Clara Soh on Building Job Skills to Work in American Government

In Chapter 7 of 20 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, health economist Clara Soh answers "What Skills Are You Working on Right Now to Become Better at Your Job?" Soh shares how aspects of work have changed as she has left the academic and nonprofit sector to work in American government health care policy. Whereas information sharing was free and open in her previous research lab work, Soh finds information sharing in DC to be a bit more constricted. She finds it challenging and fun to learn this new aspect of how American government works as she acclimates to her new role. Clara Soh is a health economist and Senior Director of Policy and Research at a pharmaceutical trade organization in Washington, DC. Previously, Soh held senior roles at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research (KPCHR) and Health Policy Research Northwest (HPRN). Soh earned her Masters of Public Administration (MPA) in Policy Analysis and Healthcare Public Finance from the NYU Wagner School and a BS in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University.

Clara Soh on How to Make Complex Research Easier to Understand

In Chapter 14 of 20 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, health economist Clara Soh answers "How Have You Learned to Translate Complex Research into Easily Digestable Writing?" Soh shares how she has learned to translate what she does at work to the level of communication her audience prefers such as academic or legislative or journalistic. Early career experiences reading extensively while in the Peace Corps give Soh the appreciation for diversity she then hones in her health economist career. Clara Soh is a health economist and Senior Director of Policy and Research at a pharmaceutical trade organization in Washington, DC. Previously, Soh held senior roles at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research (KPCHR) and Health Policy Research Northwest (HPRN). Soh earned her Masters of Public Administration (MPA) in Policy Analysis and Healthcare Public Finance from the NYU Wagner School and a BS in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University.

James McCormick on How Family Can Support Your Career and Life Decisions

In Chapter 1 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "Where Has Your Family Been Most Supportive in Your Career Development?" McCormick notes that his parents have provided consistent support and it has always been about helping him find something that engages and challenges him and helping him make sure he has thought through the decision before making it. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on How Summer Camp Can Teach Responsibility

In Chapter 2 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "What Childhood Experiences Have Been Most Fundamental in Shaping Who You Are Today?" For McCormick, it was about growing up in a very steady and stable family environment. He shares how going away to Sanborne western boys and girls summer camp in Colorado taught him responsibility while opening his eyes to the world of the mountains and great outdoors. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan.

James McCormick on Learning Work Ethic From Two Inspirational Grandfathers

In Chapter 3 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "Where Did You Learn Your Work Ethic?" McCormick learns his work ethic from both of his grandfathers. The first starts a small business making automotive parts and teaches his grandson the benefits of being engaged in your work. The other teaches James the importance of studying and how concentration in schoolwork can lead to positive attention at home. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on Learning Teaching Skills by Raising a Child

In Chapter 11 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "How Are You Becoming a Better Teacher?" Raising a 2-year old son, McCormick learns the importance of patience as it pertains to teaching and instructing. By creating calm situations he is able to understand all parties involved and provide better instruction as a teacher. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan.

Leslie Kerner on Making the World Better One Aspiration at a Time

In Chapter 1 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "To What Do You Aspire?" Kerner sees her aspirations in the context of what she can bring to the world, from raising two young boys into caring men to being a good partner to her husband to making a lasting impact in her company and with the people she engages in her education career.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on How Being Part of a Team Can Bring Out Your Best

In Chapter 4 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "When Are You At Your Best?" Kerner shares how, personally and professionally, being part of something larger brings out her best. In her personal life, it is being part of a community of relationships. Professionally, she achieves the most when leading or being part of a team. She learns this early on competing on swim teams and playing team sports where you have multiple experience levels working together to achieve a common goal.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on How Childhood Experiences Can Shape Your Values

In Chapter 6 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "What Childhood Experiences Have Been Most Fundamental in Shaping Who You Are Today?" Kerner looks back at her childhood and talks about the formative experiences that shaped her values. From swimming at the community pool to unstructured play to spending time with grandparents, Kerner learns the values of managing a busy schedule, making time for family, and having a curiosity for learning.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on Lifelong Benefits of Being a College Student Athlete

In Chapter 7 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "How Did Your Experience, Walking on the College Swim Team, Change Your Life?" Kerner shares how making the Northwestern University women's swim team as a walk on opened doors in her life to job opportunities, healthy habits, and lifelong friendships. She learns from being surrounded by more talented teammates and works her way to team captain. Over time, the bonds she makes help her get a job at Deloitte and stay relevant year in and out.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on Ways Parents Can Help You Pursue Your Passion

In Chapter 8 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "Where Has Your Family Been Most Supportive in Your Career Development?" Kerner notes that while her parents have not always understood what she did at work, they were always supportive. Ultimately they find ways to encourage Kerner to pursue her passion to work at the intersection of management consulting and K-12 education.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on How to Establish Trust When Building Relationships

In Chapter 10 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "How Do You Establish Trust When Building Relationships?" First and foremost, Kerner advises you do what you say you will do and make good on your promises or commitments. By being reliable, people will believe in your ability to deliver and trust you more.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on How Getting an MBA Can Advance Your Career

In Chapter 11 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "What Informed Your Decision to Return to School and Earn an MBA?" Working in the Deloitte analyst program after college allows Kerner to return to graduate school, earn an MBA, and then rejoin the company. Kerner uses the MBA experience to build her network and core skills that she eventually uses working in K-12 education.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on How Volunteering Can Help You Find Your Passion

In Chapter 12 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "How Has Volunteering Impacted Your Learning and Development?" Kerner starts volunteering in college, tutoring elementary and middle school children. This hands-on teaching experience ignites her passion for education and her desire to improve the K-12 teaching and learning experience. She gains more senior experience as a volunteer board member and learns leadership working with the Special Olympics and, later, Peer Health Exchange.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on Why to Pursue a Business Career in Public Education

In Chapter 13 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "What Led You to Pursue a Business Career Working to Improve Public Education?" Kerner shares how she combined her passion for education with the accountability and motivational elements that come with working in business.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on What It Means to Be a Leader

In Chapter 15 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "What Does It Mean to Be a Leader in What You Do?" Kerner finds the biggest part of being a leader is bringing out the best in people and helping them to achieve great things they did not even think they could do. She learns to do this through developing a leadership style using differentiation skills to help employees thrive in a way that makes sense for them.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on How the Aspen Institute Trains Leaders of Tomorrow

In Chapter 16 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "How Did Your Aspen Institute Fellowship Contribute to Your Professional Development?" Kerner joins a NewSchools Venture Fund-sponsored fellowship leadership development program at the Aspen Institute. There she learns from education entrepreneur peers working across startups, charter schools, school districts and nonprofits. The fellowship meets twice a year and is built off dialogue-based text reading of classic books from Aristotle, Kant, and Plato as well as more modern education industry focused writing.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.

Leslie Kerner on How to Get Career Feedback From Your Network

In Chapter 17 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "How Do You Use Your Network to Get Help Making Career and Life Decisions?" Kerner joins a Aspen Institute fellowship programs for education entrepreneurs and reformers. There she meets many new friends who collectively help each other solve career challenges through a formalized consultancy process. This helps gather constructive feedback in a formalized way.

Leslie Kerner is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Professional Services group at Amplify, a software and services company innovating K-12 education. She is responsible for building and managing training, professional development and consulting services for schools. Previously, Kerner worked as a management consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Kerner earned an MBA from the Duke University and a BA from Northwestern University.