Sheila Talarico

Sheila Talarico, who is currently pursuing her Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) degree at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry Township, is left-handed, a vegetarian and an ENFJ personality type.

While Sheila’s handedness and diet probably didn’t have much impact on her educational choice, the alignment of her personality traits with the MSOL’s servant-leader philosophy certainly did. ENFJ is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) abbreviation for extraversion, intuition, feeling and judgment. And according to the Myers & Briggs Foundation, people with these qualities tend to “want to help others fulfill their potential,” often providing “inspiring leadership.”

Initially, Sheila decided to enroll in the MSOL program because of “the reputation and mission of Geneva College as a comprehensive Christian college of professional studies.” But she later realized the connection went much deeper. “Knowing what I do now about servant-leadership, I better understand the draw of Geneva College. Geneva is committed to the development of servant-leaders, the leadership style and theory to which I aspire.”

Developing her leadership skills is vital to Sheila in her current role as Executive Director of Glade Run Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides residential, educational, recreational and community based services to children with emotional and developmental disabilities. Although primarily engaged in fundraising, she also serves as Glade Run’s contact for public and community relations. “I work with a talented and passionate group to raise dollars and awareness to support the mission of Glade Run Lutheran Services and to provide for the needs of the children and families in our care.”

In her job, Sheila has found that a significant benefit of the MSOL program is that she can immediately apply classroom theory to her workplace. “I’ve been amazed at how often what we’re learning in the MSOL program parallels my work,” she says. “In our leadership team at Glade Run, we hold a weekly learning initiative where I’ve been able to share articles and information about everything from the importance of emotional intelligence to strategic decision making.”

Plus, learning to harness her natural strengths through the program’s Professional Development course has helped her maximize her effectiveness. “Knowing more about myself helps me to more successfully interact and work with others,” Sheila explains. “And understanding different personality types allows me to work more harmoniously with others who differ from me.”

As if managing work, graduate school and family isn’t enough, Shelia also volunteers what little spare time she has by working in the therapeutic animal program at Glade Run Adventures and serving on the board of Dress for Success Pittsburgh—a non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women. To many, it seems impossible that she can accomplish everything she needs to do.

Fortunately, ENFJs thrive in a schedule filled with activities. Plus, the convenient format of the MSOL program helps Sheila manage her time. “Like many working professionals, I have a need to balance my personal life with my desire to develop myself professionally. I have two children and a husband who still expect me to be a fully participating family member and a demanding job. The once-a-week classes fit perfectly into my schedule.”

And for those times when she may feel overwhelmed? Sheila is reminded by one of her favorite verses that she can rely on the greatest support system of all:  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).