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"The Audience Must Always Be the First and Last Thought."

Published Wed May 30 2018

"The Audience Must Always Be the First and Last Thought."
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"The Audience Must Always Be the First and Last Thought."-Headshot - Lorna Kibbey - 75th.jpg

The worldwide talent development community is diverse. Our members bring a wealth of experience and insight to their work. We're spotlighting their stories.

Lorna Kibbey has been a member of ATD since 2006.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I worked with the state of Florida for 24 years in all levels of management. When I left, two things were absolutely clear: leadership was my passion, and speaking and training was my talent. I started my own business and have been speaking and training on leadership for 10 years.

What are your personal and/or professional goals?

I strive to develop and deliver interactive programs that excite and inspire. I want to touch every person in every audience in such a way that they examine their behavior and make adjustments that improve their ability to lead, live, and love.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve gained or experienced during your membership with ATD?

For me, ATD provides two essentials. The first is a strong and passionate network of people who understand what I do and why. These are people who share my passion for helping others and believe along with me that together, we really do create a world that works better.

ATD also provides up-to-date, reliable, relevant information for people in our industry. I can find information I need quickly—and I have an entire of network of people available to me to help when I’m struggling. ATD is on top of industry trends and opportunities and provides research reports, white papers, educational opportunities, certification opportunities, targeted information through Communities of Practice, and more.

Could you share any professional tips, specific to talent development, that you have picked up along the way?

The audience must always be the first and last thought. Development and delivery are always about the targeted audience. Never forget how much they already know—and acknowledge that as part of your process. In whatever delivery method you choose, think audience first.

How do you stay motivated?

Motivation comes from within. I go back to my love of leadership and speaking and training. I continuously look for opportunities that give me inspiration—which usually come from learning something new that I find useful. I reach out to my ATD network and share stories. Sometimes, I just get down on my knees and pray it will all be okay.

How do you find meaning in your work?

Again, it goes back to passion. Knowing that I have helped someone, that people are considering different ways of doing things because of conversations we have had, and yes, seeing that “light” come on in their eyes—that’s what makes it meaningful. Learning that someone went back and did something differently that made a difference for others, made it better or easier—that’s what makes it meaningful. Being able to share, to help others in the profession, to engage others in helping me to improve my abilities to use my talents—that’s what makes it meaningful.

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