Chapter Connections

This is not an article the Board wants me to write. Because I'm going to talk about how I should have said “No” when asked to serve.

This year, I held two positions on the Board: Marketing and Programming. It seemed a no-brainer to me. I was already doing Marketing and had plans to take it further. Programming? I was passionate about building a calendar that reflected the full breadth of our talent development community. 

But these are volunteer roles added on top of work and personal responsibilities, and at the end of the year it became obvious: taking on both roles hadn't doubled my impact. Instead, I had split an already divided focus even thinner.

At the end of the year we ask our Chapter Leaders about lessons learned. For me, it's the reminder that focus matters. When you spread yourself too thin, you don't just do less. You abandon the very innovations that made you say yes in the first place.

Losing the Vision

I felt the impact of this split focus most acutely in Marketing.

This was the role I knew best. I had a clear vision for 2025: I wanted to stop just telling our members what's on the calendar and start showing the wider L&D community why membership itself matters. Market the value, not just the events.

We communicated our programs effectively. But the campaigns I'd designed to elevate the chapter's reputation never happened. By trying to do everything, I ended up saying an implicit "No" to the very innovation that motivated me to take the role in the first place.

Innovation Through Refusal

I was more protective of Chapter Programs than I had been of my own time. After analyzing previous years' results, we set a clear direction: programs aligned with a broader spectrum of ATD Talent Development Capabilities, with more in-person connection opportunities. That meant saying "No" to speakers whose proposals didn't fit our vision, even when they were perfectly good topics. 

But those "Nos" forced us to innovate. We had speaker interest; we just needed a better format. That's how "Inside the Design" was born. Instead of standard presentations, we challenged speakers to share what went into designing the programs they were now delivering nationally. Our initial “Inside the Design” interview was absolutely fabulous and is a format we’re planning to continue.

That success proved a point: saying "No" adds strength to what you say "Yes" to. Strategic refusal isn't negative—it's structural. It creates the space innovation needs to stand.

What Choice?

So, looking back, which role should I have declined back in January?

I’m still not sure.

Marketing had momentum. I'd done it for a year. I had the plan and the experience. Programming needed immediate reinvention, and I had gravitated toward that urgency.

I can't say if that was the right call. What I do know is this: by taking both, I robbed Marketing of the innovation it deserved. And Programming? I got lucky with what I managed to pull off.

The silver lining is that we’re correcting course. For 2026, we have a dedicated leader focusing solely on Marketing. They will be able to say "Yes" to the initiatives I had to neglect.

And maybe that's the real lesson here. Strategic focus isn't about protecting your time—it's about protecting the integrity of what you're trying to build. Sometimes the most important leadership decision is knowing which "Yes" you need to walk away from.

Since the 2024 Holiday event, Lara has gone above and beyond in engaging with our young SIG professionals, offering guidance, encouragement, and fresh ideas that have elevated our programming. She has played a key role in planning and shaping upcoming events, always bringing creativity, dependability, and a collaborative spirit.

In addition to her volunteer work with our members, Lara has generously supported the ATD-OC website—updating the event registration section, revising key information, and ensuring our online presence reflects the professionalism of our chapter. Her attention to detail and willingness to jump in wherever needed have made a meaningful difference.

Lara’s participation at chapter events, her positive energy, and her genuine commitment to our community make her an invaluable asset. She embodies the spirit of service and leadership, and we are truly fortunate to have her in our chapter.

Member since 2024

Lynn has served in various board roles starting back in 2019. She has tirelessly volunteered her time and expertise in multiple programs, various events, and quietly works diligently in the background on chapter business.  Currently serving on the board as Past Chapter President, she skillfully guides the board as they navigate chapter business. 

Lynn perceives ATD-OC as a valuable platform for Learning and Development professionals to enrich their understanding of the field. Her leadership, and expertise ensure that the chapter has access to diverse programs, networking opportunities, and avenues for continuous learning. We are grateful for Lynn and her contributions to the community over the years.  

Kesha facilitated a leadership training for OneOC in Los Angeles, participated in the Leadership Recruitment Process and helped this SIG deliver its workshops. She has been a staple of the chapter despite living in LA. Kesha has also volunteered to serve as on the Board as VP of Membership next year.

Both Kesha and James have been an excellent example of what building a community is all about. Thank you both for volunteering and helping to bring new interest to ATD Orange County. 

Both members since 2025

James Oakley began the commitment to create a Transitioning Special Interest Group as soon as he joined the chapter last year.  In that time he has patiently attended various events while also planning the structure and strategy for the SIG.  He has helped other SIGs by attending their events as well. Together James and Kesha have created a new exciting SIG for ATD Orange County. 

Both Kesha and James have been an excellent example of what building a community is all about. Thank you both for volunteering and helping to bring new interest to ATD Orange County. 

Both members since 2025

Thanks to our host partner Hyundai Motor America for generously providing meeting space for several events throughout the year. The easy location has hosted several important networking and learning events for the professional community of ATD Orange County. 

We look forward to continuing the partnership with meeting space.

Julie Stahl co-led the Total Trainer University Delivering Training and Creating Training programs this year. Her enthusiasm and willingness to take on every task—large or small—in coordinating these foundational workshop series were truly impressive.

From scheduling meeting rooms and speakers to organizing the revision of presentation and participant materials, Julie kept every detail on track, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.

Member since 2024

Steven Tran attended Total Trainer University last year and decided to volunteer for the next series.

After graduating from Total Trainer University, Steven Tran joined the TTU team to help prepare for Creating Training. He participated in planning meetings, suggested updates to the website, contacted speakers and revised materials to enhance their design and usability.  He has worked alongside Julie Stahl and Lynn Nissen to continue to provide this important program to our ATD Community.

Steven also went the extra mile, donating participant materials and even sharing Matcha Kit Kats from his trip to Japan with the class. Steven’s teamwork, initiative, and commitment greatly contributed to the success of the program, and lucky for us he has volunteered to continue with Total Trainer next year as a planning team member.

Alisa was instrumental in reviving our Young Professionals SIG. Meeting with prior leadership, creating a strategy, marketing, recruitment and kick off, as well as subsequent events.

Alisa also drew in potential members with her university and outside of ATD-Orange County connections.  Her positive and enthusiastic social media efforts have created a lasting impression and has drawn interest to the young professionals SIG.  She successfully coordinated networking sessions, a panel interview, and continues to volunteer her time and efforts when possible.

The Young Professional SIG also serves our partner chapters ATD-LA, ATD-SD and more. 

Member since 2025

The vision for the Training and Technology Special Interest Group (TTSIG) was born in the aisles of the DevLearn 2024 Expo. While many discuss ideas, Safoura Seddighin is a leader who executes them. She not only embraced the vision outlined that day but translated it into action, coordinating discussions exploring the intersection of training and technology.

The Training and Technology SIG launched the year with leading experts in learning science and then kick-stared our 'Summer of AI' series with a discussion on designing with AI as a collaborative partner.

While she's planning additional sessions addressing AI in L&D, Safoura continues to seek further ways to explore the intersection of technology in training going into 2026!

Member since 2025