When I started working at Flint Group back in 2006, I had no idea that my journey would soon intertwine with a local non-profit that impacted my career in unexpected ways.
In my first year at Flint, I was connected to Special Olympics North Dakota (SOND) by a colleague. Initially, my involvement was limited to snapping a few pictures and handling small marketing projects. The CEO of SOND, Kathy, quickly became a mentor, recognizing potential I didn’t yet see in myself. She’d not-so-gently nudge me toward taking on more responsibility every time we spoke. Of course, her primary motive was getting volunteer help for SOND, but her light-hearted way of offering “promotions” without pay turned out to be incredibly impactful in my career progression.
I vividly remember the first time Kathy asked me to run a meeting. At the time, I was still working on the agency’s creative side with limited client interaction, so formal meetings were still foreign to me. The meeting was filled with seasoned professionals, most of whom were at least 20 years older. I would never have admitted it then, but I was incredibly nervous and the imposter syndrome was real; I had no business sitting at the head of that table! But it was in this environment that I began to find my voice and confidence as a leader.
The value of unpaid promotions
Through volunteering, I led with increasing responsibility, and in areas outside of my professional skillset. This ranged from joining a sub-committee, then leading one; managing events; and eventually joining and now leading the board of directors. Each role brought new challenges and learning opportunities that I could apply in my role at Flint.
You don’t have to start big – it could be as simple as helping at the registration table, then the next event you manage the registration table. Before you know it, you’ll be serving on the board! Here are some other ways to get involved:
- Joining sub-committees: Participate in sub-committees to gain experience in specific areas and work with diverse teams.
- Leading sub-committees: Take charge of a sub-committee to practice decision-making and team leadership.
- Managing events: Oversee an event or own a small part of it, honing project management and coordination skills.
- Volunteer coordination: Manage and coordinate volunteer teams, enhancing your leadership and organizational skills.
- Board membership: Serve on the board to understand governance, strategic planning and high-level decision-making.
If you’re looking to develop your leadership skills, consider finding a local non-profit that supports a mission you’re passionate about. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and take on leadership roles, even if you feel you’re not qualified. From project management to strategic planning, the experiences and lessons learned will make you a more effective and empathetic leader.
Of course, none of this would be possible without Flint Group’s focus on giving back to the community. I’ve spent countless hours away from the office over the years in support of Special Olympics, and Flint leadership never batted an eye. A huge thank-you to Flint and their unwavering support of not just me, but of Special Olympics and all the athlete friends we’ve made along the way.
