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 Parenting Advice for Working Moms Raising Two Kids

In Chapter 2 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "What Challenges Have You Faced Raising Two Young Children While Working Full-Time?" In her 5th year of parenting and now a mother of two young boys, Kerner shares that successful parenting is less about doing everything right and more with doing your best with the understanding that you never will be perfect. This approach helps Kerner adapt her work and home approach to meet the emotional challenges in her life.

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 Marriage Teaches About Teamwork

In Chapter 3 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "What Has Marriage Taught You About Teamwork?" To Kerner, marriage is all about teamwork. She notes that both she and her husband have careers, so sharing parenting responsibilities becomes that much more important. From child care to housework, Kerner finds good communication fundamental to doing this well.

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 Moving Your Family From the City to the Suburbs

In Chapter 5 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "What Factors Did You Consider in Your Decision to Relocate From the City to the Suburbs?" After starting a family in New York City, Kerner and her husband look to emulate their own childhoods and raise children in a house with a yard where they can play. They look at suburban options that provide that atmosphere along with manageable commute times and a diverse community and ultimately decide to move to New Jersey.

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 Making the Senior Manager to Executive Job Transition

In Chapter 21 of 21 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, education software company executive Leslie Kerner answers "What Leadership Skills are Becoming More Relevant As Your Career Progresses?" As she transitions from senior management into executive leadership at her company, Kerner works on vision casting and future planning skills. Working with two executive coaches helps her develop these skills. She also taps into her network, including her Aspen Institute NewSchools Fellowship cohorts, to get peer advice on setting vision for an organization.

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.

Randall Metting on Turning 40 and Making the Most of Every Moment

In Chapter 10 of 10 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, brand marketer Randall Metting answers "How Are Your Aspirations Changing as Your Experience Grows?" As he approaches his 40th birthday, Metting shares why he feels it is important to maximize every second you are given in all aspects of life. From time with friends, family and his trusted canine pal, Shiner Dog, to work and personal health, Metting tries not to waste an opportunity to live life to its fullest and push the boundaries to what is possible. Randall Metting is a brand marketer working for Dulce Vida Spirits in Austin. Metting has built a career on helping companies and non-profits develop integrated marketing strategy and brand development programs. As "The Unofficial Mayor of Austin, Texas" Metting authors the randallmetting.com community blog. He is also an on-air radio personality for 93.3 KGSR radio in Austin. Metting earned a B.S. in Advertising from the University of Florida.

Chris Hinkle on Finding Meaning By Improving the Lives of Others

In Chapter 4 of 10 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, software engineer Chris Hinkle answers "What Makes Your Work Meaningful?" Working in digital agencies early in his career, Hinkle recalls finding meaning by building things that impress other people. As he gains product design experience, Hinkle finds meaning not by impressing others but rather by creating things that improve the lives of others. Chris Hinkle is a senior software engineer working at Evernote in Silicon Valley. Previously, Hinkle worked at New York City digital agencies HUGE and R/GA in creative director and software engineering roles designing products and developing Internet mobile applications and websites.

Chris Hinkle on Why There is No Harm in Living Your Job

In Chapter 5 of 10 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, software engineer Chris Hinkle answers "How Are Your Personal Experiences Shaping Your Professional Aspirations?" Hinkle loves his work and because of this he finds he is happier integrating life and work together. He is able to make a living doing what he loves and, as a result, can focus less on financial goals and more on making the digital apps and products that give him purpose. Chris Hinkle is a senior software engineer working at Evernote in Silicon Valley. Previously, Hinkle worked at New York City digital agencies HUGE and R/GA in creative director and software engineering roles designing products and developing Internet mobile applications and websites.

Jon Kolko on How a Supportive Family Can Open Doors in Your Education and Career

In Chapter 1 of his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, educator and designer Jon Kolko answers "Where Has Your Family Been Most Supportive in Your Career Development?" Kolko shares how his wife has helped him achieve work goals by making sacrifices so he could grow into new phases of his career. Moreover, Kolko shares how his parents always supported his education and rarely challenged his choices. As an educator, Kolko sees how students make higher education and career choices and challenges the status quo and the need for a college degree. Jon Kolko is VP of Design at MyEdu and the Founder and Director of Austin Center for Design (AC4D). He has authored three books on design and previously has worked in design roles at Austin, Texas venture accelerator Thinktiv and global innovation firm frog design. He was a professor of Interaction and Industrial Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and earned his Masters in Human Computer Interaction (MHI) and BFA in Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

