Leading, Learning & Giving Back Through Professional Organizations

Members of Central PA ATD’s leadership—Phyllis Metzler, Gina Sweeney, and Robyn DeFelice talk about the power of community, mentorship, and stepping up to lead. Discover how joining and volunteering with ATD helped them grow their careers and their networks—and how it can do the same for you. 

Show Notes: The current, past and future presidents of the Central PA Chapter of ATD share their journeys with the organization and how being involved has helped shape them as professionals. Their key takeaways include:

• You don’t have to lead to learn – Phyllis Metzler emphasized that no matter your level of involvement—attending events, volunteering, or joining the board—you will get something out of the experience. 
• Volunteering fuels growth – Robyn DeFelice shared how volunteering with ATD reignited her passion and helped her reconnect with the real-world challenges of learning professionals, breaking the isolation of independent consulting.
• Professional groups are “backstage passes” to the industry – Gina Sweeney described her involvement with Central PA ATD as a way to stay current, share challenges, and exchange ideas that lead to better solutions at work.
• Leadership is a shared journey – The guests all stressed that stepping into a leadership role isn’t about knowing everything—it's about being supported by a strong team and being willing to grow. “No one lets you fail,” Phyllis reassured.
• One small step can lead to big impact – Whether it’s attending a local event, joining a coffee chat, or volunteering to greet others at a conference, each leader encouraged listeners to “just show up” and see where it leads.

Learn more about the Central PA Chapter of ATD

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Transcript

[00:00:00] Being part of a professional learning organization can spark new ideas, build lasting connections, and transform your career in unexpected ways. 

Phyllis Metzler: Get as much out of it as you want. You can volunteer, you can just take advantage of their programming. You can, whatever it is that you've got the bandwidth for.

You're going to get something from it. 

Susan Cort: That's Phyllis Metzler past president of the ATD Central PA chapter. She's joined by current President Gina Sweeney and incoming President Robin DeFelice for a conversation with d’Vinci's, Jenny Fedullo and me about the power of professional organizations like ATD.

From valuable resources to strong communities, you'll hear how these groups help learning leaders thrive. Next on Powered by Learning. 

Announcer: Powered by Learning is brought to you by d’Vinci. Interactive Da Vinci's approach to learning is grounded in 30 years of innovation and expertise. We use [00:01:00] proven strategies and leading technology to develop solutions that empower learners to improve quality and boost performance.

Learn more at dvinci.com.

Susan Cort: Joining me now is d’Vinci Director Learning Experience, Jenny Fedullo and our guests, the past, current, and future presidents of the Central PA chapter of ATD. Welcome to past president Phyllis Metzler, current president Gina Sweeney, an incoming president from the chapter, Robin DeFelice. 

Jenny Fedullo: Welcome, great to see you.

Susan Cort: Hello. It's great to be with all of you, and I thought it might help our listeners. If you could just start out by sharing a little bit about your role at your company or organization and also your connection to the chapter. Uh, Phyllis, why don't you go first. 

Phyllis Metzler: Thank you, Susan.

Uh, in August, I'll be celebrating my 20th anniversary with P-S-E-C-U. For the last six years I've served on our talent development team, [00:02:00] and for those same six years I also served in some capacity, uh, on or with the board at our local ATD chapter, whether committee member, VP of programming, and now I'm our past president 

Susan Cort: And anyone from central PA knows P-S-E-C-U, but for others, Pennsylvania State Employee Credit Union?

Phyllis Metzler: Well done. Yes, Susan. Exactly. 

Susan Cort: Gina, how about you? 

Gina Sweeney: Sure. Hi everyone. My name's Gina Sweeney and I'm currently the talent development program manager at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Uh, so I've been there about a year and a half. And have a great team and we focus on professional development, leadership development orientation, some workforce development.

So we do some great, great things there. Currently at the Central Pennsylvania chapter of a ATD started also as a member, joined as a VP of membership for a few years, and now I'm the current president of the chapter and it's. [00:03:00] wonderful. 

Susan Cort: And Robin DeFelice, a long, uh, storied history, but also a former guest on Powered by Learning.

So welcome back. Tell us a little bit about your connection to the chapter in your current role. 

