KATIE LENDA
Special to The Leader
Fredonia alumnus, Josh Schneider, will be paying a visit to his alma mater from March 4-6.
Schneider’s residency will consist of four different events, sponsored by Fredonia’s School of Business and Writers @ Work.
In 2009, Schneider graduated from Fredonia with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Ten years later, Schneider is the founder of The Human Engagement Institution, an organization that aims to promote productivity in the workplace by finding fulfillment out of a career.
Schneider is a nationally recognized public speaker, former life coach and is also the author of three books.
On Wednesday, March 4, Schneider is set to give an open presentation titled, “Engaging in Operational Problem Solving” at 1 p.m. in Thompson Hall, W101.
Later that day at 5 p.m., Schneider will facilitate multiple workshops, including “OK Boomer, OK Gen-Z: We Need to Talk,” in the Pucci Room, located in the Williams Center.
“OK Boomer, OK Gen-Z: We Need to Talk,” will discuss generational gaps in the workplace that often lead to miscommunication.
The workshop is inspired by the viral “OK, boomer” meme, and the response it received from Gen-Z students. Schneider is set to give advice to the younger generation on how to successfully navigate the workplace despite the differences between generations.
“Be the Change: Shaping Success in the Workplace and Finding your Passion,” will be held in the Williams Center S204D on Thursday, March 5.
This workshop aims to inspire students to find work that is meaningful and engaging to them post-graduation.
Schneider’s Entrepreneurial Workshop will be held at Fredonia’s Technology Incubator in Dunkirk from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6.
Coincidentally, Fredonia was recently selected to be featured on “Small Business Revolution,” which will be the kickoff for the filming of the show.
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Dr. Susan McNamara of the business department is a member of the Writers @ Work committee.
Schneider was one of her former students and they have stayed in contact throughout the years.
McNamara is also the head of the leadership minor and said that, “Leaders need to facilitate the development of a vision for the organization and inspire others to act.”
This is ultimately what Schneider will be teaching students.
“Josh’s journey to develop his business and message is fascinating. He began as an accountant and realized he had a passion for working with people to find their potential. He will be able to offer a message about finding and fulfilling your passion and finding a way to create the work you want to do,” she said.
Dr. Natalie Gerber, a professor from the English department is also a part of the Writers @ Work Committee, and helped organize Schneider’s residency.
She discussed how students can benefit from Schneider’s workshops, even if they are not business majors.
“If students see Josh’s degree and think it’s only for business students, they will miss out on someone who is really focused on giving them strategic tips on finding meaningful work, avoiding burnout, and connecting work-life with their passions,” she said.
All events are free and open to the public.