Jon Kolko on How to Support Your Spouse in His or Her Career

In Chapter 2 of his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, educator and designer Jon Kolko answers "What Approaches Have You Found Most Useful in Supporting Your Spouse's Career?" Kolko finds he can help his wife by asking questions and carefully listening to her answer. As a design professional, he looks for problem solving approaches he can apply to help her in areas of her career such as organizational dynamics, product launches, and marketing strategies. Jon Kolko is VP of Design at MyEdu and the Founder and Director of Austin Center for Design (AC4D). He has authored three books on design and previously has worked in design roles at Austin, Texas venture accelerator Thinktiv and global innovation firm frog design. He was a professor of Interaction and Industrial Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and earned his Masters in Human Computer Interaction (MHI) and BFA in Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

Jon Kolko on How Recognition Can Strengthen a Marriage

In Chapter 3 of 16 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, educator and designer Jon Kolko answers "What Has Marriage Taught You About Teamwork?" As an introvert who has been married for over 12 years, Kolko finds the support he gives to and receives from his wife happens in communal settings and is built on giving and receiving recognition and appreciating one another. Jon Kolko is VP of Design at MyEdu and the Founder and Director of Austin Center for Design (AC4D). He has authored three books on design and previously has worked in design roles at Austin, Texas venture accelerator Thinktiv and global innovation firm frog design. He was a professor of Interaction and Industrial Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and earned his Masters in Human Computer Interaction (MHI) and BFA in Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

Jon Kolko on How Work Life Integration Can Make You Happier

In Chapter 4 of 16 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, educator and designer Jon Kolko answers "How Are Your Personal Experiences Shaping Your Professional Aspirations?" Kolko integrates personal and professional together into a life built around his design passion. He finds doing multiple things in design, from writing to teaching to working at a startup, aligns well with what he has seen from others: the happiest people are those who have multiple jobs and responsibilities. Jon Kolko is VP of Design at MyEdu and the Founder and Director of Austin Center for Design (AC4D). He has authored three books on design and previously has worked in design roles at Austin, Texas venture accelerator Thinktiv and global innovation firm frog design. He was a professor of Interaction and Industrial Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and earned his Masters in Human Computer Interaction (MHI) and BFA in Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

Jon Kolko on Aspiring to Achieve a Creative Flow State

In Chapter 5 of 16 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, educator and designer Jon Kolko answers "How Are Your Aspirations Changing as Your Experience Grows?" Kolko talks to the importance of achieving a flow state of mastery in his work and teaching. To Kolko, aspirations have less to do with fame or money or legacy and more about finding a flow state of productivity and mastery alone and around others. Jon Kolko is VP of Design at MyEdu and the Founder and Director of Austin Center for Design (AC4D). He has authored three books on design and previously has worked in design roles at Austin, Texas venture accelerator Thinktiv and global innovation firm frog design. He was a professor of Interaction and Industrial Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and earned his Masters in Human Computer Interaction (MHI) and BFA in Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

Jon Kolko on How to Use Buckets to Manage a Busy Schedule

In Chapter 6 of 16 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, educator and designer Jon Kolko answers "What Do You Find Are the Keys to Managing a Busy Schedule and Getting Things Done?" Kolko shares how he uses bucketing to break down his commitments and work through tasks. He shares how he has learned how much capacity he has to take on projects and why he needs to say no to thing above and beyond five things to do. Jon Kolko is VP of Design at MyEdu and the Founder and Director of Austin Center for Design (AC4D). He has authored three books on design and previously has worked in design roles at Austin, Texas venture accelerator Thinktiv and global innovation firm frog design. He was a professor of Interaction and Industrial Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and earned his Masters in Human Computer Interaction (MHI) and BFA in Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

Matt Curtis on the Benefits of Playing Outdoors as a Child

In Chapter 1 of 18 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, HomeAway government relations director Matt Curtis answers "What Childhood Experiences Have Been Most Fundamental to Shaping Who You Are Today?" Curtis recalls a childhood where he and his friends were free to roam the neighborhood and play outdoors into the late hours. The constant outdoors experience gives Curtis an early appreciation for nature and for embracing the outdoors. Matt Curtis is the director of government relations at HomeAway Inc. Previously he was communications director for Austin mayors Lee Leffingwell and Will Wynn. He earned his bachelor's degree in radio, television and film from the University of North Texas.

Matt Curtis on Why to Have a Weight Loss Accountability Partner

In Chapter 9 of 18 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, HomeAway government relations director Matt Curtis answers "What Different Ways Have People Supported You on Your Weight Loss Journey?" From finding the right pair of shoes to learning about healthy eating and exercise balance to getting workout coaching, Curtis finds support and encouragement in all places. He notes how he found a workout partner who has taught him the importance of accountability and the relationship is helping him lose weight and live healthier. Matt Curtis is the director of government relations at HomeAway Inc. Previously he was communications director for Austin mayors Lee Leffingwell and Will Wynn. He earned his bachelor's degree in radio, television and film from the University of North Texas.