Understanding and Reducing Unconscious Bias

Everyone has unconscious biases, at least partially influenced by factors from our background and personal experiences or societal stereotypes. Not understanding unconscious bias can hurt relationships with your peers and team members at work, and in the community you serve. It is important to be aware of and address your own biases by becoming conscious of them so you can reduce them.

To enhance your self-awareness and your learning experience during the session, you are encouraged to take the online assessment before attending, that will be provided to you upon registration. The results are anonymous and will be sent directly to you only. Unless you choose to share them, they will not be seen by any Shafer Leadership Academy Staff, or the session facilitator.

Learning Objectives

Understand two types of Bias: Conscious (Explicit) & Unconscious (Implicit)

Understanding impact of Unconscious Bias in the workplace

Participant identifies their role in Reducing Unconscious Bias

Gain understanding of how Unconscious Biases originate

Learn strategies for reducing Unconscious Bias & Promoting Conscious Inclusion

About Our Facilitator

Thresette (Truh-set-uh) Briggs, is an award-winning Consultant, Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer & Coach, and international contributing Author who is President & Chief Performance Officer of Performance 3, LLC (aka P3). P3 is a national leadership and professional development firm providing a high-performance GPS for leaders who want to perform UP! Through integrated services and products in speaking, training and coaching, leveraging over 80 combined team years’ experience, P3 has helped hundreds of leaders achieve high-performance and partners with companies and industries with 10,000 plus employees and over $20 billion in revenue. Clients include IndyGo, Butler University, a global pharmaceutical products company, IndyGo, CACUBO, and Ball State University.

Thresette has received multiple awards and recognition such as Great Lakes Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBENC) Award of Distinction, and Starkey Entrepreneurial Woman Finalist. She currently serves in multiple leadership roles such as the executive committee for NAWBO-Indianapolis. Thresette is a featured speaker for international conferences, and is the Inventor of IDS Performance Coaching®, a federally registered service mark.

Also an Associate Faculty for Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Thresette received her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Wichita State University and her MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Learn helpful tips to get the most out of your LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn is the world’s number one online social network for business networking purposes. You can genuinely enhance your career, as well as maximize your networking potential through using it to the fullest extent. Whether you are on the job hunt, wanting to gather leads for applicants, reaching out to potential client leads, or networking in your industry, using LinkedIn effectively will help you connect with the right people at the right time.

Learning Objectives

Strategize for effective networking through a social network

Maximizing our profile potential

Using your LinkedIn connections to help catapult you to the next level

About Our Facilitator

Kourtney McCauliff is an experienced Human Resources Director with a demonstrated history of working in HR for over 10 years in a variety of different industries, mostly Hospitality and currently Health Care. She has a focus in Recruiting, Retention, People Development and Employee Engagement. Kourtney is from Michigan but lived in Chicago for 12 years before relocating to Muncie. Since being in Muncie she has worked to be more involved in the community and spending time with her husband and family!

How to Inspire a Winning Team

Attendees will learn the following:

• How to build trust with the team they supervisor as well as with their peers
• Defining what a winning team looks like
• How to identify motivators and de-motivators and how to discover and the unique motivators of each team member
• What are the key factors for staff to work together as a team
• The power of goal setting
• How to inspire individuals to success and understanding that a leaders success is based on creating an environment where their team members can be successful in the work place
• Understanding that work life balance is critical to getting the most out of high performers
• Personal growth is essential to leading winning teams
• How your personal life and passion outside of the workplace influence team connections, priorities etc.
• What customer service have to do with a winning team
• The having fun factor
• How to celebrate and share success

Learning Objectives

Actionable items for personal development (key to being a successful leader)

Actionable items for your team to begin working on

A development plan with goals for your team

About Our Facilitators

Thom Thomas is the current Vice President of Quality at Meridian Health Services in Indiana, he is a project manager and has his Master Black Belt in 6 Sigma.

He has a MA in Counseling from Bradley University in Illinois and a BS from Taylor University in Indiana. He has been recognized as a speaker and author for Quality Improvement. His areas of expertise include performance improvement, program management, clinical management and operations with an emphasis on the development of quality control, productivity, and high-quality staff. In his spare time he enjoys family, woodworking and volunteering at Glad Tidings Church in Muncie, IN

Dr. Ryan Kirk is a Licensed Psychologist and acts as the Director of Psychological Services for Meridian Health Services in Indiana. He works remotely for Meridian from his home in Denver, Colorado. He has also served in roles of managing, supervising, and training within hospitals, school-based mental health programs and in correctional settings.

