As our first L&D Manager, Alex is using his background in the field to help build programs that hone Hometappers’ professional skills and create a culture of learning.
Q1: You studied accounting and finance in college. What led you to the L&D space?
My previous company encouraged innovative and new ideas often. I noticed a gap in our training and development programming and put together a business plan to fill it. This was endorsed by the senior leadership, and with a lot of support, I was able to lean into the L&D industry and build many programs.
Q2: Do you find yourself applying any skills or learnings from your past positions at Hometap?
Every day! Building relationships is so important, and I try to utilize my communication skills to get to know other Hometappers. The most important skill I have been able to bring to Hometap is Emotional Intelligence: working with those around, understanding how I feel, and how it impacts others.
Q3: What’s the biggest challenge you face as Learning & Development Manager?
Helping others understand the importance of taking time out of the business to work on yourself has long term benefits! It’s hard when we are all “busy” to step away and spend time developing, but it ALWAYS works out for your benefit.
Q4: What’s the most rewarding part of the role?
Seeing behavior change. Watching someone go through a learning experience and come out better equipped to tackle a situation.
Q5: How do you stay apprised of the most current news in the industry? What are you reading, listening to, or watching?
Gartner, LinkedIn, Association of Talent Development, and peers across the industry!
Q6: What’s the best advice that you’ve received during your career?
“There is no shade in the spotlight.” Be accountable and take ownership of what is yours and the decisions you make.
AT HOMETAP
Q7: What led you to Hometap and appealed to you about your initial role here and the company?
The culture, the business concept, and the leadership. I wanted to be a part of something exciting and something bigger than myself, and that feeling comes in buckets here at Hometap.
Q8: As Hometap’s first Learning & Development Manager, what is your biggest priority as you shape the role?
Building a culture of learning. Not making learning an agenda item, but being the ante to lead.
Q9: What’s something you wish members of other teams within Hometap understood about L&D or the work that you do specifically?
L&D isn’t just being in a classroom. In fact, the most impactful learning happens on the job in experiential training. So, don’t think L&D means school!
Q10: If you could trade jobs with anyone else at Hometap for a week, what position would it be?
I’d love to see what Andrew Vassallo does working with capital and investments for Hometap.
Q11: What’s one quality someone needs to be successful at Hometap?
Vulnerability.
OFFICE CULTURE
Q12: What qualities do you look for in a company’s office culture?
Transparency, diversity, and ownership.
Q13: You’ve been with Hometap for a few months now. What’s one word you would use to describe the culture here so far?
Community.
Q14: What are the best and worst parts of working from home?
The isolation! I am an extroverted person, so the lack of in-person collaboration isn’t my favorite. I do love being able to pick up and drop off my daughter to school and to work outside when the sun is shining!
We’re hiring! Learn more about the open career opportunities at Hometap!