I’m in my 14th year with my current employer, and while I value the institution, my colleagues and my team, and I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had, I feel that midlife itch to apply my expertise and experience in new contexts.
However, as I’m not in any hurry to leave, I’m being very discerning and selective as I approach this change.
You can read more about my knowledge, interests, skills, and experiences on my About Me page.
What I’d bring to your organization
So. . .what would I bring to your organization or team?
Instructional design and curricular development. I am an educator to my core. I’m driven to help people understand the world better—whether through literature, history, science, or the arts. I am resourceful about using low-cost and (preferably) open technologies to convey ideas and design learning experiences. I’m very familiar with evidence-based instructional practices, especially for adults.
Intellectual curiosity for the greater good. I’m interested in, and enjoy learning about, just about anything. I know where to look for reliable information, as well as synthesize info from many sources and package it for diverse audiences.
A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I’ve resided in Idaho for more than a decade, but I grew up in Southern California and lived in that state for most of my life. Although California is by no means perfect in its quest for equity, I appreciate how that state promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in its institutions. My years in Idaho have thrown into relief the harm and very real costs of a state not making such commitments and investments—or, worse, actively working to undermine efforts to improve equity and justice. My entire life, I have had the privilege to listen to marginalized voices and learn from them, and I apply (albeit imperfectly, with occasional stumbles) that learning to my work.
Excellent writing and editorial skills. Give me a topic or goal, a genre or word count, an intended audience, and a deadline, and I’m good to go. Similarly, I can make others’ moribund writing shine.
Profound experience (and success) in teaching, mentoring and coaching. I am a supportive and effective mentor and coach, and I enjoy this work. I’m comfortable initiating the often uncomfortable but essential conversations that lead to positive shifts in individual behavior or organizational culture. I’m also highly receptive to coaching. Mentors help me grow, so I eagerly invite them into my life.
Empathy and patience. I enjoy learning about other people, and I’m skilled at finding common ground with others and using it as a foundation for learning and collaboration. As my collaborators and I build mutual trust, I’m also patient with and comfortable in the sometimes long “messy middle” of that process.
Laughter. I enjoy finding the (appropriate) fun in many contexts, so I laugh quite a bit. I also make people laugh (a lot).
My wishlist
Want to learn what I’m looking for in a workplace? Check out What I’m seeking.
Let’s talk.
Even if you’re not hiring right now, I’d love to do an informational interview with you if your organization has many of the qualities I describe above or hires people similar to me. I’d like a better understanding of what possibilities are out there, as well as in what directions I should be focusing my growth. I’d love to hear from you what experiences and knowledge I should seek in the coming year or two.
Contact me
You can reach me at lesliemadsen4 -at- gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!