Robyn DeFelice: Thanks, Susan. Um, well, my connection to the board has been kind of a nice journey as a consultant in the learning and development space for, I don't know, 20 some years now. One of the things that you become to appreciate is who you make connections with, and so I was inspired at a conference and association for talent development conference, actually to get involved.

And a former president as well, Adam White. connected me to Phyllis, uh, several years ago. And so that's how I've come to be as part of the board and, and working with them and, uh, you know, getting to do all the awesome things locally that you don't often get to do nationally. Outside of a ATD, what's your role?

Susan Cort: In the field of learning and development, I've pretty much been, um, you know, an all in one instructional [00:04:00] designer to what I'm doing now, which is consulting. Uh, I work for any type of client you can imagine. I've had, whether higher education, government, um, for-profit, nonprofit. I've been all over the place.

And the things that I really focus on a lot is, uh, learning operations, uh, developing the L&D function and making them sharp. Uh, working with clients about their learning products and the how they pro they do the product development as opposed to just creating the training. I look at the, so total system of product development.

And then I also do a lot with micro learning. And the final, final thing that a lot of people probably know more is I write a lot of research on how long it takes to develop training for the industry. 

Thank you, Robin, Phyllis, and Gina, we are thankful that you're all with us here, Powered by Learning and thankful for our ongoing connection.

Jenny and I have known you for several years and are very happy that dVinci's a part of the local chapter. So we're excited to have this, uh, conversation with you today. 

Jenny Fedullo: Indeed. I actually joined a ATD oh early on in my career. [00:05:00] Pat Noel. Does anyone know her? 

Susan Cort: Mm-hmm. She, uh, was a commerce bank. From Commerce, bank Commerce.

Jenny Fedullo: Well, she's retired. Commerce Bank. Retired now. Yes. That was 30, close to 30 years ago. But she was the president then. 

Susan Cort: So, um, we've just stated ourselves, Jenny. 

Jenny Fedullo: Yeah, I know, and that hurt a little bit, but it's, it's great to be here. So I know at, at d’Vinci, we, we truly do believe in the power of professional communities to really advance people in the field. So to start, tell us a little bit about ATD's mission and kind of maybe more broadly, why does it matter to be part of an organization that's driving professional development in in your industry, any industry? 

Gina Sweeney: Sure. Hi, this is Gina and I looked up, you know, wanted to be reminded of ATDs National Mission, which is to empower professionals to develop talent in the workplace. Nice, simple, clear, easy. I love it. Uh, our mission at the Central Pennsylvania chapter pivots off of that to [00:06:00] provide members with resources to elevate career capabilities and build professional relationships at a local level. And I think right there sets it, the tone. Building those professional relationships at the local level is why, you know, it's important to be a part of something like that. When I joined as a member, I was very, you know, much earlier in my, in my career. So whatever level you're at, there's something for you. Whether you're giving, whether you're getting, whether you're learning or or teaching it.

It all goes to that. It's that peer networking and it’s kinda like having a backstage pass to, you know, what's happening in the industry and just talking to your peers, what's going on? And they're, oh, I'm working on this program, so am I. I mean, how many times have Phyllis? And I said, we should talk about that because we're both doing these leadership development programs.

What ideas do you have? And then we can go back to our day jobs and, you know, look brilliant, right? 

Jenny Fedullo: Mm-hmm. 

Gina Sweeney: We learn from each other.

Jenny Fedullo: Absolutely. So I know the idea [00:07:00] of give back and learn really captures what's possible when you get involved in a, in a professional organization, whether it's a ATD or, or another, you know, field.

I know for me personally, some of my most meaningful learning moments have come through volunteering, and I, you, I would guess you would all say the same thing, but when you go back, um. Beyond just attending events and, and start volunteer volunteering or leading the experience often gives back, um, you know, as much as you put in.

Right. So how has being a member and especially a volunteer helped you grow, stretch, stretch your skills or, or build meaningful connections? 

Robyn DeFelice: Well, I'll answer that. Uh, this is Robin. I, and I think this is what I was kind of touching upon when I, um, first introduced myself and I have to mm-hmm. Appreciate Jenny, you're reminding me.

