Becoming an ATD Master Performance Consultant: Corrie Woolcott’s Story

Corrie Woolcott is a Senior Training Analyst for Essex Property Trust Inc. who earned the ATD Master Performance Consultant™ Designation.

What motivated you to enroll in this ATD program?

What motivated me to enroll in the ATD Master Performance Consultant™ program was the chance to position learning and development as a strategic, data-driven force at Essex Property Trust. With a background in L&D and a deep understanding of performance consulting, I saw HPI as the gateway to transform how we approach business success and workforce development. The potential for HPI metrics to directly align with operational goals across sales, maintenance, field services, and customer relations was a game-changing opportunity that we hadn’t explored in L&D. This course would enable me to bring credibility and cutting-edge methodologies into our L&D practice, establishing a way to measure ROI and validate the impact of our work in a meaningful, actionable way. The ATD course provided the structure and tools I needed to bring my vision into reality, from foundational HPI metrics to advanced consulting skills that allow L&D to move beyond traditional training into a proactive partner in business strategy. The result? We’re now implementing strategies that influence behaviors tied directly to business metrics, moving the needle on performance and value. This experience has not only transformed my role but also reshaped how Essex views L&D’s contribution to achieving strategic goals. For any L&D or operations leader seeking to make data-driven decisions and generate lasting impact, this course is a powerhouse investment, paving the way for L&D to become a true partner in business performance and innovation.

In what ways has the ATD Master Performance Consultant Program contributed to your career and / or personal growth?

The ATD Master Performance Consultant program has been a transformative journey, offering an invaluable chance to deepen my L&D expertise, collaborate with ATD leaders, and connect with diverse, passionate professionals who are committed to pushing the boundaries of learning and performance. The program’s hands-on, real-world application of HPI methodologies enabled me to directly implement new approaches at Essex Property Trust, where these strategies have already begun reshaping our L&D function. With Essex’s strategic investment in this certification, we’re now able to move L&D from a supportive role to a true business partner that leverages data-driven insights to drive performance and meet operational goals. This shift in our approach is setting up L&D to be a vital component of Essex’s strategic planning for the coming year, and we’re creating a learning culture that aligns our workforce development initiatives with tangible business metrics. This certification has not only enriched my own professional journey but is also helping to redefine how Essex uses L&D to influence lasting, ROI-driven change.

Would you recommend this course to others? If so, who and why?

Yes, I would absolutely recommend the ATD Master Performance Consultant program to both new and seasoned L&D professionals who want to deepen their impact and credibility. This certification offers a rare blend of growth, networking, and hands-on experience, designed to create immediate value for you and your organization. With a manageable 2–3-month time commitment, the program is both intensive and practical equipping you with HPI tools you can apply immediately. A unique aspect of the course is its real-world project component, which allows you to work with a stakeholder on a specific performance initiative. This project-based approach not only reinforces your learning but also ensures you’re delivering measurable results aligned with business metrics from day one. For those newer to L&D, the program builds a strong foundation in HPI that fosters confidence and credibility as you work with organizational leaders. For experienced professionals, it offers the chance to sharpen strategic consulting skills and expand your network with ATD leaders and peers across industries, sparking innovative ideas and solutions. Are you looking to reposition L&D as a driver of business strategy? Do you want to create tangible ROI and align your initiatives directly with operational goals? If so, this program is an invaluable asset that empowers you to make an immediate, lasting impact.

How do you plan to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from this course in your personal or professional life?

I plan to apply the skills and insights gained from the ATD Master Performance Consultant program directly to our ongoing human performance improvement (HPI) projects at Essex Property Trust, starting with sales. Leveraging the course’s project component, we collaborated closely with our sales team to set clear HPI metrics within a newly implemented sales process for leasing consultants and portfolio sales managers. This project allowed us to conduct a detailed needs assessment, pinpointing key focus areas: adoption, efficiency, adherence, and ultimately, conversion rates. Throughout the project, we engaged in essential performance consulting practices—conducting business and key performer analysis, influence analysis, solution planning, and implementation. These steps helped us provide actionable, data-driven recommendations, and we’re already seeing their impact as we gather results to drive further positive change. Using this project as a model, we’re extending HPI methodologies into other critical operational areas, scaling our approach and refining our own processes as we go. This experience is just the beginning: we’re already planning initiatives for next year, with my role as a senior training analyst evolving into that of a strategic L&D business partner. With this focus, we’re ready to offer HPI solutions that align directly with business goals and drive measurable ROI across Essex.

