Community Engagement Projects

Resilience is Wonderful…Confidence is Key with Dr. Angela Pearson

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Angela Pearson and Dr. Russell Strickland swap war stories about their doctoral journeys. Like working full-time, being part-time military, and raising four kids…while earning a doctoral degree! And that time when Dr. Pearson changed her dissertation topic — twice! And that time when one of Dr. Strickland’s candidacy exam professors posted elaborate rules about how faculty members can win an oral exam…by laying the student out flat on the floor!

The anecdotes keep flying throughout this laugh-to-keep-from-crying episode.

IOD Feature: An Interview With Angela Pearson

Angela Pearson is the President and CEO of recently created OD Synergistics Consulting, LLC, and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt for GlaxoSmithKline in Upstate NY. Angela holds a Masters of Science in Occupational Safety and Health, a Masters of Business Administration, and a Masters of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. She is a member of several professional organizations including GIODN. She will finish up her OD Certified Professional Certification Program with the Institute of Organization Development in June 2019.

Lean strategy deployment (LSD) provides a means to create lasting value at reduced cost; yet most LSD efforts fail to attain sustainable improvements. The current study sought to gain an understanding of how leaders in oral healthcare manufacturing setting in the northeastern region of the United States can apply self-efficacy and leadership commitment during an LSD. Using Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy this qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived experiences and perceptions of 15 mid-tosenior level managers, concerning the use of self-efficacy and leadership commitment during a lean strategy deployment (LSD). The key findings resulted in 10 emergent themes. The top 3 highly regarded themes that emerged from this study were: (1) committing to a lean strategy deployment, (2) communicating lessons learned/changes, and (3) bringing the best out of employees. LSDs are not easy to implement. Many companies attempt to carry out lean activities and many of these same companies fail to have successful results. To be effective, leaders should focus on creating sound practices and give more attention to the human behaviors and leadership characteristics needed to support eliminating barriers and creating a lean culture.

HR in the Car - Episode 7: "Two Words: Psychological Safety"

Inspiration comes in many shapes and sizes, and when you get the opportunity to learn how much Dr. Angela Pearson has accomplished in her career, you’re going to be blown away. She shares some poignant stories that tug at your heart and might even light a fire in you to explore her topics even further. Some as they relate to how important DEI is to the community and workplace, and some just from life stories. Jump in the car and listen in on another great episode of HR in the Car.

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2024 Joe O'Conner- Veterans to Success Podcast

In this episode of Veterans to Success, host Joe interviews Dr. Angela Pearson, whose journey reflects resilience, determination, and empathy. Angela shares her experiences of growing up in a challenging environment, becoming a single parent, serving in the U.S. Navy, and navigating hardships such as a tumultuous marriage and the loss of her mother. She reflects on her transition from military to civilian life, with a career spanning human resources, safety management, and her current focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Emphasizing the power of resilience, support networks, mentorship, and empathy, Angela highlights how setbacks can serve as “First Attempts in Learning,” and how supporting others is key to both personal and professional growth.

2025 Hacking HR's Talent Strategy and Acquisition Summit

✨ I had the honor of joining Hacking HR’s Talent Strategy & Acquisition Summit as a panelist on “Connecting DEI to Business and Hiring Outcomes.” Our conversation explored how equity and belonging are not just values—they are strategic business drivers that shape hiring outcomes, strengthen organizational culture, and fuel innovation.

Key takeaways:
🔹 Embedding DEI into hiring practices creates stronger, more resilient teams.
🔹 Belonging drives retention, engagement, and measurable business impact.
🔹 Equity ensures talent systems are fair, inclusive, and future-focused.