We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Renee OConnor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Renee below.
Renee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Just a week before the fall semester of 2023, I made a life-altering decision to take a sabbatical from my beloved career as a high school teacher, a role I had dedicated myself to since 2011. While I deeply loved my job, I felt a growing thirst for personal growth and new experiences nudging me to step away from the familiarity and security of the classroom.
The biggest challenge I faced was financial—opting out of a year’s salary was no small matter and it loomed large over my decision. Yet, I asked myself, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” This question became the catalyst for my journey. I decided to take a year off and embrace everything I had been longing to do: travel, go to the beach on a Tuesday, become a full-time grad student, have coffee dates at 10 a.m.—essentially, live life on my own terms for a while.
Sharing this decision with my family, friends, and employer stirred a mix of emotions, from worry to encouragement. Their support, coupled with my deep conviction, fortified my resolve. This sabbatical has truly transformed me. It’s been a year of enriching experiences, not just academically as I approach my graduation from Florida State University, but in every aspect of life. I’ve traveled, volunteered, and reignited my passion for education, each moment adding layers of depth and joy to my existence.
Navigating life without a steady income was challenging, but the personal fulfillment I’ve gained far outweighs the financial hardships. Now, as I near the end of my sabbatical, with graduation just around the corner, I am profoundly grateful for this journey. It has shifted my professional outlook and enriched my personal life in unimaginable ways.
Taking a risk, such as a sabbatical, can be daunting. The fear of financial instability, the uncertainty of stepping away from a secure job, and the unpredictability of what lies ahead can easily deter anyone. However, my experience has taught me that these risks are often the stepping stones to profound personal and professional growth. Each new experience, from traveling to volunteering, has expanded my horizons and deepened my understanding of the world and myself.
This sabbatical reminded me what life is truly about. So many of us are working to live, surviving paycheck to paycheck, and I have now realized that life is more about freedom and taking risks. The experience has prepared me for new professional opportunities and revitalized my entire approach to education and life.
Reflecting on this year, I realize that taking a risk was not just about leaving my job; but challenging myself to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined. The sabbatical allowed me to immerse myself in new cultures, gain fresh insights, and rediscover my passions. It was a reminder that life is not just about financial security but also about personal fulfillment and joy.
As I prepare to start the next chapter in my life, I carry with me the lessons learned from this sabbatical. I have a new zest for life and am excited for the next chapter as an entrepreneur. The experiences I’ve gathered have enriched my life and equipped me with new tools and perspectives.
In addition to personal growth and academic achievements, I have taken a significant leap by starting my own instructional design company, The ROC Experience. This venture is dedicated to creating unique and innovative training materials and modules for organizations of all kinds. The skills and insights gained during my sabbatical have been instrumental in shaping this new chapter of my career. The ROC Experience aims to revolutionize how employees learn and interact within their organizations, offering tailored solutions that make learning a transformative experience.
Taking a risk, especially one as significant as stepping away from a stable career and starting a new business, can be incredibly rewarding. It requires courage, support, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. But the rewards—in terms of personal growth, professional development, and overall fulfillment—are well worth the initial uncertainty. My sabbatical has been a journey of transformation, proving that sometimes the biggest risks yield the greatest rewards.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Me and My Creative Works
Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, my family moved to Miami when I was six years old, seeking the opportunities America had to offer. This move was pivotal in shaping my aspirations and values. Growing up in Miami Gardens as a first-generation college student, I pursued a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Black Studies at Florida State University. This academic background gave me a deep understanding of global dynamics and cultural diversity, which continues to influence my work today.
I began my career in Corporate America, spending several years in the hospitality industry at Ritz-Carlton Hotels International. This experience honed my skills in customer service, project management, and organizational excellence.
In 2006, I started a dance company, which I successfully managed for five years. This entrepreneurial journey taught me the importance of creativity, resilience, and community engagement. However, my career took a significant turn in 2010 after hearing a speech by President Obama on public education. His insights into the disparities faced by minority students motivated me to join Teach For America, where I taught at Miami Norland Senior High. There, I passionately instructed students in African American History, reading, and English, striving to make a difference in their educational journeys.
