"The resilience that I have seen and experienced has been in how the faculty have taken on the challenge of learning new technology, new teaching methods, creating new ways to engage students and how we continue to care for our students and continue to build the community that is TWU."
— Professor Andrea Soberg, School of Business
Andrea Soberg is Professor of Human Resource Management TWU. She teaches in the School of Business in both the undergraduate and graduate business programs. She is also the Director of the Centre for Global Entrepreneurship, where she contributes to the research on HRM in indigenous Chinese firms.
Andrea Soberg has worked for TWU since 1999 and was Dean of the School of Business from 2008-2014. She holds a Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources (MIRHR) degree from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Simon Fraser University, and has the Canadian professional certification for human resource management, Chartered Professional in HR (CPHR).
Honouring International Women’s Day at TWU: Faculty Reflections
Every year on March 8, the global community celebrates International Women's Day. It is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. At Trinity Western, we seek to honour the many women leaders and educators who help our University thrive and advance into the future.
In the following interview, we hear from Professor Soberg on what has helped her along her path to leadership.
1. Hi Professor Soberg, what has helped you in your journey of teaching and leadership, and what are a few tips you have?
What has helped me most in my teaching and leadership is to learn how to properly listen to what someone else is really saying with the words they are using; sometimes these words are spoken, and written, by those who do not have English as a first language. In addition to listening, there is also understanding different cultural responses. I have learned to slow down before I respond or react. I have learned to admit when I don't know the answer to something, and to take time to read or do some research, or speak with others ,before I respond. Most importantly, it has helped most when I take time to pray and ask the Lord for direction, especially when it's a very stressful time—It's at these times when we say and do things we shouldn't.
A tip for teaching or giving leadership might be to learn to be patient with others, and to take time to show grace and consider the words you are using, and how you are saying them, before responding. Take time to get to know a bit about the other people you are working with—this can help in guiding how you should respond to them.
2. Who are some of the women who inspire you, and why?
My female colleagues, female friends, and my daughters—I watch how they manage through their challenges, both personal and professional. I am inspired and encouraged by their faith, and how they rely on the Lord. I am inspired by their honesty and transparency of expressing what they are feeling. I am most inspired by how they take time to acknowledge things they have learned about themselves and how they are growing in all their circumstances of life.
3. Where have you seen resilience at TWU this year?
This past year has been a challenging year for everyone. The resilience that I have seen and experienced has been in how the faculty have taken on the challenge of learning new technology, new teaching methods, creating new ways to engage students and how we continue to care for our students and continue to build the community that is TWU.
See also: Andrea Soberg's interview in The Langley Advance Times:
TWU in Langley Advance Times
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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