Summary
Skills
Certification
Overview
Work History
Education
95
SarahGrace McKasson

SarahGrace McKasson

Seasoned Keynote Speaker, Writer, Facilitator & Coach, specializing in Leadership & Talent Development, Career Trasnition, Nutrition & Wellness
Overland Park,KS

Summary

Seasoned, result-driven & hospitality obsessed leadership & talent development facilitator & learning management specialist eager to create and implement successful strategies to improve organizational efficiency. Specializing in expanding the flavor profile of human potential through entrepreneurial learning initiatives, designed with proven design knowledge, adept at utilizing data analysis to provide insights into opportunities. With a drive to succeed achieved through strategic thinking directly related to the core responsibilities of training, learning & change. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and committed to pursuing best practices related to talent development and retention utilizing a suite of assessment, engagement tools and talent intelligence solutions aimed at promoting equity, opportunity & growth.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Mentoring abilities

Data-driven & Intuitive decision-making

Visionary leadership

Influencing skills

Financial Literacy

Entrepreneurial/Ownership Mindset

Classroom Management

Coaching and Mentoring

Creativity and Innovation

Public Speaking

Classroom Facilitation

Knowledge Transfer

Organizational Development

Training Management

Adult Learning Principles

Curriculum Design

Presentation Delivery

Return on investment understanding

Leadership Assessment

Teamwork and Collaboration

Excellent Communication

Organizational Skills

Project Planning

Results Orientation

Relationship Building

Assessment and Evaluation

Emotional self awareness

Goal Setting

Project Management

Event Planning

Volunteer Management

Program Development

Administration and management

Certification

  • Certified Transition & Wellness Coach, iPEC 2014
  • Certified HDBI Assessment Practitioner, Herrmann International, 2007
  • Certified Positive Performance Management, AchieveGlobal, 2007

Overview

15
15

Organizational Learning, Leadership & Talent Development

6
6
years of post-secondary education
5
5

Instructional Design & Course Development

Work History

Certified Facilitator Consultant

ELI Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative
Mentor, Ohio
2024.09 - Current
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Engaged listeners with relatable anecdotes and thought-provoking questions, fostering self-reflection and personal growth.
  • Reinforced brand values for corporate clients through carefully crafted speeches aligned with organizational culture and goals.
  • Achieved consistently high ratings from audience members for both content and delivery, resulting in numerous repeat bookings.
  • Collaborated with event organizers to create impactful marketing message that promoted speaking engagements to target audiences.
  • Communicated complex ideas effectively using clear language, visuals aids, or interactive components during various speaking engagements.
  • Enhanced attendee satisfaction at conferences by delivering high-energy presentations that resonated with diverse audiences.
  • Utilized various storytelling techniques to captivate audiences, ensuring an engaging and memorable experience for all participants.
  • Transformed audience perspectives on critical social issues through thoughtfully curated speeches aimed at raising awareness and promoting empathy.
  • Boosted employee morale within companies by offering motivational workshops focused on resilience, perseverance, and adaptability.
  • Presented information regarding entrepreneurial mindset to maximize opportunity, choice & decision making through creativity and innovation to cohort groups of 25-35 people per event.
  • Created interactive activities to engage participants and maximize learning.
  • Conducted needs assessments or surveys to determine interest in or satisfaction with wellness and career development and transition programs, events or services.
  • Implemented research-based curriculum and instructional strategies for self-enrichment topics.
  • Helped clients set and achieve health and wellness goals.
  • Conducted classes and workshops for clients on special topics of interest.
  • Fostered a supportive environment during workshops by encouraging open dialogue and active participation from all attendees.
  • Captivated attendees at fundraising events, generating higher donation levels through emotionally charged presentations on philanthropic causes.
  • Built rapport with diverse groups of stakeholders by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural competence during facilitated sessions.

Certified HBDI Assessment Practitioner, Consultant

Herrmann International
Charlotte, North Carolina
09.2007 - Current
  • Established best practices for knowledge sharing, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
  • Developed effective training materials for diverse audiences, resulting in improved skillsets and increased job satisfaction.
  • Managed complex projects from inception through completion, delivering high-quality results within tight deadlines.
  • Enhanced team performance by providing expert guidance on critical projects and strategic initiatives.
  • Boosted team morale and productivity through effective leadership and clear communication.
  • Conducted thorough needs assessments to customize training programs for individual clients, leading to increased client satisfaction.
  • Managed project timelines and budgets effectively, ensuring on-time delivery of instructional materials without cost overruns.
  • Implemented best practices in instructional design methodologies, resulting in improved learner outcomes.
  • Applied adult learning theories in designing effective educational experiences tailored towards professionals from various fields and backgrounds.
  • Managed communication with clients throughout the project lifecycle, fostering strong relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction with final deliverables.
  • Customized off-the-shelf training materials to align with clients'' specific organizational goals and objectives.
  • Stayed current on industry trends and new technologies to incorporate innovative approaches into course design initiatives.
  • Conducted thorough needs assessments to determine appropriate instructional strategies for diverse audiences.
  • Collaborated with subject matter experts to ensure accurate and up-to-date content in course design.
  • Researched and incorporated current trends and data into standard curriculum for Leadership & Management Development, Innovation, Creativity & Change, Effectiveness, Well being & Wellness
  • Identified skill gaps in leadership teams and provided tailored coaching to address weaknesses and capitalize on strengths.
  • Assisted businesses in developing their internal talent pool to enhance employee retention and reduce costs associated with external hiring.
  • Evaluated organizational structures and provided recommendations to streamline processes, increasing overall efficiency.
  • Conducted 360-degree feedback assessments for leaders to gain insights into their areas of improvement and development opportunities.
  • Developed comprehensive training programs for managers, resulting in improved team performance and collaboration.
  • Provided one-on-one development coaching services supporting career transition periods or specific developmental needs of leaders at various levels within organizations.
  • Designed customized workshops focusing on conflict resolution, decision-making, and delegation for more effective management.
  • Utilized psychometric tools such as HBDI assessments to provide valuable insights into individual personality types and preferred communication styles within teams.