When I actually learned about a ATD was a student getting my master's degree 25 years ago, and there was actually a student chapter, like inside the chapter. And so, um, those, I mean, we can talk about that later, but you were just making me remember [00:08:00] like there's, yeah, there's been this relationship with a ATD that's come and gone, but I really appreciate where it's come back to, from being a volunteer from that perspective because, um, I was looking for opportunities to do more when I was at this conference, a ATD Core Four, um, you know, just talking with some of the attendees and some of their challenges, and I admitted this to, to Phyllis and even Jeff Fetterman, the other president that had been, and, uh, Gina, I said, you know, that's kind of ignorant because I'm a challenge seeker.

And so in my, my brain, I was like, why are, why are these stories at Core Four, these stories? Because I've already dealt with these problems. I've already seen these challenges. I've successfully, you know, and so. 

Robyn DeFelice: And just for some reason at this conference, everything clicked. It's like, why are you thinking these are are unique?

Why are you thinking everybody knows how to solve these problems? Why you are literally writing all the time about how the it [00:09:00] the problems of the field are being repeated constantly. Mm-hmm. And here you're sitting with people that are doing that and it, and I was like, I need to get involved, but I don't, not at the national level.

I need to go somewhere where I can support and volunteer and network with people in my own area and see if I can give back in that way. And that's what led me to Adam. I was, and, and I share this story all the time. I. Was sitting in the airport talking to Adam. That's how important it was for me when I was leaving that conference.

It was that compelling that I needed to, to mobilize myself at that point. And so that's when, you know, I got led to Jeff and Phyllis and I started to do things. But the volunteering piece, oddly enough, I'm talking to you all, but I will say I am a socially competent introvert because the first thing I ever did was volunteered for, I believe, the 75th anniversary.

Am I, did I get that right? 

Susan Cort: Okay. I think that's where I first met you. Yeah. Yeah. It was at, 

it was at The Hotel Hershey. Yes. And you [00:10:00] said, I have connections for you. And I said, great. And you've set me up with so many great guests, Robin, so there's another benefit. Yes. 

Robyn DeFelice: That was exactly what I felt like I needed to do.

So that every, 'cause my big goal in life is to empower people. That's why I love being in this space. Mm-hmm. And so I said, Phyllis, I'll do greeting and I, I. I did the greeting and I actually was like, oh, I can do this. I can volunteer and just greet these other people, you know? And then we got into the sessions and it got better and better.

And then, um, I was afforded an opportunity to fill in for programming and it's just gone on from there. And anybody I can bring in to encourage I. Is, it helps you grow because sometimes when you've become so seasoned, you almost think you stopped growing. I think that's, to your point, Jenny, when you asked that question, it helped me grow more.

Because being an independent consultant, working out of your home, you become isolated. I. To all the needs people have. And the only time I was getting introduced to those problems was when I was presenting at a national conference, which was maybe once every other year. So I didn't [00:11:00] have a barometer to the day-to-day challenges that folks are dealing with.

So it helped me, right? It helped me grow and just gain perspective. It stretched my skills because I just described all the levels of discomfort I have in socializing, and I just stuck myself out there and was like, let me help you because I figured. If I stood on that mission, I wouldn't hide like a wallflower and be like, I don't know.

I don't know if I could do these things. So. I think it stretches the skills you're seeking to stretch, like I wanted to contribute. I wanted to be more of a team player. I wanted to be more of a, in a community and then being siloed. So, it was stretching me out of those levels and, and then the meaningful connections.

I think Susan said it best to conclude like all the connections that you can make when you, I already know people, but maybe they will be valuable to you and let me just introduce you to these great people and maybe you will find a connection that's meaningful for yourself. 

Jenny Fedullo: Mm-hmm. I'd be curious if you, if you know the three of you have, have advice for somebody who's on the fence.

I know for me, early, early in my career, you're [00:12:00] gonna laugh, but one of the two pieces of advice that, that I remember is join, start contributing to your 401k. Even if you can do 1%, start early. Second is volunteer or, or join a professional organization. So that's why I joined at ATD, so it's so hard to even quantify right, the skills and just, just what you learn by connecting with, with others, um, in the industry.

So I'm just curious, do you all have advice on someone who's on the fence? Not sure if they should do it. 

Phyllis Metzler: Are you asking if they're not sure? If you're not sure if they should volunteer to lead, like be a leader of the chapter. Just join or getting involved?

Jenny Fedullo:  Just join. Get involved. Just 

Phyllis Metzler: Yeah. So like Gina said, there are so many opportunities no matter what you do to either give, get, learn, or teach.