He is a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology and received his degree from Adler University in Chicago. He also has a Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. He is an avid cyclist, snowboarder and guitarist in his spare time.

Emotional Intelligence

Want to learn key skills to help you become more effective in work and life?

“Emotional Intelligence is so critical to success that it accounts for 60% of performance in all types of jobs. It’s the single biggest predictor of performance in the workplace and the strongest driver of leadership and personal excellence.” (The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book)

Fortunately, Emotional intelligence is not a static factor. One’s emotional intelligence changes over time and can be developed in targeted areas. Understanding and developing emotional intelligence can help enhance success on the job and in life.

Assessing and evaluating emotional intelligence can help establish specific needs for targeted personal and professional development. This, in turn, can lead to dramatic increases in a person’s performance, interaction with other, and leadership potential.

Learning Objectives

Articulate the concept of EQ and its impact in the Workplace

Identify the components and subscales of the EQi-2.0 model

Identify and learn how to apply key emotional competencies

Discuss how High / Low usage of EQ impact us

About Our Facilitator

Susan Rozzi (pronounced Rosey) is the president and owner of Rozzi & Associates. Believing each person has a unique way of leading, Susan strives to make a difference in and through each person she meets. What makes her different is her observant approach and speaking grace with her candor.

Susan focuses on leadership development, emotional intelligence insight and career management programs which can be customized to meet desired outcomes and needs. She uses her strengths in problem-solving, communicating, developing people, activating initiatives, and strategic thinking to create unique solutions for her clients. Each program starts with the premise that great leadership skills are a product of time, practice and focused development.

Rozzi is certified in EQi-2.0 and EQ 360 (emotional intelligence assessment), a Certified Real Colors (temperament assessment) facilitator, and a Certified John C. Maxwell coach, trainer and speaker. She is a member of National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), 2009 graduate of Leadership Hendricks County, and a Board member of the Indiana Leadership Association.

Her most significant leadership achievement has been being married to her husband, Chris, for over 25 years and raising her two children, Sarah and Packard.

Presentation strategies for audience engagement.

With only six seconds to keep a person’s attention, how are you keeping your audience engaged during an hour (or multiple hour) long presentation? In the workplace our audiences are comprised of a wide variety of generations that all value personalized content and in person communication. Although Gen Z and Millennials are our most technologically advanced population yet, 51% of Generation Z value in person communication most (Schawbell 2014). Further adult learning theory tells us that adults want their workshops and education to apply to them directly (Merriam, Caffarella, Baumgartner 2007). How can we tailor our presentations, workshops and information sessions to individuals when it is possible to get similar information online? This presentation will provide best practices, strategies, and tips on how to enhance our interactive engagement in public speaking. Whether it be a training session, classroom, or small group workshop, this presentation will allow opportunities for clear “takeaway’s” that can be utilized immediately, hands-on experience with activities in the session and large group sharing session of best practices for interactive public speaking. In addition, the presentation itself will model best practices for presentation strategies and audience engagement.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will engage in and practice new strategies and activities to utilize in public speaking engagements.

Attendees will learn best practices for interactive presentations.

Attendees will learn how to adapt their own presentation style to fit the needs of today’s audience.

About Our Facilitators

Samantha Martin is Assistant Director for Career Curriculum at the Ball State Career Center. She has her undergraduate and graduate degree in Communication Studies and is pursuing her doctorate in Adult Education. Additionally, she teaches as adjunct faculty at Ball State for the course Communication and Pop Culture. With a passion and talent in developing interactive workshops, Samantha has led the transformation of the Career Center’s campus-wide workshops resulting in an activity toolkit, gamified workshops such as an escape room, and training of graduate students on presentation techniques. She has experience teaching the basic public speaking course at Ball State, implementing training and development for the regional food bank staff and agency partners, and is currently the liaison to the Communication, Media, Fine Arts, and Design students at Ball State.

