WiSE: With a degree in fashion and a background in publishing and technology, you found yourself in Enablement.  Tell us about that journey. 

Denyse Hannon:  After graduating from college with a degree in fashion, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of my career path but eager to explore my options. I ventured into the publishing industry, where I took on various roles that required me to wear many hats. One significant role was as a Marketing Manager, where my primary focus was on creating content and campaigns to support Sales reps.

In this role, I quickly identified a problematic trend: Sales reps frequently approached me seeking clarification on the relevance of content and where to locate resources. This not only consumed a significant portion of my time but also detracted from the reps' core objective of selling. Intrigued by this challenge, I embarked on a journey of exploration, eventually discovering Content Management Systems (CMSs) and recognizing their potential to alleviate these issues while providing additional value to the reps.

Over the next three years, along with other enablement responsibilities, I successfully implemented and managed CMSs at two companies, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact they had on streamlining processes, empowering sales teams, and enhancing the customer experience. This experience marked the beginning of my career in enablement.

I developed a passion for enablement, recognizing its ability to positively impact individuals across the organization. I found that enablement resonated with my strengths, including project management, communication, collaboration, and learning design. Embracing this newfound passion, I continued to pursue opportunities in enablement, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference within my organization. 

W: What is your favorite part of being in the enablement industry?

DH:  To me, enablement has always represented the creation of an environment where I have the opportunity to help others learn and develop both professionally and personally. What I find most fulfilling about enablement is its profound impact on an organization, the teams within, and each individual. 

Through a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and extensive collaboration, enablement holds the power to foster growth within a business while simultaneously nurturing the growth of others. I firmly believe that by investing in enablement, organizations can unlock the full potential of their employees, driving both personal and collective success.

W: What is the most challenging part of enablement and what is your advice for overcoming this challenge?

DH:   Enablement offers me a unique opportunity to collaborate across my entire organization, leveraging collective expertise to facilitate learning and growth. However, this broad scope also presents challenges in prioritizing enablement initiatives effectively.

Navigating the multitude of requests we receive requires vigilance against project creep and a constant alignment with measurable metrics that align with the overarching business strategy. Despite its apparent simplicity, this can prove challenging amidst a barrage of urgent requests from multiple teams. It's crucial for me to remain focused on our overarching goals and to establish clear priorities to stay on track amidst the influx of demands.

In my view, it all comes down to leadership skills, which are paramount in an enablement role. Success requires my ability to influence, persuade, collaborate, project manage, communicate effectively, and grasp the big picture, among other qualities. I recommend that individuals aspiring to enter an enablement role prioritize the development of their leadership skills to thrive in this dynamic environment.

W: What skills do you bring to enablement and how do these make you successful in your field?  

DH:   As emphasized earlier, leadership skills are indispensable in an enablement role. I advocate for a deep understanding and exploration of what it truly means to influence, persuade, and collaborate effectively with others. Recognizing that these skills manifest differently for each individual, I underscore the importance of self-awareness in this process.

Regardless of one's specific enablement role, I advise investing in learning how to project manage and communicate effectively. These foundational skills are essential for navigating the complexities of enablement and driving successful outcomes.

Reflecting on my own journey, I would advise my younger self to remain curious and continually seek opportunities to learn from others. I highlight the significance of maintaining a sense of energy and positivity, as these qualities can have a profound impact on interactions and ultimately lead to success in enablement and beyond.

W: What books do you recommend for enablement enrichment?

DH:   As someone who loves to learn, I admit this is such a great question and I'm curious to see what others in the enablement realm recommend. For books, I recommend three:

• For creating a continued learning environment: "The Modern Learning Ecosystem" by JD Dillon

• For creating an effective strategy: "The 4 Disciplines of Execution" by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling

• For presentation and communication skills: "Made to Stick" by Chip & Dan Heath

I'm a book nerd at heart and I'm happy to share an entire list of books for those interested.

If you're a woman in enablement and would like to be interviewed for the site,

 email WiSEGlobalContact@gmail.com with the subject line, 'Interview'