Senior Manager of Content

Portland, Oregon

He/His

For Dave McFarland, arriving at Senior Manager of Content for OpenSesame in early 2020 was the culmination of a teaching, design, and video production career. Dave has a discerning eye for the highest quality educational content and diverse voices. Today, he uses his experience to assemble best-in-class elearning, empowering all types of learners across the globe to grow their skills and knowledge. “It’s my team’s job to ensure the talent and experts in our catalog truly represent the diversity of our customer base,” Dave said. “It’s incredibly important the learners and our customers see themselves reflected in our courses and material.”

Briefly describe your role.

I lead a team that brings courses into the OpenSesame catalog that are exclusively available from us. We produce content for our catalog by working with subject matter experts and elearning developers to bring in new courses that match our customers’ topic and feature needs.

How did you get into the field you’re in?

I’ve been an instructor and trainer of adult learners for — well, let’s just say a long time. I was initially a web developer and designer as a magazine art director. I was interested in teaching people new skills. That led to teaching adult learners at universities, corporations, and continuing education programs. From there, I got into online video instruction, teaching computer programming and managed an educational programming and video team. At OpenSesame, we review lots of visual footage; I bring a design eye to producing courses. 

How has your OpenSesame team maintained a sense of community through the pandemic era?

I manage folks who work remotely — even before the pandemic — and the change to a remote culture has helped them feel more included in the organization and build stronger ties with their colleagues. Being a more remote company has certainly opened up avenues for hiring. It’s a positive we are increasing our talent pool. 

In what ways have you been supported by the OpenSesame team or culture?

The company’s response to the pandemic was terrific. The leadership team acted quickly to protect everyone’s safety. We’ve all worked hard to build an inclusive and vibrant remote culture to replace the in-person office life. The new programs — morning meditation, afternoon yoga, monthly online activities, and team virtual happy hours — have energized me during these difficult times. 

What has been the best part of working in your role? 

I get to work with so many fascinating subject matter experts and creatives outside our organization. I’ve talked to folks worldwide about their work, research, and the creative process of building exciting elearning opportunities.

How has the work you do changed following 2020? 

We’ve increased our publisher quality standards. We’ve been growing diversity in the content we produce. It’s my team’s job to ensure the talent and experts in our catalog truly represent the diversity of our customer base. It’s incredibly important the learners and our customers see themselves reflected in our courses and material.

What is your favorite course in the OS catalog?

The Power of Journaling by OpenMind – I’ve learned so many great techniques to focus, embrace gratitude, and explore my thoughts, and get organized.

What is your favorite TED course?

The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown I’m a people manager. It’s okay to be vulnerable, and it’s powerful to be vulnerable. You can become more human and create deeper bonds of trust. It flips the traditional narrative. 

What is the most unique thing about working at OpenSesame?

The leadership is fantastic. They have embraced transparency, empathy, and diversity and are willing to share so much with employees. The company structure was described to me as an inverted functional pyramid. At the top are the customers, then front-line folks, and then down to leadership at the bottom. Customers drive what we do. Our support people hear and communicate the customers’ needs down the chain. The people on the team who work closely with our customers are the real value of the organization. Leadership is here to support them. 

What advice would you give to new OS hires?

Ask lots of questions, seek help and meet as many people as possible — especially across teams. We have a friendly, giving, and collaborative culture. The sooner you learn the things you don’t know by reaching out, the sooner you’ll build working relationships that match our culture.

What makes a team member successful at OpenSesame?

Initiative, inquisitiveness, and humility

What’s something people may not know about you?

I dropped out of college for a semester and was a short-order cook at a breakfast place. It was the single best training I could have received in project management, prioritization, and customer service. 

The post OpenSesame Employee Spotlight: Dave McFarland appeared first on OpenSesame.

Senior Manager of Sales

Portland, Oregon

She/Her/Hers

Over her five years at OpenSesame, Kolene Hammer’s personal life and professional paths have all been rearranged. As a current Senior Manager of Sales, Kolene leads by example with both her strong business results and her consistent managerial courage. Kolene encourages her entire team to be their authentic selves, ask for help, and share their stories. Kolene knows first-hand what it means to endure public loss and grief surrounded by a supportive work team. “Sharing our stories not only may help others deal with and heal from experiences, but owning our stories also helps us heal,” Kolene said. “Vulnerability is the greatest strength and allows others permission to be vulnerable as well.” 

Briefly describe your role. 

I coach my team to improve daily while accomplishing and exceeding our business objectives daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. I help steer my team by helping them close business efficiently and effectively within OpenSesame guidelines and best practices. The best part of my job is to help develop my reps far beyond what they believe they can accomplish and help them reach the next level in their career, no matter what that is. 