Mm-hmm. So you can join whatever association it is that's in your industry. [00:13:00] And get as much out of it as you want. You can volunteer, you can just take advantage of their programming. You can -- whatever it is that you've got the bandwidth for, you're going to get something from it. So even if it's just belonging to or joining one of their sessions, maybe once every other month, great.

If it's going every month and volunteering and then becoming a leader and all that, you're gonna get something out of it. Mm-hmm. No matter what. But I will say this, you will get out of it what you put into it. So if it's just to have, just to join or see what's going on, periodically you'll get just that much out of it.

You'll see what's going on. But if you start to volunteer, you'll start to build those skills. 

Gina Sweeney: Gina, here, if I could just add to that, one of the things that got me started about 15 years ago when I was a new training and development specialist, um, I'm gonna [00:14:00] throw some names out here too. Uh, Rick and Susan Stamm.

Where I was working. Now it's called a geographic interest group, but I didn't know that then. I don't know if it was called that then, but they had, it's called the Red Rose Learning Community, and they held it at the Team Approach there in Lancaster, and I went like once a month and they were in person and I didn't know anybody.

I walked in here and they're so gracious and welcoming, and then what we would do is it was so simple it. Subscribe to Chief Learning Officer magazine or TD.org, TD Magazine, one of them, and read an article, read it, read the articles. Come once a month, let's talk about them. What'd you learn from that? And it spun into all different conversations.

Sometimes there were four people there or 12 people there. Um, but we always filled the time and I always felt like. Oh, I'm not alone. Or Oh, other people had it. Oh, they've done that and it, that's how simple it started. And then eventually they're like, you know, this really is part of Central PA ATD. I was like, what's that?

[00:15:00] They're like, yeah, you should join. So that's, that's, that's how it started for me. So it can really be that simple or it can be your, you know. Bigger events like our mini conferences and, and world Cafes, but it really starts with simple connections. 

Jenny Fedullo: Yeah, absolutely. So I know we've talked about the benefits of membership, so, but let's talk about the leap to leadership.

So for someone who's been a member but hasn't stepped into that leadership role, maybe they're on the bubble. How, how did you all know it was time? Was there. An “aha” moment. A moment that pushed you to say “yes” or did it? How did it happen? 

Gina Sweeney: I don't know if we still know. 

Susan Cort: Somebody asked you and you didn't look away, you made eye contact and you got picked, right?

Robyn's shaking your head, yes. 

Phyllis Metzler: This is Phyllis. Sometimes you'll never know. But what I will say this is don't let imposter syndrome hold you back. You are just as good as anyone else who might volunteer. You have just as many great [00:16:00] ideas. You have just as much to offer and to give as anyone else. So people have asked, you know, when did you know it was time to be president?

Oh, I sure did not. I just knew that the past president and the current president wouldn't let me fail. They would bring me along, they'd give me feedback, they'd make sure I was set up for success. And so if you have a good board, if you have a supportive leadership on the board, they won't let you fail, and they'll be more than grateful for your volunteerism and your willingness to learn and to help, then they will wonder, why are you there? No one will wonder why you're there. So if you are on the fence and thinking about, should I take that leap and join a committee or be on the ballot for a VP position, the answer is yes. Yes, you should. 

And I know specifically with our chapter and our board, we have a [00:17:00] fabulous board. Full of folks who have been doing this for years, they won't let you fail, and you'll learn. So much just by taking that leap. 

Gina Sweeney: Absolutely. Phyllis, you will not be alone. Um, these two ladies right here keep me afloat. We all have different strengths, we all have different skill sets, and I think we recognize that and jump in when we're like, I don't know if this is there.

Let me, let me help you and mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. That's always helpful. Great. 

Jenny Fedullo: Great. So I know professional organizations can really be a powerful space to test and refine your skills, right? In, in a real world low risk environment. Do you have a, an example you might be able to share of something that you got to practice or develop thanks to your involvement in a ATD or, or any other organization that you've been part of?

Gina Sweeney: One of my favorite takeaways, there's just so many things and takeaways that I've learned, but what comes to mind is when, when we do something like a cafe and you sit [00:18:00] in a small group with other people, and one of the topics was like learning technologies and in. Of the World Cafe before we rotated, I learned so much of what other people use and you know, you write it on the tables, on the paper, on the tables, and it's things like beyond, which is now my fa, one of my favorite tools to use is to create videos, you know, meant to meter some.

