From Breakup to Breakthrough: Thriving
After a Company Split

Overview:

In this episode of Live with Sondra, Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology, sat down with Aurora Elicerio, Principal Owner of Eos Edge Consulting, to discuss navigating professional transitions, overcoming setbacks, and finding new opportunities after a company split. Aurora shared her personal journey of resilience, offering valuable insights  on networking, career reinvention, and the importance of authenticity in the workplace. 

5 Insights from This Live

• Career transitions can be empowering – Aurora emphasized that job loss is not just about losing a paycheck, but also an opportunity to redefine your professional path.
• Networking beyond your industry is crucial – Engaging in volunteer work, mentorship, and leadership roles in different spaces helps create stronger career resilience.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts must evolve – Organizations should expand DEI initiatives beyond race and gender to include socioeconomic background and first-generation professionals.
• Personal storytelling enhances career growth – Owning and sharing your story fosters professional connections and creates new opportunities.
• Companies should actively market career opportunities – Attracting and retaining top talent requires businesses to showcase how employees can grow and thrive within their organizations.

5 Notable Quotes:

• “Mentorship is wonderful, but what folks oftentimes fail to access and prioritize is sponsorship. So, a sponsor is someone that is a decision maker that will speak on your behalf for you, and they are putting their name behind you to make sure that they are your advocate in every space possible.
  – Aurora Elicerio
• “Networking isn’t about posturing professionally. It’s about being of service, or to help.”
  – Aurora Elicerio
• “People who are immigrants will have this idea like just don’t make a fuss just do your work and so they may not be the ones raising their hand saying, “I’m ready for that” or “I want that opportunity”, or “I feel like I’ve earned this next job so I’m going for it”. They keep waiting to be tapped on the shoulder, they keep waiting to present that opportunity to them and that’s how folks can lag behind.”
  – Aurora Elicerio
• “What people sometimes are fearful of is that DEI is only for women and people of color for example, but it’s for everybody, because feeling like you belong and that your experience is represented is incredibly important.”
  – Aurora Elicerio
• “I always talk about storytelling. So, people are going to put you in a box no matter what and it’s going to be based on their understanding of the world and their experience. So, own what you want the world to know about you and get really good at it.”
  – Aurora Elicerio

Expanding DEI Efforts in the Workplace

Aurora discussed how traditional DEI initiatives have focused primarily on race, gender,  and disability status. However, forward-thinking organizations are now incorporating new identity dimensions, such as first-generation college graduates and individuals from lower income backgrounds. This shift ensures a more inclusive work environment and allows companies to better support employees with diverse life experiences. 

The Power of Personal Storytelling

Sharing personal experiences in professional settings can foster meaningful connections, break down barriers, and challenge outdated beliefs. Aurora encouraged professionals to embrace their unique backgrounds and use storytelling to establish credibility and relatability in the workplace.

Gatemaster’s Approach to Elevating Workplace Culture

At Gatemaster Technology, we understand the value of a strong workplace culture and the importance of creating growth opportunities. Just as our POS and ticketing solutions help attractions streamline operations and enhance guest experiences, our leadership in industry discussions fosters an environment where both businesses and employees can thrive.

Improving Guest Experience

One of the biggest takeaways from this session was how video plays a crucial role in improving guest experiences. Whether it’s setting the stage for an attraction, providing entertainment in queues, or adding an extra layer of immersion, video enhances engagement and makes experiences more memorable.

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