The Powerful Art of Mentoring - with Melissa Olivadoti, PhD

The Powerful Art of Mentoring - with Melissa Olivadoti, PhD

In this podcast episode, Erica D'Eramo engages in a captivating conversation with Melissa Olivadoti, delving deep into the realm of mentorship. The discussion covers various aspects, from debunking common myths to sharing insights on how organizations can foster effective mentorship programs.

A Winter Solstice Reflection

Today marks the winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. As the darkness envelops us, it prompts introspection and invites us to embrace rest and restoration. In a world that often emphasizes constant activity, finding a balance between restfulness and productivity can be challenging.

The Dreaded Annual Performance Review

The Dreaded Annual Performance Review

It's the most wonderful time of the year! 🎶 Ehem. You know, the time when we get to have genuine and deeply insightful conversations between managers and direct reports about what went well and where we can grow next year. 

Oh. Is that not how the annual performance cycle feels to you? 

Well you're not alone. Plenty has been written and researched in terms of the ineffectiveness (and literal harmfulness) of year-end performance conversations. Even the Society of HR Managers gives them a failing grade.

A Veteran's Journey - with Angela Parker

This episode we’re joined by Angela Parker, who shares her journey as a veteran and as a business leader.

Angela Parker, a seasoned finance executive and former Army officer, boasts diverse industry experience, spanning technology, security, consulting, aviation, energy, healthcare, and finance. Her strengths include mergers, restructuring, turnarounds, high-growth initiatives, and performance improvement.

She's set to take on a new CFO role, focusing on Mergers & Acquisitions and transforming finance with cutting-edge technology and processes.

As former CFO of Allied Universal Technology Services, Angela led teams across 50 locations, integrating seven new entities and implementing vital automation. In the energy sector, she drove business strategy and marketing for Halliburton and Baker Hughes, leveraging global trends for success. At American Airlines, Angela guided strategy, managed capital projects, and led merger teams.

A former Army officer, Angela holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor's degree in Literature and Computer Science Engineering from West Point. Her passions include travel, volunteering, running, yoga, and quality time with her grown children.

Angela shares with us the challenges and successes that she’s navigated first in the Army, and then in the corporate world, reflecting on how those experiences have shaped her journey as a leader and sharing her insights and words of wisdom along the way.