Our Gardian of the Month is Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, Executive Director for the Radio Television Digital News Association.
EG: What tips do you have for someone having difficulty during the learning process?
TP: Once you figure out how you learn best, whether it's through reading, watching someone else do something, or doing something yourself, don't be shy about advocating for yourself. Be sure your peers and supervisors know what you need to learn best. In the end, give yourself some grace. We all learn in different ways and at different paces and that's absolutely OK.
EG: What tip or trick would you share with someone not super comfortable with networking?
TP: Take some of the high stakes out of networking. Remember that it's just a conversation and that not everyone will like you - and that's OK. �� Some of my favorite networking convo starters (where appropriate, obviously) are:
- Tell me more about where you live, like where should I eat or is there one thing I should absolutely do if I'm ever in town
- What aspect of your job to you love the most?
- Connect about pets - always the pets ��
- What made you come to this event?
EG: What is a challenge you have encountered applying new skills to your work and how did you overcome it?
TP: I learn by doing, so the first or second (sometimes even the third ��) time I do something, it's definitely not smooth. I've had to sit with that to overcome frustration since I very much dislike not being able to do things well. Finding someone who has those skills to supplement or teach is key, that's why surrounding yourself with a great team is so important.
EG: Just for Fun - If you could have an all-expenses paid trip to anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
TP: Even though I should probably say somewhere I haven't been, I would probably return to the Maldives. That vacation was full of no decision-making, just existing and relaxing. While I love vacations that allow me to see and experience culture, there's just something about not having to be responsible for anything for even a few days that resets things for me.
EG: What is a resource that has been valuable to you in your work, and what makes you appreciate it?
Click the video below to see Tara's response!
