National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP 2025)
- Eric Shepherd
- May 6
- 2 min read
Updated: May 12
Unlocking Your Potential by Connecting, Collaborating, and Cultivating Relationships
Presenters: Eric Shepherd and Darrell Andrews, "Coach D"

Unlocking your potential starts with understanding yourself and others. This engaging session explored the foundations of self-awareness and interpersonal dynamics to empower workforce development professionals and leaders. Participants will gain insights into the biology of emotions, the impact of unmet needs, and the journey from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence.
The session delves into how personal values, personality traits, and leadership styles shape our interactions and decisions. Using practical frameworks, attendees will identify their persona, evaluate their communication preferences, and explore strategies to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. Key highlights include exercises to assess introversion vs. extroversion, thinking vs. feeling, and their implications for leadership and collaboration.
The workshop emphasizes the role of purpose and values in achieving clarity, resilience, and fulfillment. Participants will leave with actionable tools to foster deeper connections, enhance decision-making, and align personal and professional growth. Whether working with clients or leading teams, this session provides essential insights to inspire positive change and unlock potential in themselves and others. Join us to equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies to thrive personally and professionally!

If you're looking to bring meaningful insight and practical inspiration to your organization, Eric Shepherd is available to lead engaging workshops, webinars, and seminars that empower individuals and teams to understand themselves and others—so they can thrive personally and professionally. With a deep passion for supporting nonprofit leaders and workforce development professionals, Eric helps participants build self-awareness, enhance collaboration, and strengthen leadership and interpersonal skills. His sessions explore how personal values and purpose align with professional goals, offering actionable tools to navigate today’s rapidly changing world of work and counter the divisive effects of social media echo chambers.