What I Do
Throughout my career in applied motivation research, I have cultivated five key identities, which I constantly apply and refine across my professional and personal lives.
The Scientist
I love data and prioritize it as a source of insights. I have expertise in the R programming language, SPSS, and Excel/Google Sheets, using them to extract a deeper understanding of the world around me, from a simple descriptive analysis, to a structural equation model, or even a Bayesian analysis. Nevertheless, what is most important for properly making sense of data is a deep knowledge of research methodology, which lays the foundation for what exactly we can learn from the data we collect. I have built several measurement tools in sport, educational, and organizational psychology, leveraging my expertise in psychometrics. Beyond data I collect and analyze myself, I also actively read research articles and meta-analyses, where I utilize both my expertise in data and research methodology to decipher the studies, theories, and frameworks we use in the worlds of research and practice.
The Philosopher
From an early age, the scientific method gripped me as a fundamental tool to understand the world. Taking classes in philosophy complemented that understanding, showing me the value of deductive and inductive reasoning, along with the strengths and weaknesses of our other ways of “knowing” (e.g., intuition, authority, empiricism/direct experience). “Thoughtful” is the compliment I strive for, approaching questions with humility, curiosity, and rigor in the mental models I choose to apply in various situations. Speaking and writing are key tools to truly test my thinking and ideas, which is why I have spent lots of time writing academic papers, blog posts. and grant proposals, in addition to recording podcasts and presenting my work to various audiences.
The Strategist
An operational model can only go so far without a sound strategy. I have learned how to move ideas from theory into practice with a strong ability to create a vision and then work together with others on building and executing a vision. I connect the dots, look ahead to consider potential second- and third-order consequences of decisions in the strategic planning process. The result of my strategic work is systems that facilitate organizational growth over time and “antifragility” toward challenges, built on strong organizational values that support sustained productivity and well-being among teams.
The Operator
Progress is not made through thinking, writing, and speaking alone. Most of it gets done through skilled operations — finances, taxes, payroll, internal processes and systems, product development and management, human resources, compliance and company policy, project management, travel management, contracts management, legal operations, event planning, hiring, onboarding, business development, marketing, offboarding, feedback processes, relationship management, getting the most out of meetings… the list goes on. Anything an organization needs to launch, grow, and adapt, it’s a safe bet that I’ve probably done it. This has helped me to gather a strong working model of all the moving pieces of an effective organization and the best practices that support them.
The Leader
Great leadership ignites high quality strategy and operations. I have learned time and time again that offering inspirational servant leadership to my teammates facilitates their success and sustained growth. I have a keen sense of what role I need to play and when for the teams I work on, and I execute on that sense. I am highly consciousness of my impact on others, which has guided me in cultivating growth-minded cultures grounded in purpose, belonging, and justice.
Contact Me
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