Although I have left the classroom, I will always consider myself an educator. My passion for education continues through advocating for teacher rights and ensuring that teachers have the freedom to teach the complete, honest history of America. I remain deeply committed to providing students with a truthful and comprehensive education.
Today, I am on the cusp of completing my master’s degree in Instructional Systems and Learning Technology at Florida State University, a testament to my dedication to education and continuous learning. This academic pursuit has led me to start The ROC Experience, an Instructional Design company dedicated to creating unique and innovative training materials and modules for organizations of all kinds.
The ROC Experience: Transforming Learning
The ROC Experience specializes in designing innovative learning experiences that revolutionize how employees learn and interact within their organizations. We offer a comprehensive range of services, from in-person training sessions and facilitation to designing cutting-edge e-learning modules. Our solutions are tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses, ensuring that learning is not just an activity but a transformative experience.
What sets The ROC Experience apart is our commitment to creating immersive and engaging learning environments. We believe that effective learning should be interactive, inclusive, and impactful. Our programs foster collaboration, critical thinking, and practical application, enabling employees to not only acquire new skills but also apply them in real-world scenarios.
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to empower organizations by enhancing their learning and development strategies, ultimately driving performance and growth. We are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by our clients, whether it’s improving employee engagement, boosting productivity, or fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
At The ROC Experience, our tagline, “You’ve Been ROC’d,” is a playful twist on “you’ve been rocked.” This reflects the powerful impact our training modules will have on our clients. When you choose The ROC Experience, you’re not just receiving training; you’re embarking on a transformative journey that will energize and empower your organization. Our innovative and engaging learning experiences will leave you and your team feeling inspired, equipped, and ready to excel. We promise that you’ll love the unique, high-quality training solutions we create, ensuring that “You’ve Been ROC’d” becomes synonymous with unparalleled excellence in instructional design.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The secret sauce has been LinkedIn. Picture me, coffee in hand, scrolling through my feed, engaging with industry professionals, sharing nuggets of wisdom, and jumping into conversations. It’s like a virtual cocktail party, and it’s been amazing for building a strong following and connecting with potential clients. LinkedIn has been my stage to showcase my instructional design ability and allow my growing professional network to keep up with my work. It’s a great way to keep a pulse on the latest industry trends.
But I didn’t stop there. I also joined several local boards and national organizations to expand my network. Think of it as adding some in-person mingling to my digital dance card. These memberships have been fantastic for meeting and collaborating with professionals from all walks of life, proving that every business can use a dash of instructional design magic. Being part of these communities has broadened my reach and given me a deeper understanding of the unique needs of different industries, allowing me to tailor my services more effectively.
This combo of online networking and active participation in professional organizations has been like finding the perfect recipe. It has helped me grow my clientele and establish myself as a trusted expert in instructional design. Connecting with people, understanding their challenges, and offering solutions has been a fulfilling journey. I look forward to continuing to build meaningful relationships and make a positive impact in the field. Plus, who knew that growing a business could be so much fun?
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn is that your friends will always be happy for you and support you. The backstory here is a bit of a roller coaster.
When I decided to take a sabbatical and then start my own instructional design company, The ROC Experience, I was excited to share my journey with everyone. I expected my friends to cheer me on and be as thrilled as I was. But reality hit me hard when I realized that not everyone was as supportive or as happy for me as I had hoped.
Some friends were genuinely excited and offered their encouragement, but others seemed indifferent or even skeptical. It was a tough pill to swallow, realizing that the people you count on the most might not always be in your corner. I learned that my big dreams and bold moves could sometimes make others uncomfortable, possibly due to their own insecurities or fears.
This experience taught me the value of moving in silence. I started to keep my plans and ambitions closer to my chest, sharing them only with a select few who I knew would provide genuine support and constructive feedback. It’s not about being secretive, but about protecting your energy and dreams from unnecessary negativity.
Unlearning the belief that all friends will always be happy for you has been liberating. It has allowed me to focus on my goals without the weight of others’ expectations or judgments. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and celebrate my achievements with those who truly matter. This shift has made my journey smoother and more fulfilling, proving that sometimes, less is more when it comes to sharing your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therocexperience.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therocexperience
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-oconnor/
