Steph Altom

What do you do in your role at The Next Step
I am helping to develop a process that will identify and keep the talented individuals that make up an effective team. This involves recruiting, hiring, on-boarding, training, and developing people that fit into the culture of the organization as well as having the skills required for a specific seat.

How/when did you first become interested in this type of work?
I enjoy people and appreciate how their differences contribute to the richness of every interaction. In my work as a business manager at a counseling center, I became more aware of the role that individual temperament styles and emotional intelligence plays in the success and failure of relationships, both personal and professional. Learning to understand and respect yourself and others is a key component in any healthy, successful relationship.

What aspect of your job brings you the most satisfaction?
I love reviewing a person’s assessment results with them because each individual possesses strengths and characteristics that they have taken for granted and this process helps them recognize and appreciate them. It helps them understand how their perspective may differ from the perspective of others and helps them better understand and relate to the people in their lives.

What unusual, non-work-related skills do you possess?
I haven’t done it for a while, but in days gone by I have made quite a number of formal dresses for weddings and proms. This includes the dress my daughter-in-law wore to her wedding!

How do you like to spend your free time?
I am very interested in all things health-related and how to maximize and enhance them. I love to hike (especially in the woods or mountains), bike, work out (only the fun stuff!), play with my grandsons, and eat great food! I enjoy hanging out in the backyard (especially by the firepit) with friends, family, or just my husband and a glass of dry, red, Italian wine! 😊 I also enjoy a variety of artsy pursuits.

Homebase: Roanoke, VA USA
Languages: English