Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Courtney Paige . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Courtney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
Skills-based hiring has gained prominence due to its focus on specific abilities rather than traditional credentials. Employers are switching to non traditional hiring practices that include:
1. **Skill-based assessments:** Employers are using assessments or challenges to directly evaluate applicants’ skills.
2. **Remote work proficiency:** Skills in remote collaboration, digital communication, and virtual tools are highly sought after.
3. **Soft (durable) skills emphasis:** Beyond technical abilities, employers value soft skills like adaptability, communication, and problem-solving.
It’s a positive shift as it provides a more accurate assessment of an individual’s capabilities, enabling better matches between candidates and roles. This trend emphasizes the benefits of seeing people for their competency versus pedigree.
Courtney, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Balancing the art of competitive ballroom dancing by night and orchestrating partnerships between corporate entities and the community as the Manager of Market Relationships at OneTen, a non-profit coalition, defines my professional landscape. In this capacity, I’m the driving force behind forging connections for OneTen in Texas, leveraging innate talents to foster collaborations.
Previously, I thrived at Southwest Airlines, where my forte in communication facilitated seamless representation of Senior Leadership, adeptly handling customer concerns, and specializing in Cargo Accounting.
As a self-reward for accomplishments, I immersed myself in global travel, channeling these experiences into an influential blog that blossomed into an engaging podcast, fostering cultural connections.
Beyond these pursuits, I contribute actively to various Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex organizations like DFW Urban League Young Professionals, For Oak Cliff, and the ACLU. Achieving certification as a legal observer at the ACLU enabled me to support local protests, valuing the importance of context and community involvement.
My approach to challenges embodies resilience, offering a restorative perspective that intertwines seamlessly with a narrative worth sharing. Notably, an infectious level of energy defines my ethos, enriching every endeavor.”
And yes, a high level of energy is indeed an added bonus!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Navigating the misconception that success at an executive level necessitates a four-year degree was a significant paradigm shift for me. Initially, society’s emphasis on traditional education led to doubts about whether I possessed the requisite skills to excel in such high-level roles.
However, this journey compelled me to lean into the natural, enduring skills I’ve honed over time. Instead of fixating on a degree, I prioritized and amplified my proficiency in strategic thinking, problem-solving, relationship-building, and leadership—skills that transcend formal education.
By actively leveraging and refining these durable abilities, I’ve not only proven my capacity to operate at an executive level but also discovered that diverse experiences and a commitment to continuous learning often outweigh the confines of a traditional academic path. This shift in perspective has been instrumental in my success, affirming that one’s capability isn’t defined by a degree but by the mastery of invaluable, practical skills.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Once upon a time, I embarked on a journey that defied the expectations set by my circumstances. Born into a life that felt limited in possibilities, I yearned for something greater. With courage as my compass, I set my sights on Dallas, armed with nothing more than a car and a bag of clothes.
The city’s skyline loomed as I arrived, shimmering with promise and opportunity. But reality struck hard when the first night in Dallas found me seeking refuge within the confines of my car. A humble beginning, yet that night served as a testament to the resilience coursing through my veins.
As dawn broke, so did my resolve to carve a life beyond the challenges I faced. With unyielding determination, I set out to turn adversity into advantage.
Amidst the trials, a glimmer of hope emerged. A chance encounter led to a job—a humble start, but a crucial foothold. From there, I charted my course, dedicating myself to every task with unwavering commitment and an insatiable thirst for growth.
Sleepless nights weren’t just spent in worry; they were invested in learning, upskilling, and envisioning a brighter future. Networking became my lifeline as I connected with individuals who became mentors, guiding lights in my journey toward success.
With each passing day, I stitched together the fabric of a new life—a life I had envisioned for myself. Through sheer perseverance and an unbreakable spirit, I transformed the scarcity of that single bag of clothes into a wardrobe of accomplishments.
Today, as I look back on that resilient chapter it’s a testament to the resilience that defines my character—a resilience that turned a car into a shelter, a dream into a reality, and a journey into an inspiring story of triumph.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.starringcourtny.com
- Instagram: Starringcourtny
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/courtneypaige