Working Families Initiative Event at Bauer Helps Employees Navigate Change

The University of Houston – C.T. Bauer College of Business‘ Working Families Initiative recently hosted the event “Career Refresh: Creating a New Season in Your Career” as part of the Practices That Pay discussion series.

The event was held at the Greater Houston Partnership’s new Partnership Tower in downtown Houston, featuring a conversation between Dusya Vera, Associate Professor at Bauer, and Elizabeth Killinger, NRG Retail and Reliant President. Bauer Dean Latha Ramchand was also present.

The first event in Bauer’s Practices that Pay series took place in 2016 and focused on how various organizations have responded to the changing world in terms of needs for leave, childcare and both personal and professional development. This time, the event focused on the idea of creating a “new season” in ones career, whether related to the challenges of re-entering the workforce after an extended leave, or the process of making an industry or role change.

Killinger and Vera discussed a number of topics, from how to define success to staying motivated during a complicated transition. They also took questions from the audience.

Killinger also talked about the importance of the leaders around us in setting an example and inspiring in their work. “You don’t have to have a map to succeed. Sometimes the confidence a leader has in you can give you the fuel to succeed.” She encouraged everyone listening to find ways to make the most out of their current situation, or to “bloom where you are planted”.

Discussing the challenge of navigating a change, Killinger and Vera advocated taking time to go through the necessary transitions in a healthy way. “Be diligent and focused on getting involved and find ways to stay productive,” Killinger said. Don’t let yourself get into a place where negativity rules.”

regions: Houston

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