But some of the times when people said this, I was like, what's that? And they'd be like, you know, K Kahoo, K-A-H-O-O. And they were like, oh, okay. And I'd go back and learn that. Mm-hmm. Um, so those are some of the just biggest things that I've learned from, from other people 

Phyllis Metzler: Early on in my talent development career, I was asked to.

Teach a leadership class, teach a year long leadership course to our leaders. I've never supervised anyone since I was like 25. So all those [00:19:00] supervisory skills were not well honed and all those leadership skills needed to be developed. So being particularly on the presidential track, taught me so much.

Now I know you don't have to experience things to be able to teach them where you've all got the skills for facilitation, but being on the board and having to provide feedback to folks to provide coaching, to have those difficult conversations to help folks through conflict, now that I've experienced that as a leader, I am that much more equipped to teach these year long leadership classes, and not only to teach them, but to develop new and exciting methodologies to. garner that success on the leaders here at P-S-E-C-U. 

Jenny Fedullo: What I always find is anytime I go to an event, not only do you walk away, obviously with learning the [00:20:00] content or the, the purpose of the, of the session, what that focus was, but I always walk away with different techniques to present something or facilitate a session or a couple of books and I wanna read, you know, so it, it's extends so much beyond just even why you're there and the primary objective.

So I know for us, we d’Vinci hosts, uh, chapter events usually yearly. We, we host at least one. Um, it really challenge, thinking and, and, and spark growth. So when you plan programming for your members, what helps you make it meaningful, relevant, and energizing? Kind of what's your approach? 

Robyn DeFelice: This is Robin, and as I just left the role of VP of programming and I did that for, uh, I, I wanna call it two seasons.

I don't know why, but two seasons of programming. I don't know, it sounds gentle, but, um, um, what I. I'm going to try to, not bore us, but one of the pieces I do use is data. So like qualitative data, obviously when we have mm-hmm. [00:21:00] Any events talking to folks, especially post COVID, it's really important to engage people where they're at.

Like, how are you feeling? Uh, one of the tremendous things about our chapter is, is that folks want to get back together face-to-face, which is really cool. But more importantly, beyond face-to-face, what is it that you're seeking? And so, um, we also do surveys. One of the cooler things that we did this year was, or past year 2024 is, is we actually did more of a end of year survey that was strategic because sometimes when we, you know, people can pulse your, your members and say, what do you want? And they'll pick everything. And that makes it hard for, you know, I mean, how can you hit the mark with everybody? And so you have to take some leaps of faith that you are meeting marks for them. So some of it's the data that we get from the survey, some of it's from talking to folks, and then some of it's actually research.

Um, that I've done. So, for example, at ATD put out some really great, they did a webinar and some materials on some of their [00:22:00] benchmarks in the industry and trends that are coming. So sometimes we're looking at, well, what's relevant today, but also what's setting you up for success tomorrow? So for, for example, when we did the last, um, hosted event in November by you all 
 d’ Vinci.

We really did look at the trends. We were looking at how coaching is, um, uh, an up and coming skill leadership pipeline and leadership management development internal to organizations is very big. And then helping people understand how they might have to lift that because the people attending it might be tomorrow.

You need to go develop a coaching program and we actually had somebody there that was like, I was just told I need to do this. There was at least three people. So one, you had affirmation right in the moment, boom, you're doing something that's serving the membership at at their immediate need, but you're also setting everybody else up for success, too.

So that, I mean. Again, it's a lot of tuning into the members, but then couching that in, you know, a little bit of good research to make sure you're just not giving them something new and shiny, but it's actually purposeful and meaningful. 

Susan Cort: I like the variety of [00:23:00] programs that you offer. I mean, you've got, mm-hmm.

The bigger in-person sessions where you're spending a couple of hours together and really exchanging ideas. You've got an opportunity to watch, uh, other chapters, you know, present online and you just started these coffee chats, which I think sounds like a lot of fun for people to just casually get together and be in person to exchange ideas that way.

Jenny Fedullo: Agreed. Absolutely. So we know every, every organ, well, most organizations, I would, I don't wanna say every, are, are really built on core values. And I know a ATD has its own set of guiding pillars. Which of those principles has been most impactful in your experience and how have you seen it show up in the way, you lead, uh, the chapter?

