Jody Alexander: YMCA Chief Operating Officer Shares Tips on How You Can Grow Within Your Company

In this episode of Finding Career Zen, special guest Jody Alexander shares her experiences working at the YMCA, an organization she has dedicated herself to for more than 30 years. What made Jodi want to stay with this organization for so long? What is her secret to avoiding burnout?

As a first-generation college student, Jody felt the pressure to get a job while taking classes in order to pay her way through. Growing up and going to school in Ohio, she spent a lot of her childhood at the YMCA, so when she saw a hiring ad looking for a swim team coach, she thought she was the perfect fit. Jody landed the job and continued working as a swim team coach throughout college while studying education in hopes of becoming a teacher.

Over the 33 years that have followed, despite never intending to have a long career with the Y,  she has achieved consistent success while continually advancing within the organization. Today, Jody is Chief Operating Officer of the Central Florida YMCA, a well-earned title gained through years and years of devotion to the same company. Things weren’t always easy, but Jody has never strayed and still believes there is more out there for her to learn and ways to grow.

How does she do it? Tune in to this episode to learn more about Jody’s secret to success.

Additional Resources
Connect with Jody on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-alexander-915a5734/

Advice for consistent career growth:

1. Be curious. There are so many avenues to explore within an organization. Strive to continue learning how to be a better leader.
2. Don't be told what to do, look for things to do. Look forward and never run out of ideas. Goal-directed behavior is key for growth. If you try to be the best, you will feel like you're winning.
3. Use your voice. As a woman, it's very easy to not. Don't be shy and afraid to speak up, find your place at the table.
4. Success is in the eye of the beholder. There's not one path to success. It is such a personal thing to define, but it's all about being happy. 
5. Direct your own path. Be curious and inquisitive. If you have a passion point, you'll find ways to learn and figure it out. Some skill sets can't be taught, even through an education system.