“Mike Gorday was a game-changer for my life and continues to guide and support me. When I met him, I was in a dead-end position at work. I was under-utilized, under-paid, and trying to figure out my options. I loved the institution and (most of) my coworkers, so I couldn’t bring myself to leave. Then Mike came along and helped me to see things from a different perspective.
Making changes in life isn’t just a matter of “know thyself”, it’s also understanding my place in the world and how to relate to others. Empathy doesn’t come naturally to me; I understand data much better than people. Mike listens to my perspective on situations or recounting of conversations and has a gift for seeing past my personal biases and figuring out what’s really going on with me and those around me. More importantly, he’s able to put things into terms that I can relate to. I feel better after our conversations because they lead to understanding and a path forward (even if it’s not an easy path).
I’m still at the same institution but finally moved to a different department about 4 years ago. Since then, my career has skyrocketed. I’ve had 3 promotions and am now well-paid and highly respected (both inside and outside of my institution). Mike didn’t change my work ethic or “hard” skills; rather, these conversations helped me to maneuver the landscape and to trust myself. I say “conversations” and not “sessions” because this isn’t like going to a therapy session; it’s like having a conversation with a friend for a reality check. I still reach out when I don’t know how to deal with a person or situation, but I’m in a much better position now personally and professionally than I was before I started talking to him.”
~Kimberly S. Smythe