About Me

It really isn’t fun talking about all the things you’re good at. Whether you possess an uncanny knack for ending sentences with prepositions or a natural ability to calibrate the perfect measure of self-deprecating anecdotes for any situation, boasting about it is not enjoyable. In fact, it can sometimes feel downright painful. I’d much rather relate to someone by reveling in the flawed, often absurd, realities of the human condition than crow about the things that set me apart.

Although I get no genuine pleasure from this, I will try sharing some of my more redeeming qualities, a little taste of what I bring to the table. I’m a team player, after all!

Disarmingly Clever

A mentor once told me that I was “disarmingly clever” and, while I doubt he would even remember this remark, it is something that stuck with me over the years. While, in the truest sense, intention may be what separates this from your standard ‘skilled manipulator,’ it was no backhanded compliment. He was able to concisely qualify a somewhat intrinsic attribute I bring to a team. Throughout my career, I have found ways of translating abstract or complex data and information to accessible, meaningful, and actionable knowledge. Doing this well requires creativity and an ability to present information without pretense, both in the work I do and my professional interactions.

Pathological Curiosity

“A great enough writer seems to be born with knowledge. But he really is not; he has only been born with the ability to learn in a quicker ratio to the passage of time than other men and without conscious application, and with an intelligence to accept or reject what is already presented as knowledge.”

— Ernest Hemingway

I am not sure exactly where this compulsion came from, but I am a glutton for information. It can be quite exhausting, this need to consume and digest every data point. But while I’m toiling internally, this is generally something clients and colleagues appreciate…most likely because I don’t force them to come along for all the mental calisthenics. I am able to provide logical and creative solutions to identified issues as well as anticipate strategic short- and long-term needs that would impact programs. I guess if this were a tagline it would read “I’ll think about it today so you don’t have to tomorrow.”

Adaptability

Moving to rural South Korea at nine years old jump-started my desire to travel, learn, and try new things. I enjoy taking on different roles and thrive in environments that require troubleshooting unanticipated challenges. I employ a calm and collected solution-oriented approach to problem solving. Colleagues and clients come to me because I think quickly on my feet as well as seek out creative and innovative solutions to meet their needs. Having an arsenal of back-up plans is also extraordinarily helpful. When all else fails I use all failures to improve and grow, rather than create more blind spots and barriers.

Passion & Integrity

I produce high-quality work because I care about what I do, I care about clients, and I care about my colleagues. It’s that respect for myself and others which makes it impossible to just check a box and move on to the next thing. Instead, I try to perform and collaborate in a way that inspires others and makes them want to work with me on every project. Okay, maybe there’s a healthy amount vanity sprinkled in there, too, but I truly believe it's important to come home every day satisfied with what I've accomplished. If nothing else, it’s got to be on of the most effective sleep aids.

Smorgasbord of Transferable Skills