Member Spotlight

Each month we take a moment to recognize a Chapter Member and share a little bit about them.  We hope you find their stories engaging!

January 2023

Name:  George Easley

Position and Employer:  Learning & Knowledge Specialist at UFG Insurance

How long have you been with your employer and/or in your position?  I started with UFG in 2011 working in our Houston Texas office.  Then in 2020 I moved to Cedar Rapids and joined the Learning & Knowledge department. 

How long have you been a member of ATD Hawkeye Chapter?  I’ve been a member of the ATD Hawkeye Chapter since 2021

What is a typical workday like for you?  I tend to be involved in a little of everything within the Learning & Knowledge field at UFG so I’m not sure I really have a typical day!  Mostly what I do is consult with various business units within the company about their learning & knowledge needs and then work with them to build appropriate learning programs.  Sometimes this involves formal training (which may or may not be facilitated by me), but then other times it may be something like working with other members of our team to create a job aid or an eLearning.  It all depends on what’s best for the situation.  

What do you enjoy most about ATD Hawkeye Chapter?  I really enjoy the leadership opportunities that the chapter provides.  I started out in 2021 still being new to Iowa and not really knowing anyone in the learning field outside of UFG.  I spent 2021 as a chapter member, then I heard the Events Committee was looking for volunteers for 2022.  I reached out to leadership and joined the committee 2022.  Now I’m the VP for Events for 2023 – all in a two year period!   

What piece of advice related to talent and development has made a significant impact on you and your work?  When I first joined this field and I would work with various business units at UFG, most of the time I would just jump right in and start training.  However, as I grew in my role, my manager helped me realize that sometimes this isn’t the best approach.  The business unit has to know what they want and have clear goals for the learning/training for it to be effective.  Sometimes in my role I have to “slow down to speed up.”  I’d say that’s the most effective advice I’ve gotten. 

What is your favorite part of the learning and development field?  This may sound cliché but it’s true, I really do enjoy helping people reach their potential!

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