As director of corporate and custom training, Amy Wartham is responsible for consulting with organizations in the Charlotte region about their workforce development needs. She has been at the University for 23 and a half years, her first six with the Belk College of Business before moving to the School of Professional Studies. Learn more about Wartham in this Q&A.
Can you talk more about your role in the School of Professional Studies?
After talking with organizations in the Charlotte region about their workforce development needs, I work with our instructors to customize training content, and we deliver it onsite at the organization, online or at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. I've worked with 250-plus organizations, such as Duke Energy, Lowe's, Walmart and Continental Tire, and have delivered training in 28 different states. We also do more than just training and provide a wide range of solutions including consulting services, group and 1:1 coaching, instructional design, materials licensing and train-the trainer.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love sitting at the back of a class and watching one of our participants "get it" or have the proverbial light bulb go off. It's cool to see them make the connection between the content that we're teaching and how they can apply it to their job. With over 150 courses in our catalog, we have something available for almost any level employee at an organization.
Can you tell us about the Webinar Series for Charlotte Employees and your role in creating the series?
Much like the rest of the world, the University has had challenges over the last few years recruiting and retaining employees. Leadership understands that many employees are overworked and tired. Sitting through a listening session, reviewing employment data from human resources, analyzing survey feedback from employees and participating in two retreats with leadership, my heart strings were tugged at how difficult things have gotten for some of our employees. With funding from the Provost Office, I designed a 13-session webinar series that will address the biggest challenges that seem to be facing University employees these days: morale and burnout, productivity and efficiency and management skills.
Why should employees participate?
This interactive, webinar series will provide employees with the tools needed to tackle some of the toughest challenges they face with their jobs. Each webinar is only one hour, and participants will receive several items of bonus content to help them continue on their development journey. If a registered participant misses the live webinar, they can always go back and watch the recording at their convenience.
What are three words you would use to describe UNC Charlotte?
Three words to describe UNC Charlotte are progressive, inspiring and interesting. There always seems to be something new and exciting going on our campus.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
I love spending time with my family, reading on my porch and working in my yard.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Life is about choices. You choose who you want to be.