by kJ Shapiro (and Wanda)

In March 2020 the Triad Coaching Connection (TCC), like so many other professional organizations at that time, was about to face a particularly difficult challenge. Shortly after the TCC Diversity Committee sponsored a visit in early March to the Industries of the Blind, COVID became known as a public health emergency and future in-person events were shut down indefinitely. TCC could have folded then, like many other groups reliant on in-person meetings.

Instead, Wanda Swain, the president of TCC from 2017-2022 mobilized a cadre of competent coaches to take TCC into the digital age, moving programs and social events online almost seamlessly at a time when most professionals still didn’t know what the word “Zoom” meant. Today Triad Coaching Connection is a thriving multi-modal organization that welcomes members from all regions, connects everyone with digital technology while also maintaining a strong in-person foothold in the Piedmont Triad.

Wanda and I connected through emails and zoom and talked about her TCC presidency and that critical time period. She said she thought of herself not so much as the president but as a facilitator.

Here are the responses in her own words:

1) How did you come to be involved in the Triad Coaching Connection?

I remember attending TCC occasionally in 2009 and 2010. I believe Ronnie Grabon invited me to my first meeting. It was still very much a founders’ group at that time and I remember experiencing a feeling of genuineness. TCC then met at the Discovery Center. I quickly realized “these people are special!” I attended a few meetings then landed a wonderful contract with AmSol - Anesthesia Management Solutions- as interim HR Director that became a full time position as VPHR.

Much of my meaningful work was internal coaching to the anesthesiologists and CRNAs. I realized – this is my passion. I started attending TCC meetings regularly in 2014.

2) What was it like when you became the first president to follow the founder presidency of Joyce Richman?

First of all, my intention was to keep the essence of coaches connecting and the integrity of programming that makes TCC such a successful organization. It’s a member-organization and providing the programming and activities that the members want/need was of utmost importance. Our Annual Meetings were often brainstorming sessions about what we want our initiatives to be! I recall the number one initiative in 2017 was to be a more diverse and inclusive organization. From that, Mona Edwards and Joyce Richman formed the Diversity Committee.

Secondly, our “hospitality” became more intentional which was necessary as we grew. To differentiate members from guests, I printed name badges with member ribbons attached and Board Member ribbons for the Board and Past President ribbon for Joyce! Meeting in person, these visuals helped people to connect more easily and quickly during our networking time. Thirdly, we enhanced our Communications Committee by adding a webmaster (Abigail Dowd) to work with Catherine Jourdan. We engaged Christine Loeffler to design our logo. She eventually became the Communications Chair. I wanted a way for our members to register and pay online through our website. With Christine’s expertise in branding, she re-created our website and took our communications to a more on-line presence.

3) What are you most proud about?

Keeping TCC alive through COVID. I decided to introduce TCC to Zoom. I believed we could continue our program meetings and networking via Zoom. Without missing a beat, our Program and Communications Committees put together our first virtual meeting – the April Meeting! Throughout the COVID pandemic, TCC continued. With Christine’s assistance, we posted messages on our website to update the members on how to connect. We recorded meetings so those who could not attend could enjoy the program at another time. The Board came together and contacted every member individually to check in.

And, I started the Coaches’ Café as a place for coaches to meet for a half hour each week. No agenda. Just fight the loneliness of being isolated by COVID and help each other continue our businesses using online tools and techniques.

4) What was it like to be the president of TCC during the height of the Covid pandemic?

Exciting…challenging! Remember, we feared everything and everyone! And we had this opportunity to connect in a way that we had not done so before. The power of teamwork with engaged Board of Directors made all the difference! I simply had to provide the leadership and encouragement! And the members responded!!! They wanted us to be “together” as much as ever! I knew this was a transition period as we continued to grow. Most of the new members now had never known TCC as an in-person organization! What was “tradition” was now becoming “history.” And, like so many organizations, we embraced a new “normal.”

5) What did you and do you do outside of TCC? (your career, your interests and hobbies etc.)

I am a graduate of UNC-G and former high school English teacher. During my long working career, I’ve stayed with teaching and training under the umbrella of Human Resources and started Piedmont HR, LLC in 2013. I am an Executive Coach as well as a leadership development trainer and HR consultant. I have the honor of being a mentor for the UNC-G Bryan School of Business MBA Capstone program. I love to travel (Paris and Rome are my favorite destinations!) I am a member of the Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church where I am the bass guitarist for the contemporary Praise Band and sing in the Chancel Choir. Although I am not a plant expert, I love to work in my garden and make our outdoor living spaces beautiful!

I am the mother of two – Singer/Songwriter Abigail Dowd (husband Jason Duff) and Captain Jacob Dowd with Guilford County Emergency Services. I have been married to my husband, Steve Swain for 20 years. He is the father of 6 and grandfather of 14! So, we have lots of family functions and dates to remember! Steve is my best friend and biggest fan! After his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2021, we moved to Hampstead NC (just north of Wilmington) to be closer to his children and grandchildren who live here. We go to Aruba every February since 2004 and just love to hang out together!

6) What would you like to see happen next for TCC?

It is my sincere hope that TCC always be an organization of coaches with a focus on improving our coaching skills and techniques (in ourselves and others) that make a difference in the organizations we serve and the world in which we live. Our strength is in our members. There is wisdom and energy that should be heard and felt as often and intently as possible.

7) What's something you would like us to know about you?

I am enough.

Learn more about wanda

More about KJ Shapiro

KJ Shapiro is a leadership coach and psychologist who helped to develop TCC in 2009 and currently lives in Concord, MA. She is thrilled that Wanda's efforts with online access allowed her to reconnect with TCC in 2020. She now is a board member and manages the blog.

Learn more about KJ