Q: What will you be speaking about at DisruptHR?
“How to Interact with Introverts Without Letting Them Crush Your Soul”
Q: Why are you passionate about this topic?
A: I’ve worked with the amazing and wonderful, yet introverted, accountants at Eide Bailly for over 18 years. During that time I’ve learned not to take it personally when it sometimes feels like talking to a brick wall. As an introvert myself, I understand that not everyone is animated, especially when listening. But as a performer, I also know how validating it is to have some positive feedback from an audience. I’ve learned to tune in in new ways thanks to my experiences at Eide Bailly and connect with my audiences on different levels.
Q: What general business advice do you have for readers out there?
A: Don’t take business advice from a comedian.
Q: Can you share a specific experience that has significantly shaped your career?
A: The first time I facilitated new manager training live after nearly three years of exclusively virtual training due to the pandemic was surreal. I had completely forgotten the magic that happens when a group of people get together in the same room to learn and connect. There’s an energy that can’t quite be replicated through Zoom (though we can get close). I remember someone asked a question, and as I answered, the 120 new managers were so still and focused it gave me goosebumps. I forgot what that felt like, to actually feel the energetic shift that occurs in a room when the group as a whole has a new understanding. It’s really magical and I knew in that moment that I was doing something I absolutely love doing.
Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your professional journey?
A: I never stop learning. During the pandemic, I worked on a masters in comedy writing online through a university in England “just for fun.” My homework was to watch sitcoms (and of course write some too). Studying comedy has made me a more entertaining trainer, and devoting ample time to laughing has helped me stay healthier mentally.
Q: What do you think are the key traits of successful leaders today?
A: First and foremost, authenticity. The more genuine, humble, sincere, and honest a leader is, the more willing their team is to trust them. Your team doesn’t expect perfection and pretending to be so never goes over well. People can tell when you’re faking it.
Q: How do you handle setbacks and challenges in your career?
A: There’s the inevitable temper tantrum at the beginning, but fortunately, that is often quickly followed by reasoning and a pep talk that helps me re-group and come back stronger.
Q: What advice would you give to young professionals looking to make an impact in their field?
A: Learn what fulfills you and what empties you as soon as possible (I recommend taking the free Sparketype assessment to figure this out at sparketype.com/sparketest/) and determine what roles will allow you to spend as much of your time doing what fulfills you and as little time as possible doing what empties you. So often we forget that work and life should be fun and fulfilling. Life is too short to be miserable.
Q: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A: I’m so grateful for my phenomenal husband, Darren Gregson, who keeps our home tidy and keeps me on track creatively. He’s also an amazing artist and his art brings me joy every day. Seeing the discipline he has with his art reminds me to make time to be creative myself. And since he does so much of the cleaning, that makes it possible for me to tend to all my other responsibilities!
Q: What are some emerging trends or technologies that excite you the most?
A: I love that workplaces like Eide Bailly are investing so much in the employee experience and offering resources for mental health and general wellbeing, and really humanizing the workplace.
Q: How do you approach personal and professional growth?
A: It’s a never-ending journey and something I care so deeply about (and it is, of course, the focus of my work at Eide Bailly). I’ve found any change needs to be done gradually and holistically. I’m one of those “woo-woo” people who understand the spiritual side of personal growth. I see all of life’s experiences as a classroom, and we can either accept the lessons and grow from them, or resist them. I’ve found accepting everything life throws at me has been the catalyst for profound internal growth. I’ve still got a long ways to go, but I’ve never been more welcoming of the journey.
Q: Can you share an example of a project or initiative that you’re particularly proud of?
A: I’ve really enjoyed being part of our DEI council and watching our firm develop employee resource groups that have brought a wonderful sense of belonging to so many.
Q: What qualities do you believe are essential for fostering a positive workplace culture?
A: Curiosity (without judgment). People are so unique and each person is far more than you can see on the surface. Getting curious is the best way to create a culture on your team that allows people to be who they are. Deep down, there is far more that unites us than divides us, if we simply take time to get to know each other.
Amy Recommends
I think everyone should read “James” by Percival Everett. It’s a retelling of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the runaway slave. It’s poignant, insightful, and heartbreaking, as well as deeply amusing, hopeful, and hilarious. It haunts you.
Did you know?
You can watch past speakers anytime by visiting the DisruptHR website, or by scanning the QR code.