The Power of the Pause

The “pause” is the most powerful communication tool, yet it is the one we use the least. Simply put, the “pause” is the few moments of silence between listening and talking. However, there is nothing simple about finding that time and using it to its fullest. During this session, we’ll dive in to the reason for the “pause”, learn how to find your “pause”, and give your “pause” the power to stop conflict in its tracks.

Learning Objectives

Practice comprehension in communication – make sure everyone in the conversation is clear on what is being requested.

Find comfort in the silence – learn how to be confident when no one is speaking and avoid filling the quiet gap too quickly.

Respond to take action – use your response to set expectations and follow up to moved action forward.

About Our Facilitator

Kallie Sulanke serves as the Community Engagement Officer for The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. In her role, Kallie manages all print and online communications for the Foundation. She listens closely to nonprofit organizations and donors in order to tell their stories of collaboration with the Foundation to meet their charitable goals. Kallie has spent her professional career listening to others to help craft strong messages and create action by appropriate audiences.

You Can Be A Board Member

All Aboard: Board Leadership in Motion is a three-hour workshop ideal for individuals who have a desire to serve on a not-for-profit board but want to learn more about what serving as a board member entails, and how to find the potential board opportunity that suits their interests and skill sets.

Learning Objectives

• An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a not-for-profit board member
• How to determine board opportunities that match interests, skills, & desired level of commitment
• Guidance on how to be an effective board member
• Insight on how to find potential board member opportunities
• Descriptions of board member opportunities currently available in the area

About Our Facilitator

Dave Sternberg is a Senior Partner of the Indianapolis and Ft. Lauderdale based firm of Loring, Sternberg & Associates. His firm provides fundraising and governance consulting services to nonprofits.

He is a member of the faculty at The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University’s Fund Raising School and a Governance Consultant for BoardSource.

He is the only person in America to hold a position with both organizations.

Your Preferences Make a Difference

Knowing one’s preference can make a difference among family members, relative, volunteer workers and especially with a team of co-workers. One way to view preferences is by taking the Myers Briggs Personality Inventory and spend some time reviewing what ‘your 4 letters’ suggest about you. It is helpful for family members to have a sense of these preferences as they pursue various family activities. It is certainly beneficial for managers of teams to have a sense of their team member’s preferences and deploy various tasks, responsibilities and processes based on these preferences. Participants will take the Myers Briggs and bring their 4 letters to the session with an indication of the strength of their letters. Discussion will be a primary factor in this session and if it is a ‘work team’ info will be gathered prior and the various components of the team will be divided for discussion time.

Learning Objectives

Do you gather info by talking, asking questions or by listening?

When seeking information do you want all 5 senses satisfied or are you quite happy with just one being satisfied?

Are your personal belonging (closets, drawers, office files/desk) orderly or do you prefer a drop it in a pile because I know where it is?

Do you seek harmony and often accommodate others to maintain harmony or does your logic kick in and you roll with a decision with little regard for harmony?

About Our Facilitator

Dr Joe Misiewicz, is the Emeritus Chair of the Department of Telecommunications at Ball State, and in addition to many other accomplishments, served as the President and CEO of the Indiana Broadcasters Association.

A Lesson in Two Parts

Those identified as the best leaders all have one thing in common, they become better, bit by bit. Evidence shows that it is the result of constant motion (forward), and continuous improvement.

Part One of this two part session will focus on those small improvements that will boost emotional intelligence, guide and shape leadership skills and sling-shot one’s career. If carried out according to plan, Part One will improve vision, endurance, strategic thinking, focus, and growth.

Part Two is an [optional] group activity later in afternoon, providing an opportunity to explore how physical activity (cycling for this session) is the perfect way to build upon those intentional acts, and pedal toward a clearer stream of consciousness. It can also be an unconventional way to engage in business discussion, and execute work planning and strategy. Done effectively, Part Two is about well being, networking, clarity, and re-calibration, taking advantage of one of Central Indiana’s best natural and planned community resources.

Learning Objectives

Learn that focus and drive as as much learned behaviors, as they are natural traits.

Discover intentionally is key to building better careers and better selves.

Find how to create a greater sense of focus and enlightenment

Build the best blueprint and plan for growth and change

About Our Facilitator

Damon is Sr. Executive Director People Strategy and General Counsel with Muncie Power Products. He is a member of the Company’s Executive Leadership Team, and serves as its in-house counsel.

