About the Author
Darryl Shoemaker, Ph.D.
My Career Story
LOOKING BACK
I've been grateful to learn from excellent mentors and leaders throughout my career, starting with early lessons in technical problem-solving through our family business. At the time, I took these experiences for granted, not realizing that it was a rare privilege to start my career journey at the dinner table. In hindsight, these moments were invaluable, teaching me collaboration, perspective, responsibility, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. They also instilled a deep appreciation for my parents' and extended family’s resilience and character, qualities that continue to inspire me today.
A WINDY PATH
After completing a doctorate in natural resources management, the second major chapter of my professional story unfolded at HDR. I began at HDR as a technical resource on projects and steadily took on greater responsibilities. Task leadership evolved into project management, which opened doors to client engagement and business development. These experiences eventually led me to lead a market sector and later serve as a group president. My final role at HDR was as Chief Talent Development Officer, where I identified and implemented a talent ecosystem that supported over 13,000 colleagues in finding fulfilling career paths through mentorship and skill development programs.
WALKING ALONGSIDE OTHERS
The Guide is humbly drawn from a wide range of career experiences and lessons learned - often the hard way! I am now thankful for volunteer and limited consulting opportunities with non-profits, charitable, employee-owned firms, and educational settings.