Empowering Growth: Redefining Leadership and Learning

Michael Hyatt-Evenson, Sr. Director of Learning and Organizational Development, at First Tech Federal Credit Union

Key Career Milestones

In the early 2000s, while leading a team of trainers and account managers at a SaaS company, I faced one of my most challenging moments: a disastrous software release left our product non-functional for two weeks. During this crisis, I discovered the power of situational leadership. My team needed me to step in, take customer calls, and advocate for them with the CEO and developers. This experience taught me to adapt my leadership style to meet the demands of each situation. I’ve since integrated situational leadership as a core part of the new leader orientation at First Tech.

Another pivotal moment was taking the StrengthsFinder assessment 15 years ago. It revealed my top strength: "Intellection," highlighting my need for time to think, absorb, and strategize. This realization transformed my career, helping me embrace my unique style and empowering me to recognize and leverage the strengths of my team.

Driving Innovation in Learning: The Launch of First Tech Academy

When I joined First Tech four years ago, our development programs were reactive and lacked structure. One of my first initiatives was creating First Tech Academy (FTA), a revamped online "university" within our LMS. FTA is a gateway to required training and offers customized development opportunities based on roles, competencies, and AI capabilities. It has become a cornerstone of our organization, with leaders, including our CEO, actively encouraging its use for career growth.

Measuring Training Impact with Data-Driven Insights

In 2023, we began using Level 3 assessments to evaluate the behavioral impact of our core leadership development courses. Surveys were sent to attendees’ direct leaders or reports to measure improvements, providing actionable insights on course effectiveness. However, with over 300 leaders involved, the process was complex. Collaborating with our data analytics team, we implemented Tableau to automate attendee tracking and survey scheduling. This streamlined process increased participation and confidence in the validity of our data, allowing us to refine our programs more effectively.

"Every interaction, no matter how small, is an opportunity to shape your brand and leave a lasting impact."

Fostering Collaboration Through Stakeholder-Driven Learning

When I started, much of our training was outsourced, with feedback indicating it wasn’t entirely effective. Over the past three years, we’ve rebuilt nearly all required training and development offerings in-house, involving business stakeholders in the design process. This approach not only creates content with greater relevance but also fosters advocacy from within. Additionally, we invested in trainer certifications for programs like Crucial Conversations and Extraordinary Leader, ensuring a tailored and credible experience for our employees and leaders.

Staying Ahead: Leveraging Networks and Continuous Learning

To stay current with trends, I actively engage with external organizations and encourage my team to do the same. Our credit union association, GoWest, provides extensive networking opportunities that update us on industry advancements. Team members are encouraged to attend at least one relevant conference annually, share their learnings, and integrate them into First Tech’s strategies.

Advice for Young Professionals in Training and Development

Your brand is your most valuable asset. Every interaction, presentation, and content contributes to how others perceive you. Early in my career, I underestimated the opportunity each moment provided to shape my brand. Whether it’s a team meeting or a board presentation, treat it as a chance to demonstrate your professionalism, polish, and passion. Define the brand you want to build and take deliberate steps every day to reinforce it. Mistakes won’t define you, but how you own and learn from them will.

SaaS

LMS

AI