Gina Sweeney: Yeah. This is Gina, um, comes to mind when you ask that. Just the whole continuous learning, um, principle, I. I think maybe as, as trainers, we just have a natural, I've, most of the people that I've met have a [00:24:00] natural desire mm-hmm to continue learning as well. Uh, you know, not just teach, but if you haven't checked out ATDs Capability Model, it's, it's actually really cool.

It's Capability.td.org and it’s how to build your personal capabilities, your professional and your organizational. And when you click on it, there are competencies for each. But what's also cool is that they have this self-assessment. So I would encourage you if you haven't played around with that yet, or tested it to do so, you can gauge your, um, skills and knowledge across those.

And what I learned is, you know, I, I really could focus on the organizational capabilities and I tapped into some of those resources, and I think it has really helped me to transition my approach from, from doer to, to managing a team to, you know, thinking more of a strategic leader. And that helped me to, you know, grasp the bigger picture of [00:25:00] what's happening in the organization.

Making sure, you know, we're not just willy-nilly putting training classes out there, but that it should align to where the organization's trying to go and our, and our strategic plan and filling in those gaps. So that has really been valuable for me with their, their, um, pillars and their capabilities.

Jenny Fedullo: Thank you for sharing. Yeah, well said. So the future as, as someone who's been closely involved, what, what excites you most about the future of professional associations, whether it's a ATD or, or any other group, um, serving, serving your field?

Robyn DeFelice: As a incoming president, I suppose I could talk a little bit about the future and I guess what I'm really excited about is what we've been doing for the last couple years, which is to Phyllis's point, nobody's letting you fail because the former president sitting there, the current president sitting there and then, and we're all working together collaboratively to try to, um, strengthen and [00:26:00] stabilize the, the association. If I look at our chapter specifically. what I'm excited about with our pro, you know, our professional association is what we're trying to do to set it up, to continue to have its success beyond us.

And I think all the past presidents did the same, but there's been some lean times with folks coming forward because of the, you know, we're post pandemic and now people are looking for their opportunities. So I think that we get to take advantage of that for the future because there's all these people wanting to get involved and contribute.

And so some of the things we're doing right now is creating stable foundations of processes and efficiencies and things like that that will allow those people to not have to, sometimes you get into nonprofits and professional organizations and you have to restart the wheel every year. And we're trying to make that.

Not be part of the issue so that we can continue to grow and thrive. Our, our chapter represents 15 counties in Pennsylvania, and we are at that beginning points of being able to just start, to begin that reach [00:27:00] further and further, which can you imagine what a professional association covering 15 counties looks like?

Yeah. In addition to, to Susan, you mentioned the regional webinar series We do, which is attached to almost a dozen other professional a ATD chapters from across at least four states. So now you're, I mean, just by joining our organization, you know, our chapter, you're, you're broadening your network exponentially beyond the 15 county reach.

Jenny Fedullo: Pretty powerful. It's, it's kind of insane the opportunities you will get. Right. Yeah. Your backyard opportunities. So 

Susan Cort: Well, and it's kind of an, an easier way in, you know, you may look as an individual at. A TD That's, that's too big. That's too big for me. Yes. But you can, like you were saying earlier, Robin, you can really get involved and make an impact and be impacted when you're, you're at that local level, but still have all the benefits of being connected to the other chapters and, and the national organization, too.

Robyn DeFelice: And, and Susan, that's such a great point to bring up is because so [00:28:00] many people are like, no, not national. And then they come along and they realize, wow, this. Feels more, I don't wanna call it home, but it feels more relatable. Um, you know, mm-hmm. I can, I can connect with these people and they understand me.

And the time is more dedicated to that connection where if you're at a conference or at the national level, you're making maybe a blip of a moment on a quick chat in a webinar where we're all blacked out, we don't get to see each other, and there's only the chat and you're saying, hi Robyn from Pennsylvania, you know, somebody from Nebraska.

And it takes a lot more to lift that. That, um, connection and build that network. So this is a really great approach and I do, I really strongly believe where we're headed with our chapter, it's, it's going to be amazing. It's been amazing and it's just going to continue to grow. 

Jenny Fedullo: So for someone listening who hasn't joined a professional organization, they haven't raised their hand to lead, what would you say to them?

