Meet our January Member of the Month: Sonia Keffer!

Tell us about your experience in the Talent Development space including places you've worked, roles you've held, and organizations you're a part of. 

I have been working in the Learning space for over 30 years. I started in Job Search, moved to train the trainer, and then into Coaching. I've owned my own training, consulting, and coaching business and have been at Heartland Family Service for nine years.

What are some of your interests, strengths, and unique qualities that would help others get to know you better?

My biggest area of interest is leadership development, whether new and emerging leaders or existing leaders and members of executive teams. My deep passion is mentoring women in their leadership journeys.

What "work related" accomplishment(s) are you the most proud of?

Building a small but resilient team at a large non-profit. The ability to serve our employees through leadership development activities like creating an advanced leadership series for supervisors and offering Gallup training and coaching to individuals at teams. I am also extremely proud of developing Brainworks Institute, a social enterprise business for Heartland Family Service to share leadership development training based in brain science and psychological safety with our community.

Favorite quote

I have many, many favorites, but: “For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love." - Carl Sagan is one of my most favorite. It reminds me that the world is vast and it is only through love and connection that we can accomplish anything of value.

Are there specific people in the Talent Development space you follow and why?

Simon Sinek, Brene Brown, Dr. Kristen Neff, and many other groups.

Do you have a lesson you’ve learned in your career you’d like to share with others?

Listen first. Never believe you have or know the answer to a question or problem without first hearing everything the person or group shares.

Do you have any favorite books or resources that you think others would find helpful?

Helping People Change Book by Ellen Van Oosten, Melvin Smith, and Richard E. Boyatzis. This book is a brilliant "how to" for coaching people who want to make changes in their lives.

LinkedIn URL:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainworks-institute/

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