Interview with Colette Gambino
Interview with Colette Gambino
President, Alliance Resource Network
How did you hear about MYT and its EQ work?
I heard about MYT through Northport Wellness Center, they had featured an article about Art DeLorenzo and Emotional Intelligence on their website. As a former Human Resources Executive in charge of Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations and work life balance for Viacom and currently the President of Alliance Resource Network a Boutique Executive Search Firm, I was particularly interested in learning more about MYT’s exclusive approach to training executives to improve emotional competence and corporate profitability which is at the very core of how I approach my own business.
My business partner, Dene Vitali and I have consistently stayed on the cutting edge of business trends and solutions by gaining intelligence both personally and professionally and then sharing that intelligence to benefit our clients. We consider the MYT workshop to be a leader in their field.
Through our experience working with top companies in their industry we feel MYT is revolutionizing the way corporations can improve profitability by training their executives to improve emotional competence. We found the MYT team to be knowledgeable, thoughtful and forward thinking – their mission and approach to training and improving our emotional competence to be very humble yet innovative.
What was your first experience like?
It was very positive. Dene and I were invited to observe the workshop for the first time as a “non participant” and felt excited to take part in this “cutting edge” experience. My years as a Human Resources Professional were spent working to attract, retain and develop internal talent within the company and I knew immediately that this workshop would have a tremendous impact and value in both my life and any corporation that is looking to increase profitability by means of investing and developing their greatest asset – human capital. Human Resource executives in large, mid-cap and small corporations are invested in developing and retaining their high potential internal talent and looking for cutting edge solutions. They know with the right tools the results could be tremendous. We have become true MYT ambassadors often recommending the workshop to our clients as a viable solution to some of the corporate challenges they face today.
How did you react to your IDP and do you still refer to it?
Hands down, I thought it was “SPOT ON”. With the assistance of my MYT coaches I acknowledge that increasing my EQ is a lifetime growth experience and ongoing practice which I am very passionate about and I refer to my IDP often to live out my goals.
Did you receive focused, direct, & honest feedback from your “observers”?
Absolutely! The observers I selected know me on a personal and professional level and I felt that they were “fearless” about providing focused and direct feedback and very supportive in my efforts when I did not stay on task helping me regain focus. I believe that the selection and participation of your observers is an integral part of the process.
Tell the readers about the coaching calls – what were they like?
The coaching sessions were excellent – very enlightening and encouraging and easy to prepare for since the participant workbook provides you with all of the tools and written references necessary to succeed. In addition, the coaching sessions kept me focused and on track with my goals and aware of the habits that I needed to break in order to reach my goals. Someone who will encourage you and remind you to be kind to yourself and focus on the positive accomplishments you have made toward your goals is extremely valuable.
How many times have you been through the workshop?
Twice – Once as an observer and the second time as a participant.
Are they still helpful?
The second time had the most impact because we went through the IDP process, participated in all of the discussion and coaching sessions which are a key component to your individual success.
Do you feel you are more emotionally competent?
Yes – very much so. The mind skills that MYT taught me along with the coaching sessions certainly helped me increase my productivity and manage my stress levels. I was very happy with my new IDP scores and will continue to use the tools, reading materials and work with the MYT team and my observers to continue to enrich my experience.
If so, can you share an experience where it helped you? Was attending MYT worth the investment and if so how can you quantify it?
Professionally, I feel I have found a solution that could transform the Human Resource function and how they serve their corporate clients. My company looks for innovative solutions that have proven results with regard to attracting, retaining and developing internal talent. These proven initiatives have shifted the perception that many executives have of Human Resources from a “cost center” to a “profit driver.” Personally, participating in the MYT program has provided valuable lasting solutions and for me that is a gratifying and highly worthwhile endeavor.
March 2011