Barb Curran
Waterloo,IA
Summary
Knowledgeable Senior Learning Consultant with a proven track record at Principal Financial Group, excelling in change management, strategic project execution and relationship building. Leveraged critical thinking and effective communication to foster adaptability and enhance learning outcomes. Achieved seamless integration of comprehensive training strategies, demonstrating exceptional relationship-building, performance management skills and project management skills. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving strategic outcomes.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
Principal Financial Group
10.2017 - Current
- Partner with Learning & Development Director to strategize, build and execute on establishment of Business Readiness Team focusing on strategic directives, processes and tactics to ensure successful implementation and execution of initiatives.
- Engage with Senior Leaders, PMO, Marketing, Product Management and Stakeholders to develop comprehensive change management plans that address concerns, resistance and foster a culture of adaptability. Deliver comprehensive plan across initiatives to ensure consistent messaging and expectations across the organization.
- Oversee Portfolio initiatives by aligning with multiple Product Squads to ensure each initiative is strategically planned, resourced and successfully integrates learning & development intended outcomes.
- Enable high performing team culture by closely partnering with Instructional Designers, Technical Writers and Learning & Development Leadership from start to finish on all learning & development initiatives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to understand business needs, challenges and strategic objectives.
- Developed comprehensive project plans for key stakeholder strategic needs including training, communication and change management components. Managed resources to ensure successful implementation.
- Foster open lines of communication with all levels of stakeholders within the organization, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
Instructional Design Consultant
Principal Financial Group
08.2005 - 10.2017
- Analyzed, designed and developed comprehensive training strategies for initiatives using ADDIE models, involving needs assessment, learner analysis, course design, and evaluations.
- Managed high-profile projects coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and integration, monitoring progress, and generating status reports for Project Managers and Stakeholders.
- Mentored Instructional Designers by sharing best practices and providing guidance on project management techniques.
- Partnered with Stakeholders from various departments to gather input on course requirements and expectations, fostering cross-functional collaboration.
- Managed curriculum projects for multiple business units, including defining project scope, setting training deadlines, documenting job procedures, developing course materials, and the creation of evaluations.
- Conducted and designed change strategies in partnership with Stakeholders to determine essential skills and knowledge for various roles, employing surveys and interviews to collect data, evaluate impacts, and devise strategic project plans for effective and timely results.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, delivering high-quality results within tight deadlines.
Client Service Associate
Principal Financial Group
11.1994 - 08.2005
- Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
- Promptly responded to client inquiries via phone, email, or face-to-face meetings, demonstrating commitment to exceptional service standards.
- Assisted in the retention of high-value clients through proactive communication and exceptional service delivery.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by effectively addressing and resolving inquiries in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop ways to increase customer satisfaction.
- Responded to customer requests, offering excellent support and tailored recommendations to address needs.
Education
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, IAAssociate of Arts - Business
American Institute of Commerce
Cedar Falls, IASkills
- Strategic Mindset
- Relationship Building
- Change Management
- Critical Thinking
- Project Management
- Decision-Making Abilities
- Performance Management
- Effective Communication
- Conflict Resolution
Timeline
Project Manager
Principal Financial Group
10.2017 - Current
Instructional Design Consultant
Principal Financial Group
08.2005 - 10.2017
Client Service Associate
Principal Financial Group
11.1994 - 08.2005
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Hawkeye Community College
Associate of Arts - Business
American Institute of Commerce
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