This event aligns with the Organizational Application of ATD's Talent Development Capability Model.
Are you currently working and thinking of starting your own business? Maybe you have a side gig and are interested in being your boss full time? Getting started can feel exciting yet scary, overwhelming, and intimidating. You might have burning questions about cash flow, consistent work, collaboration, partnerships, managing finances, and so on. In this panel discussion, led by two courageous and successful talent development entrepreneurs, we'll answer all your questions about what you should consider when deciding whether or not to open your own business or become an independent contractor and what those first steps should be in embarking on your new journey. The goal is to make sure to cover the information you'll need to make an informed decision and point you in the right direction to move forward in this exciting yet scary adventure. This panel discussion is also an opportunity for all participants to be on the panel, learn and share with each other, lessons learned, and tips and tricks of entrepreneurship.
Presenters:
Maurine Kwende, MA, MEd, PHR, CTP
Maurine Kwende is the CEO and Founder of EMK Learning Solutions LLC, a consulting firm that provides custom training solutions, coaching, speaking, DISC, leadership, and professional development services such as workshops, and retreats to individuals, organizations, and government agencies. Maurine has worked with many clients in various sectors as a certified leadership coach, speaker, consultant, facilitator, trainer, career development, entrepreneurship, training and development, and learning technologies expert. Maurine is also the founder of “Dream Big and Boldly Academy” (DBBA), an academy where she empowers others to live their dreams boldly including young girls through her future women leader program (FWLP). Maurine is also the author of the book "Dream Big & Live Your Dreams Boldly: Taking Action to Fulfil Your Passion and Purpose." She is also the host of the “Empowerment Minutes” podcast available on iTunes, Spotify, and Podbean. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, for over 20 years, Maurine worked in various sectors including state and government, non-profit and corporate organizations in the areas of learning and development eLearning development, instructional design, strategic planning, Training and Development, performance improvement, coaching, leadership development, DISC trainer, organizational development, scrum and agile project management. Maurine is a Ph.D. Candidate in Learning Technologies Design Research at George Mason University with research interests in artificial intelligence, user experience design and augmented reality to graduate in December 2022.
Nejat Abdurahman
Nejat Abdurahman is the founder and trainer who aspires to enable organizational growth and transformation through learning and leadership development. A continuous learner herself, Nejat loves to spark passion for learning and help people unlock their potential. Nejat holds a BA degree in Economics from Addis Ababa University and an MBA from Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst. Nejat runs her consulting company that provides business advisory, training, and consulting services, and facilitates Leadership Development programs at N-BAC Academy.
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