For the past decades, Bop and I grew the CORD team, dreamt and chased those dreams. We wanted to do more than train people on HR and OD, we also wanted to develop leaders and shape HR & OD practice using science. We co-edited our first book “The Way We Work” in 2005, and have since produced 9 more since with another 2 in the pipeline. We grew our programs always trying to respond to what organizations needed.
But leadership isn’t about how much you are able to do but also making sure your institution will succeed even without you. When I returned to CORD as its ED in 2017 after serving as Chair of the Psych Dept, my task was to transition it and hand the mantle to Joy Teng-Calleja. So far the past years, leading CORD felt like a dance. In the beginning, I would lead, encouraging people to try out new steps. But I also began to step back, so other people could step up to take the lead. Given all the uncertainty in the economy and prospects of job losses and cutbacks, it isn’t the greatest time for a leadership transition. But I am a hundred percent confident that Joy and the rest of the team will take CORD where it needs to go. Just as Bop and I stood on the shoulders of those who came before us, I look forward to their standing on our shoulders and bringing CORD to new heights.
As I end my term as CORD Executive Director today, I just wanted to say THANK YOU to this work family that has made me what I am today. Like a child who leaves home, the prospect of being unbounded creates both separation anxiety and a sense of freedom. But I grateful to bring with me their friendship and support as a I pursue new dreams and purposes.