Talent Advancement Professionals

05/28/2026

Today I was onsite with my customers before sunrise. We held a key discussion about how we are going to implement the Mission, Vision, and Values we have spent the past six months developing. By implementation, I mean how we are going to get into the hearts and minds of every employee.

An organization’s mission, vision, and values shape its culture much like a map shapes your path of travel. They highlight what your business is about, where you are headed, and how you treat each other…AKA expectations.

Some of the most standout things I heard were, “leaders bring the weather.” They set the tone for the day…they bring the winning attitude…the can-do teamwork attitude. “Great leaders focus on winning, clear expectations, continuous improvement, and consistency.”

If your culture isn't where you want it to be and you'd like to work with an expert, contact me [email protected]

Susan Doughty-Smith

05/07/2026

What Ted Turner Taught Me About Courage

Face-to-Face in Atlanta...

This week, we lost Ted Turner—media mogul, entrepreneur, philanthropist, rancher, and risk‑taker. He lived boldly, thought differently, and at times found himself at the heart of several controversies.

He supported environmental causes, challenged political norms, and built an empire by refusing to follow the crowd. He once said, “You’ll never get in trouble if you don’t do anything. But on the other hand, you’ll never get anywhere either.”

Years ago, while working in Atlanta, I ended up at Ted’s Montana Grill with colleagues. Ted lived in a penthouse above his restaurant when he was in town. He happened to be there with a small group. Someone dared me to head over to Ted’s table and ask for his autograph.

I didn’t hesitate.

I walked over, coaster in hand. Ted paused, glanced at his group, then signed it with a small smile. That coaster has been on my desk ever since. Not because it’s a celebrity autograph, but because it reminds me of the power of courage.

Always ask, the worst they can do is say no. If you never ask, you’ll always wonder.

Whether you’re leading a team, navigating organizational change, or simply trying to grow into the next version of yourself—courage is an important muscle. Use it.

Ask for the opportunity.
Challenge the process.
Speak up when something doesn’t align with your values.
Take the risk.

If you need help finding your voice and strengthening your leadership presence, I help leaders do exactly that.

04/25/2026

We had a great time volunteering with Baird Creek Preservation Foundation today! Happy Earth Day! Want to support the trails? Head to their website and make a donation.
Susan Doughty-Smith Bill Smith Andy Moumblow

04/24/2026

Feeling grateful today for the awesome people I get to work with and the loved ones who support me. A lot of fun was had last night at the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala. Our team, Treble-makers, won a round of "Name that Tune."

04/21/2026

https://givebutter.com/earthday26
Great way to spend your Saturday! Helping Bairds Creek continue to be a wonderful community resource for exercise, nature, and true humanity.

04/09/2026

Mark your calendar for May 6th and don’t forget to register. This is a great information share and a beautiful host space!

We are so excited to be a part of the State of De Pere 2026!

Join us on Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 PM at the beautiful Mulva Cultural Center for an evening focused on the future, growth, and opportunities in our community.

We’re especially excited to share that David will be speaking about the Chamber and the impact it continues to have on our local business community, definitely something you won’t want to miss!

This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of the conversation shaping De Pere’s future.

Get your tickets here: https://www.deperewi.gov/topic/index.php?topicid=635&structureid=3

We can’t wait to see you there!

04/07/2026

Prepare for High Performance
Why run 12 miles when you can run 13?

A week ago, I set out to do my final long run before my half marathon; the goal was 12 miles. As I headed towards my imaginary finish line, I had a thought…I can do more. I ran 13 glorious miles that day.

So far, I have run 250+ miles getting ready for my race. That averages out to more than 20 miles per week since January 1st. Through the past 12 weeks, I’ve built endurance, speed, and confidence. There is no doubt in my mind, I will finish the half marathon this weekend in 2 hours and 30 minutes. I have this intense mental fitness that ensures I can tackle the challenges that race day brings.

When I think about this in terms of how it translates to my career-I’m an org development consultant and leadership coach-I think about how so many organizations put people into leadership positions without training and development. How can they possibly be expected to confidently and effectively deal with the challenges that come their way?

I’m a huge fan of promoting from within as long as you give the people the tools they need to be successful.

I partner with organizations committed to employee development and workplace engagement. If you’d like your own Culture Building Toolkit and Leader Development Plan, reach out.
[email protected]

03/02/2026

"A" For Effort = All Out

I’m training for a half marathon and ran 8 miles on Saturday. My watch tells me my level of effort, usually moderate or hard. This time it told me, “All Out.” Wow…that felt amazing after running 8 miles with lots of hills. I felt proud, I felt accomplished, and I want to do more!

I often hear leaders questioning why it’s so hard to get folks to be accountable for results. “This generation doesn’t want to work,” they say. Meanwhile, the Gallup data shows that employee engagement levels continue to sink specifically in these areas:
• Knowing what is expected of me at work.
• Feeling like someone at work cares about me as a person.
• Having someone at work care about my professional development.

There’s a simple answer, if you are in a leadership role make time for your people. I’m not talking about your monthly one-on-ones; I’m talking about daily interpersonal interactions. Listening, coaching, and caring. Recognize employee efforts…even when the results fall short. The more we recognize folks, the more they will try new things, the more fulfilled they will feel, and the more productivity will increase.

Here are five things you can start working on today:
1) Make sure your Mission, Vision, and Values fit your current business landscape and have you positioned for future growth.
2) Communicate and discuss your Mission, Vision, and Values with employees regularly. Have them talk about examples they see of each in their work.
3) Align employee goals with the mission and vision.
4) Help employees create individual development plans to meet their goals.
5) Celebrate and recognize efforts and accomplishments.

Effort = All Out

02/11/2026

Go the extra mile! It's never crowded.

02/11/2026

Go the extra mile! It's never crowded.

My husband and I recently went luging. Yes, like the sport in the Winter Olympics…only we did a short run that maybe maxed out at 15 mph versus the 80 mph that professionals do.

I like doing daring things like this; I’ve also run 2 marathons and 8 half marathons.

I always find it funny how I get down on myself for not running faster or for missing my turn on the luge track. Reality Check - how many other people are doing these things?

When was the last time you stretched out of your comfort zone at work or someone who works for you did? Did you celebrate the effort even if it wasn’t perfect?

When we try new things, we adopt a learner’s mindset, and we build confidence. The confidence that sets us apart from so many, and it can advance your career in ways you didn’t even imagine.
Susan Doughty-Smith