How did you initially become involved in the talent development field?

From my early days as a school teacher, I’ve always been passionate about helping others discover their potential. This journey led me to the corporate world, where I took on the role of a corporate trainer at JPMorgan Chase. That experience was instrumental in shaping my understanding of adult learning principles and the intricacies of organizational development. As I navigated through various roles in learning and development, I became increasingly focused on human performance improvement (HPI). I realized that true success comes from not just imparting knowledge but also ensuring that this knowledge translates into tangible results. This realization sparked my commitment to enhancing organizational effectiveness through data-driven training and innovative learning solutions. Over the past 15 years, I have honed my skills in strategic organization development and change management. My journey has taken me through diverse sectors, allowing me to lead meaningful projects that not only uplift individual performance but also drive business success. Achieving a 95 percent adoption rate in training programs and transforming executive leadership effectiveness are just a few highlights of my career. Today, as a senior training analyst and an ATD Master Performance Consultant, I strive to empower teams across Essex Property Trust and beyond. My mission is to create best-in-class L&D solutions that resonate with learners, helping them find their passion and energy in their work. I believe in continuous growth and aim to evolve personally and professionally every six months. My ultimate goal is to be a catalyst for others’ success, guiding them on their paths and fostering a culture of learning and innovation. In my spare time, I also own an ice hockey goalie academy, where I train young players aged 10-18. This endeavor keeps me grounded and allows me to apply my coaching skills in a fun, dynamic environment. Just as I teach these young athletes to find their strengths on the rink, I aim to inspire professionals in the corporate world to harness their energy and passion through effective learning and development strategies. Each step in my journey has been a building block, leading me to where I am today. I invite you to join me in this quest for continuous improvement and empowerment, whether in the boardroom or on the ice. Let’s create a thriving learning culture that elevates performance and cultivates success.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best advice I ever received was to prioritize building connections over simply delivering content. My mentor emphasized that the true power of training lies in how you make people feel. By focusing on empathy and genuine understanding, I realized that every interaction could lead to a lasting bond. The moral is clear: you never know where you might cross paths with someone again, whether in another organization or a different role. So, bring your A-game every time. When you connect authentically with others, you leave a lasting impression that can resonate far beyond the moment.

Can you recommend a great book you have read recently?

I highly recommend Patrick Roy: Winning. Nothing Else. This insightful book chronicles the journey of one of hockey’s greatest goaltenders, as told by his father, Michel Roy. It captures Patrick’s evolution from a young skater to a four-time Stanley Cup champion, emphasizing his relentless determination. The motivational themes resonate deeply with my hockey goalie academy, where we focus on cultivating a winning mindset and dedication in our young players. It’s a fantastic read for anyone looking to inspire personal growth and resilience in sports.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I love the world of L&D, as it keeps me motivated and grounded in my mission to empower others. Yet, there’s something truly special about coaching ice hockey goalies. Growing up in Montreal, I often say we skate before we can crawl or walk; hockey is woven into our very essence. Living in SoCal adds a unique twist, where I share my passion for the game under the sunny skies, helping young players develop their skills while fostering a winning mindset. It’s about creating lasting memories both on and off the ice.

What is the most unusual or unique job you have held?

I once spent a summer peeling potatoes in my uncle’s restaurant basement, where I learned the value of starting from the ground up—literally! I often joke, “I might have peeled your potato!” Those days taught me the significance of hands-on experience. Now, in learning and development, I peel back layers of knowledge to empower others, one spud at a time! It’s all about transforming raw potential into something extraordinary, and I’m passionate about helping others discover their own paths to success.

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