Creating Your Own Expert Advisory Team Diana Kautzky, President Deaf Services Unlimited

Strength in Numbers The greater the number of collective intellects with which an individual is involved, the more opportunities he has to diversify his knowledge and desire.

Why not do it alone? My expert advisory team… Saves me time Gives me the best chance of success Easy to build I surround myself with experts who know more than I do Attorneys CPA Sr. VP of Human Relations And others…

My Team Looks Like… Diana Kautzky Business Coach Friends Lawyer Small Business Development Center Accounting Service/ Financial Planning Business Coach Friends Lawyer Peer Interpreter Family

Results of Study Deaf Services Unlimited conducted a study and the evidence supports that an expert advisory team will do the same for you.

5 – 10% of Students Receive Services from Disability Services Office Results of Study 5 – 10% of Students Receive Services from Disability Services Office

Typical staff to student ratio is 1:3500 Results of Study Typical staff to student ratio is 1:3500

Results of Study Common types of issues can include: sight, hearing, mobility, mental health, autism spectrum, learning disabilities…

Not a new idea…

Proactive vs. Reactive “Being proactive means being reactive… --- ahead of time.”

Proactive vs. Reactive

How to Build Your Team Collaboration is an Individual Effort Identify needs Identify key players Establish the relationship Make sure the relationship is mutually beneficial

Identify Needs Create a list: What areas of growth and advisement do you need? Sight, hearing, mobility, autism spectrum, learning disabilities, mental health…

Identify Key Players Consumers – faculty, staff, or students (current or previous) Service providers for each need and potential need - vendors Key administrators within your department or outside your department (admissions, financial aid, advising, IT, housing, human resources, etc.) Peers within your field – coordinators at other colleges/universities Peers on your campus – coordinators within your college/university system, coworkers, etc. Professional colleagues outside of higher education – diversity and inclusion professionals in government or businesses Mentors – business coach, life coach, previous employer, senior staff

Establish the Relationship Reach out to those on your Expert Advisory Team. Thank them for how they have advised you. Reserve time on your calendar to meet with your personal Expert Advisory Team. Near or far. Buy them coffee or lunch. Set up a phone call.

Mutually Beneficial What value are you adding to the relationships of your Expert Advisory Team? How can you start adding value today?

Group Activity

Examples… What did you come up with?

Questions?