Cedric Ashley

Seconds matter. Lives change in seconds, decisions are made in seconds, and regrets are formed in seconds. Each year the typical U.S. worker spends at least 7,488,000 seconds at their workplace. That is 124,000 minutes, 2,080 hours per year. That doesn't include commuting to and from work, and decompressing from work at home. In fact, we spend at least 67% of our non-sleep hours either at work or commuting to and from work. That amounts to more time than we spend with our families during the week.

With these staggering numbers. Shouldn't the workplace be one that is safe and secure, one that values human dignity, and one where workers are inspired to give their best performance towards the success of the company. There is a parallel commitment of the employee. Shouldn't employees be engaged, passionate, and find purpose in what they do – or at least know why they are doing. When this workplace culture aligns with the inspired employee, anything can be achieved.

Maybe you disagree or don't believe this is possible – well that's okay. There is nothing wrong with that opinion, it just probably means we weren't meant to be partners for success. But if you believe in what is possible, if you believe it is deserved and can be achieved, then I think we can be partners on the journey to your greater success. So, I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself.

I wake up every day with the purpose of creating safe and successful workplaces where employees are inspired to be and give their best. It may take the form of a paid engagement such a workshop, training, seminar, or a coaching session. Or it may occur during a casual chat in an airport, restaurant, or some other place. In either case – paid or unpaid – I am intentionally leading the inspired life that is set forth for me.

Before I transitioned to this arena, I spent twenty-five years as a lawyer in the investigation, mediation, and litigation of disputes. This included more than eighteen years of experience involving employment disputes. I was thoroughly proficient and produced great results for my clients (both employees and employers). This extensive experience provided me with great insight into how a failed workplace relationship can turn out. In all of the disputes three factors were present: 1) the only potential solution was a monetary settlement; 2) no remedial actions were addressed; and 3) most of the disputes the could have been resolved prior to the point of a lawsuit.

The vast majority of these disputes did not have to result in litigation if more effort had been invested in the employer-employee relationship, and the creation of the right workplace culture. Companies must continually seek to educate employees on internal cultures, ethics and values (CEVs), and the expectations that go along with them. Those CEVs should lead to innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. Simply put "it's about culture, not compliance."

In addition to my extensive legal experience, I am a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Certified Practitioner and I received my MBTI training from the Center for Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT). I am also certified as a Coach in Social and Emotional Intelligence from the Institute for Social & Emotional Intelligence (ISEI) and I have received additional coaching training from the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). Finally, I am a trained mediator, having completed programs through the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators and the New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education. I am also a member of the Association of Workplace Investigators.

I earned my B.A. and J.D. degrees from Rutgers University and a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University Theological School. I have held the following positions or appointments: Commissioner, Commission on Racial & Ethnic Diversity in the Profession of the American Bar Association; Diversity Director of the General Practice & Solo Division of the American Bar Association; Co-Chair of Diversity Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association; and Trustee, Board of Trustees of Pillar College.

That's a little bit – well maybe a lot – about me. But simply put I am passionate about creating workplace cultures that inspire team members to be and give their best. If that is something that aligns with your vision, let's talk some more. Remember. Seconds matter. Lives change in seconds, decisions are made in seconds, and regrets are formed in seconds. How will you use these seconds?