The first week of EDConnect21 is complete. The second day of the conference offered two great sessions.

Bryon McCartney started the day with his program "Your Brand, Your Website and Your Content." We finished Day #2 with a presentation "Increasing Client Experience and Innovation through Diverse Thinking: How Diversity in Leadership Leads to a Better Product and More Profitable Organization" including panelists Jason Green, Amanda Roehl and Chandra Storresten (and facilitated by Joshua Lowery).

Both sessions provided many insights and the panel presentation gave us lots of food for thought and things to consider putting into practice.  

Some of our noted quotes from today's sessions:

From Bryon McCartney:

"The homepage of your website must answer three questions for your visitors: 

1. What do you do?
2. Why should they care?
3. What do they do next?"

From our panelists (Jason Green, Amanda Roehl and Chandra Storrusten):

"Diverse clients and employees ask better questions."

"We need to switch the language from DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) to REI (Respect, Empower, Include)"

What were some of your some of your biggest takeaways, ah-ha's, quotes and other ideas that you are going to start using? Share in the comment box below.

EDC21 - Meet Ted Gerber - Effectively Manage Organizational Conflict

Registration for EDConnect 2021 is open and the line up of speakers is fantastic!  Kicking off Day 1 on October 12, 2021 will be Ted Gerber presenting the topic "Developing a Mutual Gain Mindset to Effectively Manage Conflict in Organizations." 

Since 1989, Ted has worked with organizations in the United States, Europe, Africa, Canada, and Latin America as an organizational development consultant, executive coach, trainer, and team facilitator.  He has over thirty years of experience as an executive, consultant, trainer mediator, and coach.  Ted works with executives to become effective leaders by increasing their ability to negotiate, manage conflict and influence others more effectively.

Ted has a master’s degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois and a B.S Degree in Business Administration and Economics from SUNY Albany and has worked with companies in a broad range of industries, including engineering and other professional services.

His presentation will provide an understanding of the sources of organizational conflict and will provide ways to shift mindsets to resolve them.  Participants will learn to recognize different conflict styles and how to utilize them to address their own conflict situations.  They will also learn specific tools and techniques that can be applied as well as utilizing a mutual gain win/win mindset to overcome challenges and better deal with difficult personalities and situations. It will be an interactive session to provide participants an opportunity to discuss their own specific conflict challenges and get coaching on how to better address them.  

Early bird pricing is available until September 30, 2021. 

Fridays After 5 Featuring Jennifer HinkleyKarnishky, CDFA

SDA’s member spotlight Fridays After 5 showcases the varied creative, fun, adventurous, or interesting achievements our members accomplish after business hours.

Today, we are delighted to feature Jennifer HinkleyKarnisky, CDFA. Jennifer is the Administrative Operations Manager and an Associate of TreanorHL, a national architectural/engineering firm. A 25-year member of the firm, in addition to managing the administrative staff, she acts as an assistant project manager on several projects in the firm’s Health Studio.  Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and earned her MBA from Regis University. 

But TreanorHL isn’t the only place where Jennifer kicks some ---. During the week, you can find this 3rd-degree black belt training at her local dojo where she trains in the martial art form Tang Soo Do. 

Tang Soo Do is not a new kid on the martial arts block. This form of martial arts can be traced back over 2,000 years. Close in style to Tae Kwan Do, it focuses on unarmed techniques and self-defense. 

Fun fact: Tang Soo Do is also the martial art in which Chuck Norris earned his first black belt. Chuck practiced between 1958 and 1961 while stationed in South Korea on Osan Air Base as an air policeman in the US Air Force. After returning to the US there were no Tang Soo Do schools, so after his discharge from the military in 1962, he opened a Tang Soo Do school in Torrance, California. Jennifer’s master instructor has trained with Chuck Norris.

Back to Jennifer:

How did you get started in martial arts?

I joined with my eldest daughter about 13 years ago, when she was 4 ½ years old. We have been doing it ever since. 

The art we practice is Tang Soo Do (it is closest to Tae Kwan Do). We are both currently 3rd-degree black belts and instructors at our school. My nephews on both sides of the family along with my sister-in-law practice Tae Kwan Do.

Jennifer taking her 3rd-degree black belt test in October, 2020

Is this something middle-aged folks like me could try? 

I believe anyone could try it. Technically, I am a Gen-Xer, but up until about a year ago, we had a 2nd-degree black belt who was 78. It is great exercise and is really good to focus your thoughts, battle stress, and find relaxation, just to name a few.

What’s your favorite thing about it? Is there something that surprises you?

It is very surprising how easy it is to break three boards with the palm of your hand. Yes, I have done it. Also, I broke a board with my head.

How often do you practice?

Three to four times per week.

What is the progression of the belts? 

White

Gold

Orange

Green

Purple

Blue

High Blue

Red

High Red

Low Brown

Brown

High Brown

Unconditional Black

1st Degree Black 

Conditional 2nd Degree Black

2nd Degree Black

3rd Degree Black

4th Degree Black

How long does it typically take to reach black belt? 

The average time is about 5-6 years if you have nothing to slow you down. I was pregnant with my second child while I was a green belt. That set me back a couple of months, but I did practice up until I was 7 months pregnant, and then resumed about 3 months after birth.

What’s after achieving the black belt?

After achieving a black belt is Kyo Sa (Instructor), then Master and Grandmaster. Kyo Sas are typically 2nd-degree and up. We are tested once per year to maintain our Kyo Sa rank. Black belt certificates have an expiration date. If you quit, you might have to retest.

Jennifer and daughter are all smiles after successfully completing their 3rd-degree black belt test

Are there lessons from karate that translate to work? 

I would say confidence, focus, and leadership skills are the greatest takeaways from my martial arts practice that apply to work. 

What advice would you give another SDA member if they were considering this?

Just do it.