Tyisha Wills

I attribute my success to emotional awareness and the ability to acknowledge my emotions while maintaining control over their impact on my decisions and professional practice. In my work, I have learned that emotional intelligence is a critical strength, especially when navigating sensitive situations in training and development. It enables me to remain grounded, empathetic, and focused while creating psychologically safe learning environments where individuals feel supported and respected. This balance of empathy and professionalism allows me to respond thoughtfully, build trust with learners and stakeholders, and facilitate meaningful learning experiences that are both impactful and effective.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that systems and technical skills can be taught, but the qualities you naturally bring such as empathy, compassion, and intuition are your true differentiators. I was encouraged to lead with those strengths, not to undervalue myself, and to remain grounded in my purpose and passion. Staying focused on what genuinely calls to me has guided my decisions and allowed me to build a meaningful career rooted in authenticity, service, and impact.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to remain authentic and true to yourself while refusing to let gender-based limitations define your growth or potential. Volunteer for training opportunities within your department, seek out mentorship, and shadow experienced trainers whenever possible to build confidence and expand your skill set. Authenticity is one of your greatest strengths when you are genuine, you are better able to connect with others and create meaningful learning experiences. Never allow anyone to diminish your value because you are a woman, a mother, or a wife; your identity adds strength, not limitation. Lead with confidence, stay grounded in your purpose, and consistently show up as your full self.

One of the biggest challenges in the learning and development field right now is balancing remote training with traditional in-person, travel-based facilitation. While remote delivery has increased flexibility and accessibility, in-person training opportunities often come with higher compensation but can place significant strain on personal and family life, especially due to extensive travel requirements. This can create challenges around work-life balance and, at times, a sense of living a “double life” between professional responsibilities and personal commitments. At the same time, this shift presents an opportunity for the industry to create more sustainable and flexible training models that better support both employee well-being and effective learning outcomes.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are creating comfort, fostering encouragement, and building trust in every interaction. I believe that when learners feel safe, supported, and respected, they are more willing to be open and vulnerable, which is essential for meaningful growth and development. Trust in the facilitator helps create an ideal learning environment where individuals feel confident asking questions, engaging fully, and absorbing new information. Ultimately, I strive to lead with empathy and authenticity so that others feel seen, valued, and empowered to learn.