From Conversation to Connection: What I Learned Leading Development Days at John Deere
Sometimes, the most meaningful transformations don’t begin with a formal strategy or a bold announcement. They begin with something simpler - a conversation.
Earlier this year, one such conversation turned into a challenge that stretched me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. And that challenge turned into one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.
I joined the core team behind John Deere’s Aftermarket and Customer Support Development Days, an internal event designed to spark learning, encourage growth, and strengthen connections across our global organization. It was more than a conference. It was a call to invest in our people, at every level, across every role, and throughout every location.
Designing with Intention
From the very start, I knew I didn’t just want to “support” Development Days, I wanted to help shape it. That meant listening carefully to what colleagues wanted, what they were curious about, and what might inspire them. We curated sessions that mattered to people - topics that resonated across roles and levels, from hands-on technical workshops to leadership conversations.
One of the best parts? Watching people light up when they saw a session on the agenda and said, “Yes, I’ve been wanting something like this!” That spark is what Development Days is all about: meeting people where they are and giving them tools to grow.
Stepping on Stage: A Personal Challenge
While I loved being behind the scenes, I also pushed myself in front of the curtain, taking the stage as a speaker (eek!).
Was I nervous? Absolutely. But I knew I had something to say, and more importantly, I knew that by sharing my story, I could give others the courage to share theirs. My session focused on upskilling - how to cultivate a growth mindset, stay curious, and support each other’s development journeys.
Speaking wasn’t just a professional milestone. It was a reminder that growth often lives just outside our comfort zones. And sometimes, you just need to say “yes, I’ll try” and trust that you’ll rise to the occasion.
Building Something That Lasts
Alongside the event, I also had the chance to build something new: an internal app that helps colleagues connect across roles, locations, and skill sets. Think of it as a smart matchmaker for professional development.
The idea was simple: make it easier for people to find others they can learn from, teach, or collaborate with. Whether you’re a new analyst looking to understand the supply chain or a seasoned leader wanting to mentor someone in data storytelling, this app helps people find their “someone.”
Because growth isn’t just about content, it’s about connection.
Why I Said Yes
I didn’t join Development Days because I had extra time on my calendar. I joined because I believe in the mission. I believe that life, both personal and professional, is ultimately about relationships.
When we invest in people, we create a culture where growth is contagious. Where people say, “I’ll help,” and others rise with them. Where mentorship, collaboration, and curiosity become the norm, not the exception.
Some of the biggest growth moments I’ve had at work didn’t come from trainings or certifications. They came from a hallway chat. A “how are you really?” Teams message. A quick meeting that turned into an ongoing collaboration.
Those moments matter. And Development Days is a celebration of that mindset.
What I’m Taking With Me
I’m incredibly proud of what our team accomplished. The event, the sessions, the app, the energy. But what I’m most grateful for is what it taught me:
That leadership isn’t always about titles. Sometimes it’s just about saying “yes, I’ll help.”
That growth is often quiet and incremental. It begins with connection.
That you don’t need to wait for permission to invest in others. Start where you are.
If you’re ever wondering how to build culture, how to lead with impact, or how to make your workplace just a little more human. Start with a conversation.
You never know where it might lead!
