Hi, my name is Sherri Osterlund. I’m married to an actual Rocket Scientist, mom to two amazing teenagers and an official Strengths Nerd (a label I wear proudly). Human Resources has been my life for over 20 years, helping people connect their passion to their purpose through the work that they do every day. In 2014, I had the opportunity to complete my CliftonStrengths® assessment (formerly StrengthsFinder). It was truly a lightbulb moment!
I finally understood why I enjoy talking to people and hearing their stories (Communication).
I understood why it was important for me not to have people feel left out (Includer).
I understood why I could feel the pulse of the room after just walking in (Empathy).
It all made sense.
As a kid my mom used to say I was vaccinated with a record needle. I had no problem making new friends or reaching out to those around me. I can remember going out to dinner with my grandparents and my grandfather being horrified that I was walking around the restaurant, talking to everyone along the way. Needless to say, we didn’t go out to dinner with the grandparents that much after that. Fast forward into third grade and I can remember being labeled a social butterfly and being the kid who had to sit by the pencil sharpener away from the rest of the classroom. I would just wait till friends came to sharpen their pencils to have a conversation.
In junior high, I enjoyed walking the halls every morning and saying hello to people whether I knew them or not. It quickly became a habit for me and also gave me the courage and confidence to run for several offices in junior high: student class President, cheerleader and participating in a number of clubs and outreach programs all designed around the focus of connection and communication. Senior high and college days were filled with classes, friends and activities all based around connecting and helping people find their passion. I’ve always been someone that people thought that they could talk with and share their deepest darkest concerns.
Are you noticing a pattern yet?
Early in my career I started out behind a desk and was bored to tears. I quickly learned that social interaction was a must for me. Being a retail manager was a stepping-stone to helping people in an intentional away by helping them decide how they wanted to grow their career. Building in training, mentoring and developing them to be the best leader they could be gave me great joy.
In 1997 I was recruited into Human Resources for management and then my corporate career skyrocketed. I was finally able to help people find their passion and help managers build their teams for success.
If I had discovered the CFS sooner, I’m sure I would’ve helped faster.
Currently, I am a Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach and serve as the Director of Recruitment at a leading credit union in Houston, Texas. I’m also honored to serve as the VP of Programming for a local HR chapter and as an advisory board member with a leading University.
But my greatest joy comes from helping managers build their teams and in helping those teams leverage their strengths for performance excellence.
I’d love to be of service to you.
Evening and Weekend (CST) Coaching appointments available upon request
Perhaps a Conversation?
If an email isn't your preferred method of communication, feel free to select the best time for a call instead. I'd love to get to know you and talk about your options together.