasting impact? ATD-Orange County is here to support you every step of the way.

Discover what leadership opportunities await you—get involved with ATD-OC today!

In May 2014, ASTD became ATD, launching a new logo that communicated warmth, openness, and a focus on the future. A decade later, ATD is updating its visual identity once again—this time to further embrace inclusion and accessibility for all.

The new colors you’ll notice on our website aren’t just a fresh coat of paint. They’ve been carefully selected to make the online experience more accessible for all users, particularly those with visual impairments. The dark blue, neutral gray, and softer green were chosen to improve readability and ensure important elements stand out clearly. These changes are designed to enhance the experience for everyone engaging with our resources.

By adopting these colors, we are taking steps to align with widely recognized accessibility guidelines, enhancing readability and visual clarity across our digital and physical materials. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that anyone, regardless of ability, can access the resources they need to develop, grow, and connect to a world that works better.

At ATD, we are not only promoting inclusion—we are walking the talk, making deliberate choices that reflect our values in every aspect of our brand.

Sometimes, an opportunity falls into your lap. This is one such a time.

We are thrilled to announce a unique volunteer opportunity for our chapter members at the DevLearn 2024 Conference & Expo, happening from November 6 – 8, 2024, at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. This event is the perfect occasion to immerse yourself in the latest learning technologies and connect with industry leaders.

By volunteering, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the conference runs smoothly. As a thank you for your support, you'll receive one complimentary day of conference attendance for each day you volunteer.

The details:

• Volunteer for either a pre-conference or full conference program, attend a full conference day for free.
• Travel and hotel costs will not be covered. You will have access to the DevLearn reduced room rate.
• Opportunity offered through our sister Chapter: ATD Central Florida
• Volunteer form must be completed by September 30 to have volunteer registrations turned in on time.

Sign Up Today

This was offered to ATD-Orange County chapter members by our sister chapter in Central Florida.  If you're interested, complete the DevLearn Volunteer Interest Form, here.

Because of the exclusiveness of this opportunity – it's DevLearn, for crying out loud – this is limited to ATD-OC annual or semi-annual members only.

Right now, you’re recognized as a skilled trainer and designer within your organization. What about outside your close-knit network?  How can you distinguish yourself as a talent development leader, someone whose expertise can’t help but advance the learning and development objectives of any organization in Orange County?

Consider achieving ATD’s CPTD certification. CPTD certification isn’t just a credential; it’s the key you’ve been seeking to unlock enhanced credibility, leadership roles, and continuous growth.

However, applying for any credential may seem like a daunting task.

The CPTD Study Group is an excellent opportunity for those looking to prepare for the CPTD exam. The goal of this study group is to provide a supportive and collaborative environment where participants can work towards earning their CPTD certification.

While it's up to each individual to decide when they want to take the exam, the study group encourages participants to commit by submitting an application and picking an exam date. This helps foster accountability and ensures that everyone stays on track.

The study group offers various ways for participants to learn and understand the material, including presenting it to the group. Hearing from others about their study techniques and approaches can be incredibly valuable. Additionally, the moderators, who have all gone through the exam process, provide insights and guidance that can make a significant difference.

The last cohort had moderators from 9 chapters across the United States, further demonstrating the breadth of expertise and support available to participants.

If you're serious about earning your CPTD certification, the CPTD Study Group - Fall Cohort is an earnest and worthwhile investment of your time and effort.  It begins Tuesday, August 27, runs through November 12, and is free to all ATD-Orange County members seeking to take the first step towards unlocking your full potential as a talent development leader.

Learn more: https://atdoc.org/event-5811807

Our first networking event of the year is a joint one with a professional organization supporting advertisers.

We're excited.

Why are we so excited to be networking with advertisers?  What could they have in common with us?

It surprised me when I heard an advertising executive sum up what they do in one sentence:  "We seek to change behavior through the power of a message.”

How they communicate that message may be different from how we might, but the purpose behind their work is similar, as is the process.

When you attend next week’s joint networking event with the AAF-OC members, ask them how they determine the right message and approach for one of their campaigns. Their response will sound a lot like a needs analysis.

Ask them about their short turn-around times for designing the next big campaign they were assigned.

Ask them how they manage stakeholder reviews - both when the review cycles stagnate or when feedback changes the scope of the campaign.

Don’t ask them about ADDIE, but learn some of their strategies for following the same process we use to create impactful training programs. Learn how they overcome similar obstacles to achieve their goals.

Why network with the members of an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the professional growth of those in the advertising field? To seek out new perspectives for solving the same challenges we face.

Last month’s Learning Event — Multipliers: How the best leaders ignite everyone’s intelligence — got us thinking about strengthening intelligence - not in ourselves, but in others.

Facilitator Andy Cindrich shared that intelligence is more than a measure of IQ.  It’s the ability to reason. To live in the face of uncertainty, in complexity. Importantly, it’s the ability to learn from one’s experience and make decisions quickly.

From there, Andy tapped into Liz Wiseman’s research on what she called “Multipliers” and “Diminishers” to call out that leaders who are multipliers enhance their team’s ability to make important decisions quickly. Diminishers reduce those abilities.

Between quick vignettes from Liz Wiseman and breakout activities that focused on these critical concepts introduced in the videos, facilitator Andy Cindrich helped us explore how to amplify the intelligence of our teams.

Some of our participants shared more about their experience:

Lynn Nissen

Andy launched the participants into a breakout session entitled: "Extreme Question Challenge Round." "We were learning how to gather information solely through questions, it was easy to see how when someone is passionate about the topic they open up and share more than you anticipated."

