Human on the Inside with NextMapping’s Cheryl Cran
We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Maxme: Welcome Cheryl, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight!
You’re the founder of NextMapping™/NextMapping.com, creator of the NextNow podcast and the CEO of parent company Synthesis at Work Inc.
In one sentence, ok we’ll give you three, what do these roles entail?
Cheryl Cran: As Founder of NextMapping, I am a future of work/leadership expert who helps organisations and leaders be future ready now. The NextNow podcast is a weekly show about all things future of work/leadership/being human. Synthesis at Work is the parent company I founded in 1997 and is a global consulting and training company.
M: First launched in 1997, NextMapping rebranded in 2017. You, together with NextMapping’s parent company Synthesis at Work, have been in the future of work, leadership development, team development, business strategy space for over 18 years.
With over 130 ‘experience’ entries on your LinkedIn profile, you’re a globally known Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker in over a dozen countries, for hundreds of events and thousands of clients.
You’ve been named #1 Future of Work Influencer, and are listed in the top 10 of Future of Work influencers. According to AT&T, you’re a "Rock Star Keynote Speaker!" 🌟
Your esteemed, well entrenched track record with clients include small, medium and Fortune 500's businesses. You are the author of best seller, "NextMapping - Anticipate, Navigate and Create The Future of Work" as well as "The Art of Change Leadership - Driving Transformation In a Fast-Paced World" and 5 other books on business and leadership.
How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
CC: My personal purpose is to help leaders and their teams to be more effective in today’s fast paced, AI, digitally connected world. I truly believe we can change the world by helping leaders and teams in business be evolved humans. I truly believe that we can change the world through business. That the more evolved humans are in business the greater good can be created in business, in communities and the world.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
CC: I am one of those who got her education throughout her career. I started in banking and was promoted to senior leadership at the age of 23. From there leadership became my passion and I enrolled in numerous programs on communication, leadership and change management. I have a certificate in AI from MIT and I have a certificate in Exponential Innovation from Singularity University. I am a huge believer in ‘real time’ education. Once you get a degree or a certificate it's only as relevant as the ability to apply what you’ve learned. All of the education I continue to seek includes working with top leaders and coaches.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...
CC: Well at 21 I was working in the bank and was very ambitious. I started at 18 and had earned two promotions by the age of 21 - the advice I would give is to be more patient with others and adjust to their personality and speed of doing things.
M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace right now?
CC: My passion for human skills is connected to the work I do as a coach and keynote speaker. I do not like the term ‘soft skills’ . It completely undervalues the value of human skills. I like to say that the future needs everyone to have “Essential Human Skills” in order to be successful. Our workplace is centred on respect, appreciating diversity, valuing diverse personalities, communicating with empathy, being able to collaborate and co-create with others.
M: Self awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. With that said … what’s your strongest trait / personal super power?
CC: I agree that self awareness IS the foundation of human skills! My super powers are:
Ability to connect with almost anyone and be able to communicate with them.
Ability to balance compassion with accountability for effective leadership.
Ability to tap into the ‘energy’ of people and inspire them to make a difference.
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
CC: Patience, tolerance and humility.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to work at a company like NextMapping, what would it be?
CC: We are a consulting/coaching/speaking firm and are looking for people who have a keen interest in human development and change management. My advice would be to be prepared to be a lifelong learner and to ensure you have a passion for helping people grow.
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one University graduate to your team, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
CC: A doer, a self starter, self motivated, highly self aware and eager to collaborate with our team.
M: In the words of John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.” What’s next on your #learning agenda?
CC: I am an avid reader of autobiographies. I’m currently reading “Lifeforce’ by Peter Diamandis and Tony Robbins. I have a lifelong interest in psychology and philosophy and am currently doing a one year program in eco health, psycho spirituality and somatic science.
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