
The People Person
Austin, Texas Area

The People Person
Austin, Texas Area
Robert Wickman is a learning and development professional with a passion for lifelong learning. He draws on his experience as a manager, facilitator, and trusted advisor to educate people on the skills they need to be successful as executive leaders, mid-level managers, and frontline employees. Organizations have benefited with improved communication skills and trust, reduced conflict, and higher employee engagement. In all his work, Robert’s goal is to further both knowledge and understanding so that individuals may be more effective in both their work and personal lives. His mission is that people would know their potential in life and live their dreams.
Known as a clear communicator with big, forward thinking ideas and exceptional problem-solving skills, his sessions are marked by depth of content, practical suggestions to apply learned concepts, and a gentle sense of humor. Robert’s insight into human behavior and his experience as an instructor enable him to help people and organizations break through the barriers that prevent them from achieving performance goals.
Obsessed about leadership effectiveness, organizational change, and creating cultures of collaboration, Robert’s areas of expertise include: employee engagement, managerial productivity, conflict resolution, and human capital strategy, making him a natural fit for organizations looking for programs that deliver usable tools. He has worked with organizations of all sizes.
Employee Engagement, Managerial Productivity, Team/Council Facilitation, Conflict Resolution, and Human Capital Strategy
(Transportation/Trucking/Railroad industry)
May 2008 — Present (8 months)
uFollowit is a new service for the transportation industry to track loads and identify instant proof of delivery. This unique service requires only a cell phone to track the load, making it very cost effective and simple to implement. We're also working on two more services to round out a three-pronged approach to load tracking - they'll be released later this year and in Q1/09.
I was recently brought in to assist in developing transportation industry communication, marketing collateral, customer education pieces (training videos, quick sheets, etc.) press releases, business blog - all inbound and outbound communication and marketing efforts. I also get to help with trade shows, sales, coaching and business process improvement. It's been a great opportunity to further develop the relational pieces and learn more about this industry and logistics.
(Human Resources industry)
July 2004 — June 2008 (4 years)
I started the BIGideas Group as a platform for helping organizations to develop the most important resource in their business - the people. Using best-in-class tools, knowledge and experience, BIGideas performs in the role as trusted advisor to produce outstanding results through increased customer satisfaction, productivity, and profitability. We offer workshops in all areas of employee and leadership development, eLearning content to assist in your blended learning initiatives, assessments to better understand your people and position them for success in your company, as well as coaching to greatness.
(Sole Proprietorship; Myself Only; Human Resources industry)
August 2004 — January 2007 (2 years 6 months)
RightHire was created to assist businesses with their people. We help organizations to better understand how best to position employees for maximum productivity. The results are improved communication, reduced conflict and turnover, and happier employees. RightHire was rolled into the BIGideas Group in 2007.
(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Telecommunications industry)
March 2000 — March 2004 (4 years 1 month)
The VIA Group is a value-added reseller of Avaya communication systems, including unified communications (VoIP). My role in the company was to manage all aspects of the adminstrative side, including staff development, facilities, contracts, and some marketing. I built the first trade show booth and managed the marketing message and collateral until we had the resources to hire a full-time person. I also instituted the first CRM application (Tigerpaw).
(Non-Profit; 201-500 employees; Semiconductors industry)
June 1989 — March 2000 (10 years 10 months)
Challenged to develop, implement and administer federally compliant corporate export management system for international non-profit consortium of leading semiconductor manufacturers. Responsibilities included classifying all exports, consulting industry and member company representatives, liaising with U.S. Department of Commerce and Customs officials, auditing internal business functions and advising on relevant laws and regulations. Ensured U.S. export law compliance and prevented unwanted exposure by creating a highly effective, well-documented import/export control system. Zero reportable compliance recordings during tenure
(Non-Profit; 201-500 employees; Semiconductors industry)
February 1989 — June 1998 (9 years 5 months)
I held a number of positions at SEMATECH as the organization grew, including SSQA Program Manager.
Advanced within organization to manage all aspects of Standardized Supplier Quality Assessment (SSQA) Program. Position entailed supporting Supplier Assessment and Consulting Services, assisting and instructing industry councils, leading and coaching SSQA validation teams and training industry representatives. Coordinated over fifty industry supplier quality assessments; Consulted on over thirty continuous improvement projects with industry suppliers; Successfully turned around a seriously underperforming task force by applying group facilitation and team-building expertise, resulting in a highly productive, cohesive team; Presented and facilitated at industry conferences to C-level audiences. I enjoyed this role a lot because I had the privilege to work with so many talented people from world-class organizations - they taught me a lot!
Certificate, Executive Leadership, 2007 — 2007
Excellent program for anyone interested in advancing their strategic planning and scenario planning skills. The scenario planning course is well developed and challenging.
BBA, Change Management, Communications, 1998 — 2001
The 3C's (Collaboration, Cooperation, and Communication), Leadership Development, Change Management, Public Speaking
Austin Career Development Network, eLearning Community Forum: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/70060/5F3319172554
Graduate: ACCD Transformational Relationship Coaching Course