Member of the Week for September 19, 2022
Courtney Ramsey

With over 20 years of experience in Learning & Development and Human Resources, Courtney Ramsey loves helping others learn new skills and gain new perspectives.

She’s known for helping high-performers and leaders at all levels gain the skills they need to be effective. She recently authored her first book: Share Your Genius: 35 Tips to Create Training That Transforms.

Over the years, Courtney trained over 20 thousand associates in the areas of leadership, business management, conflict resolution, effective communication, and operations, helping companies like JCPenney, Toyota, Michelin, and The American Red Cross retain their people and save millions.

Courtney currently helps companies identify employee engagement and retention strategies to help them keep their top talent. You’ll often find her providing keynotes, breakouts, and workshops both virtually and in-person.

She received her MBA and BBA in Marketing from Texas A&M University and was a member of the adjunct faculty at the SMU Cox School of Business.

She holds her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) with the Association for Talent Development.

As a wife and mom of a fourth grader, her idea of a good time is a glass of wine and watching true crime shows on the couch in her PJs. (Dateline is her favorite!)

What audiences you speak for?

• Association Leadership Conferences
• Emerging and mid-level leaders for various corporations
• Contract speaking and training for several companies
• Recently an adjunct professor at SMU teaching both undergrads and graduate-level students

What led you to this career?

Imagine having to stand up in eighth grade and give your first speech. You don’t get to prepare because it’s “impromptu.” As you stand by the lectern, in front of the entire class, you draw your topic out of a red plastic bowl. It reads: “Is there too much sex, violence, and nudity on TV?” Your 13-year-old self wants to run and hide, but you can’t. You have to give your speech in three…two…one…

This is truly what happened to me in eighth grade. Luckily that experienced didn’t scar me for life. I actually enjoy public speaking so much that I’ve made it my career. I spent a lot of time in corporate recruiting and talent development before beginning my business in 2017. I really love that I get to speak and train as my JOB!

What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?

I’m working to become a better storyteller and incorporating more stories in my talks and workshops. I’m a “trainer” at heart, so I really LOVE content and teaching new skills. I tended to discount the impact of stories, but that has changed over the last few years.

What’s your go-to productivity trick?

I keep a master “to-do” list in MS Excel and set calendar deadlines for projects, even if my clients don’t demand them. I find that if I don’t have a deadline and it’s not on my calendar, it won’t get done. The master “to do” list is great because I can put everything on it—and it won’t get lost in the shuffle. Each day I choose the most important items to focus on each day and everything else rolls over to the next day.

Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

That’s a hard one! I’m influenced by many people, so it’s hard to narrow it down to one. I’d say that Kelly Swanson has really impacted my approach to storytelling and trying new things. I want to give each audience a unique experience that really stands out and impacts them long-term.

What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?

Many. Mistakes. I wish I would have prioritized business development from the start, but I kept telling myself I “wasn’t ready,” and my talk “isn’t there yet,” etc. It’s still something I struggle with daily! Thanks to NSA and our members, you can be ready if you are willing to ask for help. Put yourself out there and be intentional about building your business!

What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

I recently did a TEDx Talk! I’ve had that on my list of goals since 2018, and I’m excited that I got to check it off the list!

What does being a member of NSA-NT mean to you?

My path to NSA-NT is a little different because my first exposure to NSA was at the national convention in 2016. I knew Michael Hoffman, a current member and past NSA-NT President, through my corporate training work. From the moment I met him back in 2006, I knew I wanted to be like him “when I grew up.” When our paths crossed again in 2016 and he told me about Influence, I figured I’d try it out.

I’ve continued my membership with NSA-NT primarily because of the relationships I’ve built over the years. Some of my favorite people are those I’ve met here, and I know my business is stronger because of it. It’s a lonely business if you don’t have a good professional network.

Something personal you want us to know- can be about family, a vacation, a favorite food- anything you care to share.

• I’m one of the many speakers out there who LOVES being “on stage,” but is an introvert by nature! I love my downtime, and to stay healthy and at my best, I have to guard it carefully.
• I’ve been married to my husband, Brad, for 20 years and we have a nine-year-old son, Taylor!
• There are three keys to my heart. 1. The perfect “dusty” vodka martini w/ three blue cheese olives. 2. Chips and queso – Most any kind. I’m not picky. 3. Fresh out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies or most any flavor Nothing Bunt Cake!