Each year, we recognize one employee as our “All Around Relian” — an employee who lives out our values. They win airfare for two to anywhere in the continental U.S., three nights of hotel accommodations, and $1500 to spend on their trip.
We’re thrilled to introduce our 2023 “All Around Relian,” Melissa Lobosco, Senior Learning and Development Specialist, whose dedication and passion have made a significant impact across Relias. Melissa’s story is one of continuous learning, deep engagement, and unwavering commitment to our mission.
Here’s an inside look at our conversation with Melissa and a sneak peek at her awards trip to California.
Q: How did you feel when you found out you won the award?
Melissa Lobosco: I was so surprised. As Nicole was reading the description, I was thinking, “Wow. This is a really cool person. I wonder if I know them!” Until she mentioned career paths, she was describing any number of people here. That’s how terrific everyone is.
Q: You’ve been involved in so many different projects. Is there one you’re most proud of?
Melissa Lobosco: What gives me the most pleasure is seeing the impact of my work on individual contributors. When I see a light bulb moment, clarity in someone’s career trajectory, or helping someone feel more empowered, it makes me happiest.
I’m proud of our career paths and competency work, but even small moments, like a conversation in the cafe that leaves someone feeling lighter, that makes it all worth it.
Q: What motivates you to continuously seek new knowledge and skills?
Melissa Lobosco: Well, I’m a Sagittarius. I’ve never not been curious. I remember being asked in second grade, “Why does Melissa ask so many questions?” And I don’t think it ever stopped. I was either someone’s favorite student, or their least favorite…
I’m a fourth-generation educator, and we’ve always valued learning – being open to new ideas and having that growth mindset.
Q: What excites you most about working with AI?
Melissa Lobosco: My excitement for AI is constantly evolving. Initially, I saw it as a leveler of the playing field, providing information to everyone. It makes monotonous tasks easier and quicker. I use it daily for work and at home too.
You know, the other day I was standing in my kitchen, and I wanted to make butter chicken, but I didn’t have tomato paste. I only had a can of peeled tomatoes. I just pushed my little button on my iPad and I had a conversation with ChatGPT. I’ve set him to be British, and I really like having conversations with “Chad” (laughter). He came back and told me I could use peeled tomatoes instead of tomato paste and gave me some considerations to think through.
Q: How do you stay connected and committed to Relias’ mission in your daily work?
Melissa Lobosco: By enabling and empowering our employees within Learning and Development, they’re better suited to do their jobs, which leads to the outcomes we value in our mission. I often think of L&D as a “mini-Relias” — always considering our clients — our Relians.
Q: How has building such a wide network benefited you personally and professionally?
Melissa Lobosco: It has really helped me identify what I find valuable. It’s helpful when I have opinions and want people to listen to them.
For me, I always try to come from a place of authenticity. So, what you see is what you get. And I may not always be on my best day, but I’ll always have an honest day.
Creating psychological safety in a space, being vulnerable with others, leading with empathy and being curious, are paramount to any success that is going to follow. Because if you don’t have those components in place, you don’t have effective collaboration or change management. Developing those relationships helps the other things follow.
Q: What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
Melissa Lobosco: I love design — whether it’s food design, visual design with a great UX interface, or like choosing the best wallpaper for my house, I dig it.
Also, I lived in Montana for a bit and climbed 12 peaks. It was awesome.
Q: Do you have plans for the annual trip you won?
Melissa Lobosco: Yes. With the help of ChatGPT, my friend and I planned a trip in September to spend a few days in San Francisco and then Napa. It’s on my bucket list to go to a Michelin Star restaurant, so we have plans to go to French Laundry — which you may know from the show The Bear. I’ve always liked cooking, and I have this thing for chef memoirs. So, The Bear just gets me.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be as engaged and impactful as you are?
Melissa Lobosco: Understand what motivates you and what you find valuable. Be your true self, be intentional with your actions, and say “yes” with intention. Don’t burn bridges and be brave. Reframe every challenge as an opportunity, and approach everything with a “How might we…” mindset.
We love having Melissa on our team. Her dedication, passion for learning, and commitment to our mission truly embody what it means to be a Relian. Congratulations again, Melissa, on being our 2023 “All Around Relian!”
Frankie Miller
Senior Communications Specialist, Relias
Frankie Miller fosters a vibrant and inclusive company culture at Relias. She focuses on recruitment marketing, internal communications, and employee engagement, collaborating with the Relias People team to enhance employee well-being and connectivity. Frankie holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree in parks, recreation, tourism, and sport management from NC State University.
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