1. What three words describe you and why?

Spontaneous, adventurous and eccentric. 

I have been called spontaneous and adventurous quite a few times - since I get bored easily, I try to keep myself on my toes by changing things up and trying new ways of doing things. And constantly asking, being a constant "questioner" (using Happiness expert, Gretchen Rubin's, language) on why things need to be done a certain way, some may find my experimental ways to be strange or eccentric. 

2. What is/was your volunteer role?

VP of Programs. In a nutshell, I help with the programming that happens for the chapter. This is primarily the monthly chapter events that take place for our members. With COVID changing the world and moving us to virtual, we are looking at additional programming such as a podcast/video series with luminaries and experts from a variety of fields, because innovation happens at the intersection of disciplines! 

3. What do you/did you love about volunteering for ATD NYC? How has the experience changed you?

I love that I gain exposure to such a vast population of talent development professionals. As a volunteer, especially in my role, I have had the privilege to offer guidance, advice, and insights to over a dozen individuals new in this field and I have realized I should have started volunteering like this earlier in my career so I could have shared my perspectives with even more people. It's never too late, though! Also, the more I share what I know, the more I learn about what I don't know. 

4. What career development opportunities are you exploring in the next one year?

This is the first year of my new company, Copilot Strategy, which is focused on helping L&D teams be more effective. With that said, this year I will be focusing on improving my sales, marketing, and advertising skills. A big part of consulting is to be able to acquire new business leads, so that will be a completely new territory for me in the coming year. 

5. What advice would you give to a Chapter member who is considering volunteering today? 

Do it. Quite simply, don't hesitate to give of yourself and your time (of course, after understanding the time committment, and making sure you aren't spreading yourself too thin!). I would advise any new volunteer to remember to utilize (a) the volunteer network of ATD-NYC to get things done, and (b) to leverage the other board members for help whenever needed. 

6. What is the best way to get in touch with you and/or your social media links, website, email address?

Email: adil.ibrahim@atdnyc.org ; LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adilibrahim; Website: www.CopilotStrategy.com; 

Twitter: @adilibrahim