Michele Bivens

"The Accidental Diminishers and the conversation around them were so valuable. I’ve been talking about them all day, and counteracting my tendencies in multiple conversations with my team today. I shared the list with my current leadership team. So valuable!"

When asked: "What new perspectives or skills have you gained that you believe will enhance your effectiveness as a L&D professional?" Lynn responded:

"Multiplier behaviors are critical for leaders, formal and informal. Developing my team using these behaviors will help impact the effectiveness of our function in the organization. Additionally, if I need to implement leadership development activities in the future, I'm now aware of this book and program."

This event is one of many facilitated by ATD Orange County for the support and professional development of the L&D professional.

If you'd like to #GrowWithUs, check out our Event Calendar to find other opportunities to explore new ways to impact learning and development in your organization.

Event Calendar

The Association for Talent Development - Orange County Chapter (ATD-OC) is excited to extend an invitation to professionals who are driven by personal growth, value collaborative efforts, and are committed to making a significant impact in the field of talent development.

As of today, we are accepting nominations for our 2025 Board of Directors.

This is more than just a role; it is a chance to shape the future of talent development, forge meaningful connections, and showcase your leadership prowess.

As a board member, you will have the platform to influence and inspire, while honing skills that will set you apart in the professional world.

You can nominate yourself or another ATD-Orange County member who you believe would be a great candidate. View the following pages for more information about ATD-Orange County’s Board and nominating process:

MAIN PAGE and GUIDELINES

ONLINE NOMINATION FORM

ATD-OC is a community of practice: a learning environment where you can apply the leadership books you’ve read and online courses you’ve taken within a collaborative environment of like-minded leaders and talent development professionals.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to mold your Chapter into an organization that will support the next generation of talent developers seeking to make sense of this evolving career. Embrace this chance to steer your career towards new horizons and be at the forefront of shaping the future of talent development.

If you want more information about a board role or to volunteer for a non-Board role, contact President Elect Kim-Khue Chieffo at PresidentElect@atdoc.org.

While the programs and benefits of ATD-OC are supported in part by membership dues, they depend even more on the time and talent from its members. Our Chapter could not exist or be the vital professional community it is without our volunteers. We appreciate everyone who has been part of our leadership teams!

It’s late July, which means the Orange County Fair is in full swing with livestock, exhibits, carnival games, and tongue-wagging food.  Some of the new innovations this year: 

• Funnel Cake Fried Chicken Sandwich

• Birria Burger

• Pickled Dr. Pepper

I wanted to take a look at the Hot Cheetos-Crusted Chicken Potstickers.

Here’s a description, courtesy of the Orange County Register:

“The pulverized snack chips make a pleasantly spicy coating that help cut through the finger food’s richness. Comes with a side of pineapple teriyaki sauce.”

I find fair food interesting. While it seems that every year there’s some distributor who is trying to capture the attention of anyone within earshot by producing the quirkiest food, they still have to approach the challenge with the research and rigor of the most diligent talent development analysis. 

I wanted to explore the opportunity of any link between fair food innovation and talent development, and I believe I found a few.

1. Creative problem solving

2. Understanding design

3. Techniques for improvement

4. Methods for reducing over-indulgence

1. Creative problem solving

Food Development:

Experimentation: Innovating new foods often requires experimenting with different ingredients, techniques, and combinations to create something unique and appealing.
Iteration: Similar to product development, food innovation involves testing and refining recipes based on feedback and results.

Talent Development:

Innovative Solutions: Creating effective training programs involves identifying new methods and tools to address specific learning needs.

Adaptability: Like chefs, instructional designers must adapt and iterate their approaches based on feedback and changing requirements.

2. Understanding design

Food Development:

Flavor Harmony: Successful dishes balance flavors like sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and umami to create a cohesive experience.
Complementary Ingredients: Pairing ingredients that enhance each other's flavors leads to a more enjoyable dish.

Talent Development:

Learning Harmony: Effective training programs balance different instructional methods to cater to diverse audiences.
Complementary Activities: Using a mix of lectures, interactive sessions, and hands-on activities can enhance the overall learning experience.

3. Techniques for Improvement

Food Development:

Texture Contrast: Using techniques like pulverized snack chips for coating creates a satisfying textural contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior.
Mouthfeel: Attention to the mouthfeel, or the physical sensations in the mouth produced by food, is crucial for creating an enjoyable dish.

Talent Development:

Engagement Contrast: Combining various training methods can keep learners engaged and cater to different preferences.
Learning Experience: Focusing on the "feel" of the training experience—making it engaging and interactive—helps retain learners' interest.

4. Methods for reducing over-indulgence

Food Development:

Balance Richness: Techniques like using spicy coatings can cut through the richness, making the food feel lighter and more palatable.
Flavor Offsetting: Balancing rich ingredients with lighter elements prevents dishes from being overwhelming.

Talent Development:

Content Offsetting: Avoiding information overload in training by balancing dense material with lighter, more interactive elements.
Balance Engagement: Ensuring that training content is digestible and well-paced helps learners retain information without feeling overwhelmed.

Bonus:
Marketing Strategies for Novel Food Items and Training Programs

Food Development:

Appeal to Curiosity: Novel foods attract attention by offering something unique and different, leveraging the curiosity of fair-goers.

Talent Development:

Engaging Promotion: Novel posts that encourage readers to consider parallels between talent development and other professions. Say, advertising?

What do you think? Is this a bit of a stretch? Or can we learn something from the creative process behind fair food that can be applied to developing effective training programs? Let us know your thoughts!