He received his J.D. from the Emory University School of Law, and his B.A. from Savannah State University. Prior to joining Muncie Power, he was a Partner with the law firm of Nowell Sparks, LLC. He also served as Vice President of Human Resources with the Rayloc and Altrom Divisions of Genuine Parts Company. He began his career with the City of Atlanta’s Department of Law and, afterward, as an associate with Gorby, Reeves, Peters & Burns, P.C.

A native of Savannah, Georgia, Damon is a fan of community related activities. He currently serves on the boards of the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Ivy Tech Community College Muncie and Henry County, the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, and the Cardinal Greenway.

He is an avid cyclist, leading a personal cycling initiative, Cycling for Good. It is a monthly ride providing fresh fruit, personal care, and essential items to people deemed homeless. He is the proud father of Ava and Simone.

Reclaim Personal Power

A person’s life is (ordered) by a myriad of agreements, some developed as a child. These agreements, made without our consent or our knowledge, as well as agreements created throughout our lives, can create positive and negative impacts on our being. By adhering to the Four Agreements, we can dismantle the negative agreements of childhood domestication, and build new agreements that promote self-worth, authenticity and happiness.

Agreements based in fear create negative impacts by installing limits on ourselves. Breaking these agreements and creating agreements that are based on truth, knowledge, and understanding improve our state of well-being by eliminating needless suffering. The Four Agreements can lead us down the path to our true selves, unaffected by the intentional and unintentional

Learning Objectives

Identifying Agreements that cause a person unnecessary suffering. We make agreements with ourselves that can lead us to feel unauthentic or place worth into negative perceptions of ourselves. To break these agreements, we much first identify the causes.

Clear communications to promote positive agreements with others, eliminating unnecessary suffering for yourself and others. Eliminate self-judgment to find courage and boldness to ask questions, to ensure that we fully understand the nuance of concepts.

Creating agreements that promote authenticity and a true self. A person’s vision of personal perfection is often skewed by negative perceptions, made through agreements with ourselves and others. Building confidence in ourselves and our actions allows us to be our authentic and best self.

Learning to recognize your person best in efforts, and re-aligning that personal best on an action by action basis. Your personal best can change, and oftentimes, trying more than your best creates more negative impact than positive.

About Our Facilitators

Brad King, City of Muncie Historic Preservation Officer (HPO). Planner 1 for Community Development Office. He coordinates CDBG projects including demolitions and infrastructure improvements. Brad graduated from BSU and has lived in Muncie since 1996. As HPO, he manages code enforcement, historic preservation, and staffing the commission. Brad has an A.S. in Political Science and History, and a B.S. in Anthropology. He has over 10 years in Section 106 compliance work. He sits on the Unsafe Building Hearing Authority, Urban Forestry Committee. Brad serves on nonprofit boards including: the Muncie Land Bank, Inc., Cardinal Greenways, and the Old West End Neighborhood Association.

Nicole Rudnicki is a Muncie resident since 2000. While in Muncie, she has become an advocate for marginalized populations, both through her 13 year career at Hillcroft Services, as well through her community work with the Old West End Neighborhood Association, and MAP’s Neighborhood Leadership Council.
Nicole is a graduate of Shafer Leadership’s Emergence, and one of Muncie’s 20 under 40.
Nicole is also the President of the Cornfed Derby Dames, a non-profit organization empowering athletes playing roller derby in Muncie though maintaining a roller derby league, and giving back to the community through volunteerism and charitable donations.

In a World That Can’t Stop Talking

Introverts have amazing strengths, but they can often be overshadowed in a fast-paced society focused on energy and charisma. This session is for everyone- introverts, extroverts, and those wanting to learn more specifically about the world of introverts- close to half of the U.S. population. Whether you are more of a listener, a talker, or somewhere in between, learning about personality preferences can help us become more meaningful communicators.

Learning Objectives

Understand the world of introverts and be inspired through clarity, confirmation, and confidence

Learn how to own your introversion- discover the strengths and attributes of introverts

Discover how to most effectively connect and communicate as an introvert or with an introvert

About Our Facilitator

Eilis Wasserman is a higher education & freelance career coach focused on cultivating confidence and inspiring self-discovery. She is passionate about working with introverts & promoting remote work/flexibility in one’s life. She graduated from Saint Mary’s College with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies and The University of Dayton with a Masters degree in Education. Eilis recently worked at the Ball State University Career Center as a Career Coach and currently works remotely for the University of Michigan and TheMuse.com.

