We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tracy Shroyer, PhD a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tracy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?
When it comes to learning and development, leaders within organizations often move too quickly and desire “butts in seats” versus ensuring that the type of learning is adequate for the topic and the audience. This causes a rush to request courses – whether instructor-led or eLearning, believing these will be one-and-done solutions to the productivity challenges that exist within the business.
The problem is that it often takes more than a course. It involves thinking about the journey, and thinking of the ways that are likely to be more effective in producing results. This is where I see the need for more platforms that offer a combination of courses, coaching, and community to enable leaders and employees across Corporate America to more successfully upskill.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am Dr. Tracy Shroyer and I am a lifelong learner in the truest sense.
Throughout my tenure as a university student, a corporate employee, and an adjunct faculty member, i realized the need for a space to enable lifelong learners to elevate their personal and professional skills, network, and confidence. In 2021, I founded my own business, now under the umbrella of Tracy Shroyer PhD LLC, and provide a variety of upskilling opportunities for community members and clients. I am an author and the host of the podcast titled “Through the Lens of Learning,” which enables me and other lifelong learners to share insight into their own journeys and topics of curiosity.
My free community is called Upskill University, and I offer paid products and services within the community also. The primary paid service launching in 2023 is called RISE Professionally and is a learning community subscription. RISE Professionally is geared toward organizations and mid-level professionals interested in upskilling, specifically in soft skills areas like time management, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and more. The subscription includes courses, coaching, and community, making it an opportunity like no other currently available.
I had dabbled with entrepreneurship in the past but realized the need to get focused on what I wanted to do and who I could help when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2020. In March of 2021, I launched my business and begin providing a variety of upskilling opportunities to my clients through on-demand courses, challenges, and 1-on-1 coaching.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Authenticity. Being real – when life gets hard or doesn’t go the way we planned, as well as when times are good and we need to celebrate. I’m honest with myself and my audience.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I was originally going to start my business in early 2020 and even reached out to a brand photographer in December 2019 to talk about what her services included. After talking with her in mid-December, she sent me the contract and payment link and I had a gut instinct that something wasn’t right with it all. A few weeks later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer!
As a result, I put my business concept on hold while I went through my breast cancer journey (and the pandemic) in 2020. It gave me even more passion for launching my business, and I excitedly launched my business in March 2021.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tracyshroyerphd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyshroyerphd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyshroyerphd
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyshroyerphd/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtwpMtVqrU98ISozfe_9koA
Image Credits
Heather Moran Creative