Adjunct Professor Economics

Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, Kansas
12.2016 - 08.2024
  • Taught social & behavioral economic analysis and entrepreneurial assessments for opportunities, choice and solutions, providing instruction to up to 30-90 undergraduate students/per semester.
  • Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
  • Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
  • Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of gamified-based learning activities.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia/simulation resources.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Empowered students to take ownership of their education by facilitating opportunities for independent research projects within specific areas of interest.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with colleagues, participating in interdisciplinary and community based learning initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic experience for students.
  • Facilitated connections between students and professionals in field, organizing guest lectures and networking events that enriched educational experience.
  • Adapted course materials to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in notably higher student satisfaction rates.
  • Mentored students on academic and career aspirations, providing guidance that led to significant improvements in their academic performance and career choices.
  • Led workshops for faculty on inclusive teaching practices, promoting more welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students.
  • Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of pedagogical innovations, applying new teaching strategies that enhanced classroom dynamics.
  • Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.

Owner Chef, Event Management & Lead Designer

The Brass Fig Characuterie + more
Olathe, Kansas
09.2012 - 09.2022
  • Led catering events for private parties, weddings, and corporate functions while maintaining high-quality standards for presentation and taste.
  • Enhanced dining experiences by creating innovative and visually appealing dishes.
  • Created memorable dining experiences by designing custom menus tailored to clients'' preferences or dietary restrictions for special occasions or events.
  • Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
  • Implemented innovative event themes and designs to create memorable experiences for attendees.
  • Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes in future planning efforts.
  • Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Continually expanded culinary knowledge through research, experimentation, and attending industry conferences or workshops to stay current on trends.
  • Excelled in high-pressure situations by multitasking efficiently while maintaining composure under tight deadlines during peak hours or special events.
  • Optimized kitchen workflow by strategically delegating tasks to team members based on their individual skill sets and strengths.
  • Developed seasonal menus that showcased fresh, locally sourced ingredients for an elevated culinary experience.
  • Mentored new hires on company culture, expectations, and best practices to create a supportive working environment that encouraged growth within the team.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

Culinary Instructor | Catering Supervisor

JOCO Adult Residential Center | NourishKC
New Century, Kansas
09.2016 - 12.2017
  • Organized engaging field trips to local farms, markets, and restaurants to expose students to real-world applications of culinary arts.
  • Facilitated guest lectures from industry professionals to provide students with valuable insights into the culinary world.
  • Promoted healthy eating habits by integrating nutrition education into course content.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes for instructional supplies, reducing waste while maintaining cost efficiency.
  • Mentored students on career planning and professional development within the culinary industry.
  • Cultivated a positive classroom culture where creativity was valued while emphasizing food safety practices.
  • Managed budget constraints effectively to maximize profits without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction.
  • Streamlined catering processes for a smoother workflow and improved staff productivity.
  • Incorporated innovative culinary trends into menus, keeping offerings fresh and appealing to discerning clients.
  • Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
  • Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for overall catering costs.
  • Directed food preparation and cooking activities to meet health and safety standards.
  • Scheduled and rotated staff for adequate coverage and fair distribution of workload.
  • Created new recipes, outlined steps, and training staff on correct preparation.

Instructor, Economics | Career Development Coach

Culinary Institute at Platt College
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
03.2014 - 09.2016
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
  • Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching effectiveness.
  • Optimized learning plans based on student performance and feedback.
  • Assisted in curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards and best practices for effective instruction.
  • Evaluated employee skill sets to identify areas for improvement and create tailored development plans.
  • Supported employees in achieving their career goals, providing guidance on professional growth opportunities.
  • Collaborated with department heads to align employee development initiatives with company goals and objectives.
  • Fostered a collaborative work environment by facilitating team-building exercises and open communication workshops.
  • Designed custom learning modules to address specific organizational challenges, resulting in higher employee/student satisfaction placement rates.

Education

Master of Arts - Mangerial Economics & Decision Making

University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK
12.1990 - 05.1992

BBA - Social And Behavioral Analysis, Economics

University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK
08.1986 - 12.1990

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SarahGrace McKassonSeasoned Keynote Speaker, Writer, Facilitator & Coach, specializing in Leadership & Talent Development, Career Trasnition, Nutrition & Wellness