Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.
Curious about others
What do you like most about your job?
I’m fortunate enough to be in a career where we have the ability to bring people from many cultures together. Our students spend the better part of a year together while in school. They have a unique ability to learn first-hand from their fellow students about the intricacies of different cultures and communities. Bringing people together in this way gives me hope that future generations will be more understanding of and caring for each other.
Best work trip/Worst work trip?
The best work trip is always the next one. It is a new opportunity to make an impact with my colleagues around the world.
The worst work trip was actually a domestic trip years ago. I was stranded at the airport in Atlanta for the better part of two days because of some severe storms that came through. Honestly, I can’t recall anymore what the trip was for but I’ll never forget that time in the airport.
If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why?
Mandarin. Tonal languages are a challenge for someone from the western world. It would be wonderful to have an immediate improvement with one.
Secondly, I have a friend based in Hangzhou that I have worked with for the better part of 10 years. He speaks very little English and I speak very little Mandarin. Most of our discussions are translated by someone else but more often after the years working together we just work through communicating the best we can without a translator.
Some of my favourite memories in China have been with him seeing the sights and meeting new people. All while using a lot of simple words and pointing for us to both get our thoughts across. It is amazing how friendships can form even through these barriers. Once in life I would love to have a conversation with him where we are both speaking the same language.
What makes you get up in the morning?
My teammates. Often because my WhatsApp is ringing before I even wake up.
Jokes aside though, it is absolutely my teammates. I’m fortunate to work alongside amazing people who I learn from every day. I get out of bed each day in an attempt to provide support back to them so they can grow and achieve all the things they are looking to achieve.
Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?
I think it is important to find a mentor or mentors through your life. I’m lucky to have had great ones over the years. The best champion or cheerleader to follow though is yourself. We have to be able to motivate ourselves to do the hard work that needs to happen when nobody is watching or seems to care. A mentor can help navigate challenges, but we need to be our own cheerleaders.
Best international ed conference and why
I don’t pick favourites here. Any opportunity to meet with colleagues, partners, families, and most importantly students is the best thing I can be participating in at that time.
Worst conference food/beverage experience
I’m very particular about my food intake. It can make eating at any conference a particular challenge. That being said I’m always grateful to see a good cup of coffee at just about any time of day.
Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?
Not just for our sector but I think an important book for anyone who manages others is Let My People go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia. This is the most dog-eared book in my library. I was probably in my mid-twenties when I first read this book. That seems like a lifetime ago now. It continues to be a book I go back to time and time again for perspective and guidance on building relationships with those around me.
Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you.
We are always looking for ways to improve our family and our partner experience journey. I wouldn’t say this is a project or initiative, more so a continued commitment towards those we work for and with. Standing still in a world of change is not the mindset we ask or students to take, nor one we can ever take in our approach to their education.