Maneuvering the Minefields of Communication

The fact is men and women communicate differently. In this session, participants will learn how to take ownership of a room, let go of self-doubt and utilize their skills to communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively in the business world. While this session is geared toward women, all individuals will take away valuable insights.

Learning Objectives

Take ownership of the room

Let go of self-doubt

Utilize your vocal tools

Remove words that make you sound less confident

Understand the power of silence

About Our Facilitator

Angie Rogers-Howell is a Wife, Mom, Step-mom, Nonnie, Small Business Owner, and much more. In 2012, she took a risk and took the last paycheck from her previous job to start her own marketing firm, Farmhouse Creative.

Angie believes in the power of women and actively strives to empower the lives of women around her. In 2017, Angie received the Vivian Z. Conley Award honoring women who push for equality and empowerment of women and children and was a nominee for the ATHENA Young Professional Award. In 2015, Angie was recognized as one of East Central Indiana’s “20 under 40″ recipients. Angie was awarded the 2014 Spirit of Small Business Award from the Muncie Chamber of Commerce. In 2018, she was awarded the Indiana Small Business Development Center’s IMPACT Award.

Angie is a member of the Altrusa Club of Muncie and a graduate of Shafer Leadership Academy’s Emergence program. You might also see her on stage singing and dancing at Muncie Civic Theatre. She is also co-host of the Gone Boss podcast.

On the home front, Angie is wife to Matt; Mom to ZuZu and Step-Mom to 3. In her free time, Angie enjoys reading, watching trashy TV, and crafting.

Identifying and Developing Leaders from Within

A core value of Steel Dynamics are the right people in the right place at the right time. Step one is to hire the right people through an extensive application, testing and interview process. The next step is to on-board the new hire in a positive, inclusive way through orientation, introduction to SDI safety and production culture and setting expectations in development of knowledge in processes and operations. Progress tracked through certifications and reviews identify the right place for the team member to excel. Identifying leadership potential is found through the interaction with other team members, testing and the individuals participation in discretionary activities. Development through training programs on and off site, focus on both situational training and sound business practices. These development practices produce a pool of employees equipped and ready for the next level of leadership.

Learning Objectives

Hire Smart – take a wide view of the organizations needs, both present and future

Communicate clear expectations

Hold accountable and provide timely feedback

Identify development needs, and provide training opportunities

About Our Facilitator

Toby Powell has 21 years of experience within the steel industry. His career began with a large regional rebar fabricator as a manager in training and quickly moved to purchasing steel from multiple mills to insure proper inventory levels. Hired by Steel Dynamics in 2003 as Purchasing Manager for SDI Pittsboro, he was part of the team that restarted the idled mill. In his purchasing role he developed procedures for purchasing, receiving and maintaining appropriate levels of raw materials used in production of steel. Promoted to Materials and Transportation Manager in 2014, Toby manages the department responsible for receiving raw materials, moving product on site and shipping finished goods. His department performs most of the entry level hiring for the plant.

Toby obtained his BS in Mathematics from Western Illinois University and enjoys many different activities outside of work.

Person-Centered Motivation

Learn how to motivate different types of employees and ignite workplace enthusiasm, motivation, and engagement.

Create a “person-centered” relationship with your employees that will help create a positive workplace environment where employees demonstrate emotional traits like empathy, enthusiasm, motivation, and resilience.

Learning Objectives

Learn how to motivate different types of employees

Explore how to create a person-centered relationship

Learn the difference between communication and connection

Learn about the three different types of organizational employee

About Our Facilitator

E. Jake Gamble is the owner of Leadership Support Services, LL., specializing in executive coaching, leadership and performance management, staff development, keynote and conference speaking. Mr. Gamble has taught business courses at the university level for twenty years. He is currently an adjunct business professor for Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW) and Indiana Tech. He is also heavily involved with PFW’s Division of Corporate Training and Leadership Development Certificate Program as a lead trainer. In addition to his corporate work, Mr. Gamble has also provided leadership training and development to staff/faculty at Indiana Tech, Indiana Wesleyan, Ball State University, and Ivy Tech Community College. He has a Master’s of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Professional Credential in Executive Coaching from The (John) Townsend Institute of Leadership and Counseling. In his spare time, Jake enjoys playing the blues and spending time with his two-year old French Bulldog, Frankie.

