In This Story
When the editors were discussing these first editions of the ODKM Learning Edge, we wanted to include community voices. We hoped to hear from alumni from a wide span of the 30-year program. With that hope and desire, the Community Column was born. This column will continue to appear in future versions of the newsletter, and we hope to hear from many of you over time.
For this first column, we were thinking about the ever-evolving world in which we exist in all the capacities of our lives. To that end, we asked ODKM community members, exploring our collective curiosity of the human experience:
“If you had one fundamental quality that describes you both personally and professionally, what would it be?”
We posed this question to our ODKM network including all cohorts, faculty, and staff across various industries and career stages. The responses reflected the values that not only guide how these contributors work but also how they show up.
Adaptability
Diane Doumas (Cohort 11) shared that for her, the ability to adapt and keep moving forward stood out. She said, “I believe adaptability is the quality that influenced me most. Change is a constant in life (a true contradiction!). Finding ways to navigate life’s anticipated and unpredictable changes, as a mom, a professional, and now a grandmother and retiree, has served me well.”
Purposeful
Christine Adwoa Dua (Cohort 29) named purposeful as a fundamental aspect for her. She said, “I view it as a distinct privilege to exist as my full authentic self both personally and professionally. Being purposeful allows me to enter spaces where I intertwine with the different elements of who I am to become the best version of myself. As I move with purpose, I realize how much the world needs something that feels real to be real. This has allowed me to live with the purest intention throughout every stage of my life, knowing that I am here for a reason.”
Integrity
According to Kader Gümüş (Cohort 15), “Throughout my life and career, I’ve been guided by a deep sense of purpose, authenticity, and a commitment to meaningful change. I strive to approach every challenge with honesty, empathy, and a drive to make things better.” Gümüş noted that integrity is the thread that weaves together trust, leadership, and authenticity.
Provider
Bryan Regalado (Cohort 28) named being a provider as a core aspect. He said, “If I had to choose one quality, it would be being a provider. It has always been part of who I am, but ODKM enhanced my better qualities; helping me show up with patience, a calmer presence, and using coaching conversations to connect better at work and with my kids.”
Observation
Elza Thomas (Cohort 27) shared, “I would say I am an observant person both personally and professionally. Anytime I start a new job, activity, skill, or phase of life, I dedicate a significant amount of time just observing the details of these changes. In this time, I listen more and talk less to take it all in. I observe my behaviors and others’ without judgement. To me, it’s simply data. I then use that data to try to make improvements in my life and work wherever I can.”
Curiosity
Two alumni named curiosity as a fundamental aspect of how they show up.
According to Katya Davydova (Cohort 22), "At the core, I believe the biggest gift we can give others is our presence and curiosity. As an executive coach and leadership facilitator, I get to hold a container of presence for clients and then go deeper with curiosity to help them understand themselves.”
And Lorne Epstein (Cohort 25) explained, “I’m endlessly curious about people, how we think, and why we make the choices we do. Whether I’m leading a workshop, working on a neuroscience study, or just having a conversation, I’m constantly tuning in, asking questions, and trying to learn something new. Curiosity keeps me open, growing, and connected to the world around me.”
Both Davydova and Epstein noted that curiosity leads to innovation, connection, and personal growth.
Understanding and Empathy
Two alumni discussed understanding and empathy, two interwoven aspects.
“I show up with the intention to understand others, meet them where they are, and create space for growth and connection. Whether I’m supporting a colleague, a friend, or a student, compassion guides how I lead, listen, and learn,” according to Brittney Dalmas (Cohort 29).
Jeanne Zaptin (Cohort 7) said, “My attribute for my personal and professional life is empathy. I view empathy as the ability to think and feel from another person’s perspective. Not only do I feel a great deal for my family and friends, I find I naturally use it with my working relationships as well. At first, I thought this quality might not be seen as professional because it is a soft skill; however, I’ve realized it differentiates me from other leaders because I’m very approachable as a result. My colleagues seek me out regularly to discuss ideas and to work through conflict, and I’m thankful they respect me this way.” Zaptin added that there is grace in understanding.
Reflection
Alumni from three different eras of ODKM named reflection as a core characteristic.
Kimberly “Kim” Akiko Reavey (Cohort 25) reminded us to commit to ongoing reflection and growth in order to be an effective practitioner. She explained, “By listening deeply and asking questions, I continuously re-evaluate my beliefs, values, and actions compared to the other person in an invisible type of after-action internal review.”
Denise Goolsarran Mondragón (Cohort 14) combined reflection with presence, learning, and openness. She explained, “When you ask about a fundamental quality that describes me both personally and professionally, a couple of things come to mind, practicing being present, continuously learning about myself, reflecting regularly, and being open to new ways of seeing the world and others. I feel that I am growing and evolving, as a person and as a professional, through my interactions with others, as well as by being exposed to new ideas and influential thinkers.”
Reflection was fundamental for several members of ODKM with Lee Lacy (Cohort 5) sharing, “the word that comes immediately to mind is ‘reflective.' At first, I thought this was because you used the term in the body of your invitation but then remembered researching and writing a paper while in the course on ‘the reflective practitioner’ based on the work of Donald Schon and others and my experience as a trainer with Peace Corps. Now at age 78, reflecting on the whole expanse of my lived experience, this is a familiar mindset. I am so glad that the ODKM program rests so importantly in my personal and professional life of the last 25 years.”
Spunk
Mariam Hutchinson (Cohort 12) shared, “No matter what is happening in life, a little bit of spunk has served me well. It’s a combination of grit and playfulness and knowing how to say and do things with flavor that leaves others in your presence with a smile on their face.”
Authenticity, Respect, and Fun
Our much loved, respected, and appreciated Professor Emerita Ann Baker, who served as core faculty for the program from 1996 until retiring in 2015, shared that her fundamental quality is the combination of three that she explained as “a blend of being authentic, being respectful, and sharing fun.”
These responses reflect not just individual traits, but a collective movement toward alignment—where the boundaries between work self and home self are increasingly blurred in the best possible way. In a time when authenticity is currency and values-driven leadership is non-negotiable, identifying that one fundamental quality becomes more than a reflection; it becomes a compass.
And now, it is your turn to reflect on this question for yourself: What is one quality that defines you, both personally and professionally? Happy reflecting!
Have ideas for a question or prompt for the Community Column? Send it to Stacey Guenther at sguenthe@gmu.edu.