Finding My Place in a Global Community of Learners

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Who are the more than 5,000 talent development professionals who have earned the APTD or CPTD credential? Get to know the talented and diverse community: Olga Gavrilova is a Senior Talent Development, Agile Coach. She earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2020.

Who are the more than 5,000 talent development professionals who have earned the APTD or CPTD credential? Get to know the talented and diverse community:

Olga Gavrilova is a Senior Talent Development, Agile Coach. She earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2020.

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Why did you pursue the CPTD? Since very few talent development professionals (literally very few!) receive formal education in this field, I was among those who transitioned into it and, over time, recognized the need for validation to ensure that I was on the right path. My transition to talent development came from the field of education, which gave me a solid foundation in understanding how adults learn, as well as the ability to apply relevant methodologies. However, many other capabilities were developed intuitively, shaped by best practices, corporate processes, and common sense. The CPTD certification—and most importantly the preparation for it—became a way for me to test myself and confirm that I was doing the right things.

Why did you pursue the CPTD?
Since very few talent development professionals (literally very few!) receive formal education in this field, I was among those who transitioned into it and, over time, recognized the need for validation to ensure that I was on the right path. My transition to talent development came from the field of education, which gave me a solid foundation in understanding how adults learn, as well as the ability to apply relevant methodologies. However, many other capabilities were developed intuitively, shaped by best practices, corporate processes, and common sense. The CPTD certification—and most importantly the preparation for it—became a way for me to test myself and confirm that I was doing the right things.

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How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally? When I look back at the year I was preparing for the CPTD, it was the pandemic year filled with uncertainty and shattered hopes. Learning with a clear goal became my guidepost amidst the chaos, significantly reducing stress and helping me stay focused. This strategy proved very beneficial at that time, and now several years after the certification exam I can confidently say it helped me earn a promotion, gain greater recognition at work, and most importantly, it opened the door to the talent development community, which remains my greatest source of inspiration.

How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally?
When I look back at the year I was preparing for the CPTD, it was the pandemic year filled with uncertainty and shattered hopes. Learning with a clear goal became my guidepost amidst the chaos, significantly reducing stress and helping me stay focused. This strategy proved very beneficial at that time, and now several years after the certification exam I can confidently say it helped me earn a promotion, gain greater recognition at work, and most importantly, it opened the door to the talent development community, which remains my greatest source of inspiration.

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What advice would you share with others considering certification? I’d strongly encourage pursuing the credential without hesitation and enjoying every moment of the preparation process, as it is the most important and fulfilling aspect of the entire journey!

What advice would you share with others considering certification?
I’d strongly encourage pursuing the credential without hesitation and enjoying every moment of the preparation process, as it is the most important and fulfilling aspect of the entire journey!

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How do you think certification helps the talent development field? This certification validates the capabilities talent development professionals need to effectively support their organizations in today’s competitive and disrupted economic landscape. It also helps professionals become more confident and build trust with stakeholders, peers, and networks.

How do you think certification helps the talent development field?
This certification validates the capabilities talent development professionals need to effectively support their organizations in today’s competitive and disrupted economic landscape. It also helps professionals become more confident and build trust with stakeholders, peers, and networks.

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How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential? My employer, EPAM Systems, has supported and continues to support our team in our professional development endeavors, strengthening the talent development capabilities critical for business growth and success. I am grateful to my employer for their support, sponsorship, and recognition of this achievement.

How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential?
My employer, EPAM Systems, has supported and continues to support our team in our professional development endeavors, strengthening the talent development capabilities critical for business growth and success. I am grateful to my employer for their support, sponsorship, and recognition of this achievement.

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What does having your credential mean to you? The credential gives me a solid validation of my skills and experience, and a sense of belonging to the most amazing global community of professionals!

What does having your credential mean to you?
The credential gives me a solid validation of my skills and experience, and a sense of belonging to the most amazing global community of professionals!

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How did you get into the talent development field? I transitioned to talent development from academic education. It was a big shift from academia to the corporate world, but my background in learning sciences, cognitive linguistics, and neuroscience proved invaluable.

How did you get into the talent development field?
I transitioned to talent development from academic education. It was a big shift from academia to the corporate world, but my background in learning sciences, cognitive linguistics, and neuroscience proved invaluable.

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What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received was to embrace all challenging opportunities, as it is far more painful to regret not having tried something. This advice inspired me to relocate to China—a place I had never been before. It marked the beginning of my journey in Asia, a journey filled with countless discoveries, new friendships, and personal growth.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was to embrace all challenging opportunities, as it is far more painful to regret not having tried something. This advice inspired me to relocate to China—a place I had never been before. It marked the beginning of my journey in Asia, a journey filled with countless discoveries, new friendships, and personal growth.

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What is a great book you’ve read recently? Extraordinarily Badass Agile Coaching by R.L. Galen

What is a great book you’ve read recently?
Extraordinarily Badass Agile Coaching by R.L. Galen

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What is your favorite hobby or pastime? Traveling and exploring nature, cultural heritage, and cuisines in Southeast Asia

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
Traveling and exploring nature, cultural heritage, and cuisines in Southeast Asia

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What is the most unusual job you've had? Scrum Master

What is the most unusual job you've had?
Scrum Master