Toxicity in the Kitchen

How do we move the professional kitchen into an era of safe and positive impact for growth and appeal to the next generations? How can we fold traditional apprenticeship training techniques into a more affirming experience for the apprentice and the trainer? What is the potential of the future professional kitchen?

As a trade based industry, professional kitchens are hurting world wide. We have high turnover, high stress, slow growth, and minimal pay. The only way we can move from our past, into a positive future, is to adjust to modern culture and societal standards of a positive work environment.

Many cultures believe and use food as medicine, comfort, and a way to show love, the professional cook’s kitchen be the same!

Learning Objectives

Build a positive learning environment in the kitchen.

Attract next generations to the professional kitchen industry.

Grow your business through growth of your staff.

About Our Facilitator

Kyle Reninger was born and raised in Clearwater, FL. He attended the University of South Florida and has worked in the service and retail industry for the past 20 years. He and his partner, Amanda, moved to Muncie in 2008 were Amanda attended Ball State University for her Master’s Degree and Artist Diploma. They found great community and connections in Muncie, and decided to continue their life in Muncie and start a business. Kyle is the President of Acquisitions and Amanda is the Owner of Sea Salt & Cinnamon. Amanda is the master of the science and math in the kitchen, while Kyle is focused on developing new savory items and expansion of distribution. Through SLA and the Emergence Program, Kyle and Amanda have gained the training and knowledge to help grow the Muncie Community. In their free time, Kyle and Amanda can be found enjoying Downtown Muncie, at the movies, or at home with their three dogs and six cats.

Etiquette Skills Brush Up

Do you HATE going to a meal with a co-worker who doesn’t know their fork from a –? Are you self-conscious about your own skills when dining out with a client, co-worker or manager? Participate in this session to brunch–I mean brush–up on your etiquette skills!

We’ll share a hands-on lunch together, step by step. You’ll be able to ask questions as we go. At the end you should be a little more confident and a bit more ready to tackle the next table to which you’re invited.

Learning Objectives

Experience a meal in a safe learning setting where mistakes are expected and questions are encouraged

Explore different scenarios and settings when the skills discussed could be implemented

Practice mingling with your peers

About Our Facilitator

A Chicago native and Muncie transplant, James has made his home here since 2000. He is a potter, theater-goer and newly minted Director of HR and Employee Experience at Minnetrista. He has been a storyteller, writer and board member with the Facing Project. James also serves our community on the board for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Muncie and as a member of the Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity Homeowner Selection Committee.

A Sticky Place to Be

You may have heard the phrase, “It’s not easy being at the top!” It can be argued that being stuck in the middle is even more difficult. Often persons step into middle-management roles only to quickly realize they are in a very sticky situation. If middle-managers are not diligent about their path, they can find themselves being pulled under by forces they don’t even recognize until it is too late.

This engaging interactive session explores the challenges faced by those entering and those continuing to serve in middle management roles.

Learning Objectives

Explore and dissect their own personal and professional challenges of a management role

Recognize common issues to the role, and recognize they are not alone in the fight

Discover resources that can assist in their journey

Begin creating a clearer path to avoid the pitfalls of middle-management

About Our Facilitator

Ted Ward, the founder of Achieve Onward, has more than 25 years of organizational leadership experience, often serving in a middle-management role as a change agent with groups and organizations needing to pivot toward new strategies and practices.

Having a lifelong spirit of entrepreneurship, Ted has enjoyed numerous ventures in roles requiring a healthy understanding of customer service and leadership. He also enjoyed some time performing with ComedySportz Indianapolis – where he discovered many of the teambuilding, leadership, and professional development practices/philosophies he had been using all along, are parallel to many key attributes of Improv comedy (e.g. “Who’s Line is it Anyway?”) as well. Ted continues to borrow from these key attributes in his ongoing work in helping individuals, teams, and organizations to improve and succeed.

Ted has served with numerous not-for-profit organizations, is a former Chief Probation Officer and President of the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana, and he currently serves in a dual role as administrator and faculty at Ball State University. His personal mission statement reads: “I intend to encourage, inspire, and support growth and development among the people I influence.”