My Transition from Director of Police Services to WiLD Leaders Intern
Handing in my law enforcement badge after 20+ years of service was a difficult transition but one I am grateful for as it has opened incredible opportunities. After leaving my law enforcement career I decided to return to school and pursue a post-graduate certificate in Industrial and Organizational (I-O) Psychology at Purdue University Global. I have been an instructional designer, training instructor, and have managed leadership development programs and training units for nearly 30 years so this seemed like a natural fit.
A requirement of my graduate program was to complete a field placement which is designed to integrate academic knowledge with practical experience and prepares the student for future training in professional psychology. The first company which came to mind was WiLD Leaders Inc. WiLD Leaders focus on whole + intentional leadership development. I had been watching this company for nearly a year on LinkedIn and decided to reach out to their CEO, Dr. Rob McKenna, who is recognized as one of the top 30 I-O Psychologists alive today. Much to my surprise Dr. McKenna said “yes” to my request and my WiLD journey began.
The WiLD Team consists of a core operational team and a network of dozens of coaches and facilitators certified in the WiLD Toolkit. These individuals are some of the most passionate and intentional leaders I have ever worked with. They are a tight knit team who are committed to “preparing a generation of courageous and sacrificial leaders who will lead the way in reflecting light into a world where darkness is the default” (WiLD Leaders, 2017).
The culture of WiLD is amazing and upon my first meeting I felt like I belonged. My personal values align with the cultural values of being authentic, being vulnerable, possessing a conviction to lead strong, offering grace to others, fighting well with honesty knowing sometimes conflict will arise, and most importantly having fun. Secondly, the team is overwhelmingly positive, nurturing and supportive. They speak with love and from the heart which is so different from my previous jobs.
Reflecting on my first week, I had envisioned a team of highly dedicated individuals committed to whole leadership development. From what I could tell, the WiLD environment and methodology of developing leaders was different and was not based on oversimplified leadership principles. Now that I am winding down my field placement, I have witnessed firsthand how WiLD focuses on the context within which leaders must lead, a world of complexity and unrelenting pressure. WiLD’s humanity + science + practice approach leaves their clients prepared and supported as they continue their leadership journey.
I will always cherish my WiLD field placement as this experience has allowed me to see theory put into practice. I have been blessed to work side by side with two of the most talented I-O psychologists in the arena of leadership development. As a result, I am departing with a new set of knowledge, skills and abilities and with a fire in my belly for the field of I-O Psychology.