What's one thing, even even small thing, one action they can take this month to start building their network or their confidence or their [00:29:00] career just. Just take one step. 

Phyllis Metzler: This is Phyllis, and I'll say this. Don't let the negative voices in your head stop you. Don't let them say you don't have time. You'll spend your discretionary energy on things that give you energy, so it's hard to find something that's available in your local chapter, your local a ATD chapter or whatever, professional organization that doesn't excite you. So find that thing that excites you. Try it and realize that it doesn't drain your energy, but rather it will give you energy. And so just take that leap and, and see where it takes you. 

Gina Sweeney: Awesome. Phyllis, this is Gina.

And I would say I heard this a long time ago. I'm sure we all have 80% of success is just showing up, so my advice would just be, just show up, whether it's to one of our coffee chats, which people showed up last time and said, hi, I am just here because I saw it on [00:30:00] LinkedIn and didn't have anything do tonight.

I saw it on LinkedIn and just wanna hear what you guys are doing and that’s perfectly fine, whether it’s a virtual webinar or something in person.

Robyn DeFelice: Okay. And I just, I would just add to that, and I think it goes full circle again, it's just actually volunteering for me is the way to network, because I don't know, I used to be a bartender, so standing behind the bar was easier 'cause you were kind of protected.

And the same thing with volunteering. You have a station, you have a position, you have a responsibility, and so it gets you out of that negative head space that Phyllis is talking about. And it allows you to directly focus on the people in front of you and doing something great for them. So if you take any action, just simply volunteer your time a little bit because you don't have to focus on anything else other than being there for everybody else.

Jenny Fedullo: Fun, fun. All right. Speaking of fun, I'm gonna shift gears a little bit. Surprise you all with a fun, rapid fire round. Okay, I'm gonna, I'm gonna say a word or a short [00:31:00] phrase related to maybe the topic, leadership, professional development, chapter, life. And I want you to respond with the first word or phrase that comes to your mind.

Alright? You keep short, 

Robyn DeFelice: Jenny, you do know you're talking to Phyllis, Gina and I, right? 

Jenny Fedullo: You can do it. Can do it. 

Susan Cort: Just remind you ladies. Okay. That's my disclaimer. Go ahead Jenny. 

Jenny Fedullo: Alright, I have five words. All right. Ready? We'll go Phyllis, Gina, Robin, that order? We good? All right. Volunteer. 

Phyllis Metzler: Exciting. Just do it.

Robyn DeFelice: Heartwarming, leadership growth. 

Gina Sweeney: Model the behavior you wanna see expanding your mindset. 

Jenny Fedullo: You guys are good. All right, chapter meeting an A TD chapter meeting. 

Gina Sweeney: Fun 

Phyllis Metzler: Networking. 

Robyn DeFelice: I don't sit down.

Susan Cort: It's, it's energizing for you then. Very good word. Thank you. Alright. [00:32:00] 

Jenny Fedullo: Coffee or tea? 

Gina Sweeney: Coffee. 

Phyliss Metzler: Coffee.

Robyn DeFelice: I take both. 

Jenny Fedullo: All right. Uh, and finally, a ATD. 

Phyliss Metzler: My heart.

Gina Sweeney: Career changing.

Robyn DeFelice: Always try to do something. That's what I think when I think of a ATD, always try to do something. 

Jenny Fedullo: That's awesome. You, that was, that was really fun.

That was good. 

Susan Cort: You are all doing something and now we know it's all fueled by caffeine, but, and also your dedication. We thank you. I mean, d’Vinci really enjoys being connected to the three of you and to the chapter and to all of its members and. Uh, this was just a great reflection of the value of becoming a member of a professional organization like a ATD.

And we thank you very much for sharing your thoughts today. 

Gina Sweeney: Absolutely. And please know how much we appreciate your support of our chapter consistently. Thank you. 

Phyliss Metzler: Yes, thank you All. 

Susan Cort: Always. Thank you all. 

My thanks to [00:33:00] d’Vinci's, Jenny Fedullo and our guests, Gina Sweeney, Phyllis Metzler, and Robin DeFelice from the Central PA Chapter of a ATD for joining us today.

If you have ideas for topics or guests, please reach out to us at Powered by Learning@dvinci.com. And don't forget that you can subscribe to Powered By Learning wherever you listen to your podcasts.