Nikki Eatchel, the Chief Assessment Officer at Prometric, shares her 30-year journey through the evolving landscape of the assessment industry, revealing how she became a leading figure in ethical assessment practices. Nikki's passion is rooted in her early career experiences, where she navigated employment litigation and protective services, igniting her dedication to creating fair and valid assessments. Her pioneering work in integrating AI into assessments is reshaping the industry, and her story is an inspiring testament to the power of innovation and ethical leadership.

Our conversation unfolds through Nikki's diverse roles at Prometric, Questar, Scantron, and Mursion, each chapter a testament to her growth in technical skills and business acumen. Leadership and mentorship emerge as key themes, with Nikki drawing inspiration from figures like Stuart Udell and Peter Drucker. She shares candid reflections on the challenges of balancing work and family life, the importance of aligning career choices with personal values, and the lessons learned from both effective and ineffective leaders.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Nikki Eatchel's 30-year journey in the assessment industry and her rise to ethical leadership
• Pioneering integration of AI in fair and valid assessments
• Importance of aligning career choices with personal values
• Balancing work and family life, and the significance of career flexibility
• Navigating organizational challenges, role design, and cross-functional collaboration
• Joy and fulfillment found in diverse and meaningful work within the assessment industry

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Legendary softball athlete Michele Smith shares her remarkable journey from a late-blooming pitcher to an Olympic gold medalist. Despite facing a career-threatening injury early on, Michele's story is one of extraordinary resilience. As ESPN's pioneering softball analyst and the first woman to serve as a commentator for a nationally televised Major League Baseball (MLB) game. Michele's contributions to sports broadcasting are as impressive as her athletic achievements. Her USA Softball Hall of Fame induction is a testament to her enduring influence on the sport and her dedication to nurturing young athletes.

Michele's narrative unfolds beyond the diamond, exploring themes of identity and leadership. She discusses how the pressure to excel initially shaped her self-view, and how pivotal moments redirected her focus towards being a supportive teammate and person. Her rich experiences in Japan played a crucial role in this transformation, teaching her the importance of community and contribution beyond professional accolades. The episode touches on the common challenge of equating self-worth with professional success, emphasizing the deeper fulfillment of human connections and shared experiences.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Michele Smith's journey from late-blooming pitcher to Olympic gold medalist
• Overcoming a career-threatening injury and developing high adversity intelligence
• Transitioning to a groundbreaking career in sports broadcasting with ESPN
• Redefining personal identity beyond athletic achievements
• Emphasizing the importance of community, leadership, and shared experiences
• Insights on embracing failure, resilience, and intuition in career transitions

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Legendary coach Carol Hutchins, affectionately known as Hutch, graces us with her presence and insights in this enlightening episode. As the winningest coach in NCAA softball history, Hutch opens the door to her remarkable journey, reflecting on her evolution alongside Title IX and its transformation of women's sports. Growing up in a large family with a Marine and police officer father in Lansing, Michigan, her childhood dreams of playing college football laid the groundwork for her future as a trailblazing leader in women's sports.

Listeners will find themselves captivated as Hutch shares the triumphs and trials of building a sustainable sports program at the University of Michigan. From the lean days with limited resources to clinching a Big Ten championship, she recounts the relentless pursuit of excellence and the critical importance of setting high standards. In a world where financial incentives tempt young athletes, Hutch discusses maintaining a strong team culture and the crucial role of education in preparing athletes for life beyond the field.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Carol Hutchins, legendary coach and trailblazer in NCAA softball, shares her journey and evolution alongside the enactment of Title IX.
• Reflections on growing up in Lansing, Michigan, and her early dreams of playing college football.
• Challenges and triumphs in building a successful sports program at the University of Michigan with limited resources.
• Importance of setting high standards and fostering a strong team culture amidst financial temptations for athletes.
• Insights into leadership, mentorship, and the enduring impact of empowering women in sports.
• Parallels between college sports and professional environments, with a focus on adaptability and personal growth.

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.