UW News

February 16, 2011

Professional and Organizational Development plans ‘Network session March 1

UW News

A light breakfast and some talk on an interesting topic and youre still heading to work by 9 a.m. Thats what “Network,” a new event from Professional and Organizational Development (POD), is all about.

The Network session will be at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, in the UW Tower Cafeteria, which is on the mezzanine level. It costs $25, including breakfast. Learn more and register at the POD website.

POD Director Ujima Donalson said Network will be a chance for campus leaders “to join together to talk about topics that are relevant to us as leaders,” and to develop strategies regarding the meeting topic.

“Our target is leaders at all levels, particularly front line leaders at the supervisory level — even those who are individual leaders within their organizations. Its always great to talk with colleagues and share best practices, and leverage ideas from each other,” she said.

The session will feature Wendy Shepherd of Alfab Services, who gives talks on a number of topics. Her subject on March 1 will be about staying “Optimistic Even in the Face of Reality,” and will offer strategies on focusing on the positive. Table discussions will follow.

Shepherd is a professional speaker with more than 20 years experience who, her website states, “specializes in stress and time management, leadership development, parent education and balancing work and life issues.”

In addition to working as an event planner, advertising manager and office secretary, Shepherd also has been a professional clown, taught juggling and owned a tap-dance messenger service. “This varied background — along with her optimistic and resilient attitude — gives her the real-life experience that adds depth to her positive approach to real-life issues,” her website states.

Donalson said Network is a little like a well-attended lunchtime series held last school year called Food For Thought.

She said if the March Network event proves a success, POD may hold other such meetings. “Its in the back of our minds that we would like to offer at least one more this year — in the summer or fall.”