By David Elser

Throughout my 30-year career in the transportation industry, I strived to inspire others to think creatively about their personal and professional development while doing my best to remain humble, work hard, and continuously learn. All values and beliefs I learned at an early age "Doing the Chores."

Working directly for many talented leaders that range from Senior Vice Presidents to front line managers, I had numerous development conversations and experiences. One important observation was everyone strives to follow smart and work hard. Also, each has their own special story to share that led to their job of “Doing the Chores”. 

My career path in Talent Development started one week after high school graduation, loading trailers and training others as a Package Handler Trainer for Roadway Package System, Inc. in Toledo, Ohio. It led to leading and educating others as an Operations Supervisor at United Parcel Service in Maumee, Ohio. After college graduation, I worked as a Battery Distribution Operations Manager at Ryder Integrated Logistics. After completing their six-week leadership course in Miami, Florida, I realized learning and development is my passion. Shortly after accepting a management position at the FedEx Ground Toledo, Ohio Hub Operations, I formally entered Learning and Development as an Operations College Instructor in Phoenix, Arizona. After a few years in the Valley of the Sun, a promotion to Human Resources Training Manager in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was my next challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed developing HR Managers and Professionals throughout the United States and Canada and meeting so many wonderful people and amazing travel experiences. Currently, I am proud to be an Organizational Development Advisor focusing on Executive Development at FedEx Ground. 

My education consists of holding a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration: Major Accounting, from the University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, and a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona. Professional certifications include: Certified Professional Talent Development (CPTD) by Association for Talent Development (ATD), Certified Professional Coach (CPC) by International Coach Academy, by SHRM-CP - certified by Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Professional Human Resources (PHR) - certified by Human Resource Certificate Institute (HRCI), and Certified Instructor by Development Dimension International (DDI) and Select International.

My proudest accomplishment was delivering the high school graduation speech at my alma mater, North Central Local Schools in Pioneer, Ohio in 2012. It was an amazing experience to present to a wonderful community filled with talented leaders, smart followers, and hardworking farmers.

The satisfaction I receive from others learning and applying the lessons from “Doing the Chores” is beyond measure. I hope it continues to assist others in finding joy and satisfaction in becoming a smart follower with a strong work ethic.

Thank you.