Capacity To Communicate Stories, Experiences Is Key, Says Baltimore VP
Gib Mason, experienced at building successful business organizations, was hired as part of the team to lead UMBC Training Centers into its next incarnation.
Mason was well prepared for this role. As far as formal education, he has a B.S. in Economics from University of Maryland, Baltimore and a M.S. in Organizational Development from Johns Hopkins University. He is also a CPA; and, describes his experience by saying that "The real education isn't formal; it comes from having spent 35 years building organizations and innovating across 10 different industries."
What inspired you to go with UMBC Training Centers in 2011?
"I was drawn to UMBC Training Centers for a few reasons: first, because it was clear there was an opportunity for dramatic growth, I knew I could build a curriculum around leadership and innovation that fits tomorrow's economy."
"Second, the launch of the Center for Leadership and Innovation (CLI) stemmed from work being done at UMBC; and they have won numerous awards for innovation and are led by one of the strongest university leaders in the country. Seizing this opportunity made sense."
How does your educational background relate to your current role as COO, VP of Administration and Finance of UMBC Training Centers?
"My master's degree in organizational development and strategic human resources positioned me well for diving in and understanding the dynamics of organizations, their development, and what's lacking within an organization."
My degree in economics, as well as being a CPA, gives me an understanding of the financial side and breadth of perspective.You might say I spent the first half of my career trying to figure out numbers; and I spent the next part of my career trying to figure out the people side."
How has your education helped to further your various careers and contribute to your success?
"My formal education created the theoretical underpinning from which I could build more meaningful experiences."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into economics, organizational development, accounting, or business development - all of which you have been involved in over your career?
"I've worked in 10 different fields, and my advice is the same for all of them. Your experience and your stories are what matter along with your capacity to communicate. Realize that not everything is going to work; and be comfortable with that. As Ben Zander* says: 'When we fail, we must have the ability to say, 'how fascinating,' and move on.'"
*Benjamin Zander is the conductor of The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.