How did you get into the field you’re in and grown through the jobs you’ve held? 

I worked at my last company, in telecom and software, for 17 years. Fifteen of those were in management and my last role was as a district manager. I decided to take some time off before determining my next move. I wanted to work for a company providing something meaningful to other companies. My brother was the one who pointed me to OpenSesame. I was also looking for a role outside of management as an individual contributor. After a few years at OpenSesame as a sales rep, I soon realized my heart was still in management. I moved into a hybrid role, leading a team with a territory and sales quota. From there, I was promoted to a sales manager. Given the outstanding results my team had, I was promoted to Senior Manager of Sales last year.  

What OpenSesame Employee Resource Group are you in? 

I’m in Feminine Leadership and Juntos, a Latin ERG group. I’m half Mexican, and the Juntos group is a safe space to talk and shed more of a spotlight on our company’s culture, charity work, and recruiting efforts. 

What has been the best part of working in your role? 

Breaking sales records and having reps on my team accomplish high-set goals. We have built a truly collaborative environment in my team. I’ve dubbed us Hammer Team (after my last name). Also, I have a voice in the direction of the company. My voice matters.

How has OpenSesame changed since you’ve joined? 

We’ve grown so much. I believe I was employee number forty-seven, and now we are close to 200 people. When I started, the OpenSesame brand was not well known in the industry — today, companies seek us out. 

In what ways have you been supported by the OpenSesame team or culture? 

A little over two years ago, I lost my fiance, suddenly, to a massive heart attack. In the blink of an eye, my entire life changed. From the minute I told my manager through this very moment, I have had more support than I ever imagined from everyone at OpenSesame. There isn’t a manual on how to help employees through grief, but OpenSesame could write it. From leadership members and their spouses coming by to hug me, to the countless meals they sent, to the messages, flowers, and just overall mountain of support. I didn’t once worry about my job. For anyone who has ever lost someone and worried about their job being in jeopardy, I am so sorry. Almost to the day, a year later, my mom passed away from cancer: round two, and just as much support. OpenSesame has given me a platform to tell my story when and where appropriate. It gave me what I needed most, a purpose outside of family to pour all of my heart and soul into. It’s a hell of a long way back up from rock bottom. OpenSesame not only helped me survive, but allowed me to thrive. 

What is your favorite course in the OS catalog? 

Leveraging the Power of Generations by The Jeff Havens Company. I love the similarities between the course and the different generations we have at OpenSesame. 

What is your favorite TED course? 

Everyday Leadership by Drew Dudley, showing everybody is a leader no matter their title.

If you feel comfortable, give a glimpse of life outside of work; where do you get your energy, or what do you enjoy? 

Without a doubt, my “why” — the well from which I draw all my strength, perseverance, and grit — comes from my two boys. I am blessed to be their mom. Two of my favorite things are music and sports. My oldest, Cody, 27, was born with a guitar in his hand and a song in his heart. My youngest, Cam, 13, was born with a baseball in his hand, and competitiveness in his heart. When life gets tough and I have bad days, I just stop, realize I am “Mom” to those two fantastic boys, and I have all the strength I need. I want to show them what a strong woman looks like and females are a force to be reckoned with. 

What is a unique thing about OS? 

Every voice matters. 

What enneagram type are you? And what part speaks most strongly to you? 

I am a true eight: The Protector. I protect those closest to me, whether my family and friends or my team at work. I will always come to the aid of the underdog if they are being bullied. I get angry when people hurt those closest to me. The Challenger: I’m not afraid to say exactly what is on my mind. I don’t follow the status quo if I don’t agree with it. I have no problem being a voice for those who are afraid to use theirs. 

How has your OpenSesame team maintained a sense of community through the pandemic era? 

We started something called “HH” for my team. It started as Hammer Hangout but quickly turned into Happy Hour. Of course, “HH” is always virtual. When reps have a question or just need a connection, they can join and invite others on the team to meet them. I try my best to keep conversations light but real. I want everyone to know we’re all going through different things during these crazy times, and it’s okay to not always be on top of your work game. 

What advice would you give to new OS hires? 

Bring your authentic self to work every day. No matter what you have going on or what feelings you have, always be true to yourself. OpenSesame offers a safe space and welcomes you. It’s how we grow individually, as a team, and as a company.  

What makes a team member successful at OpenSesame? 

Ability to adapt and hunger to always be learning.

Do you have a motto or personal mantra? 

Own your story; share your story. We all have a story to tell. Be proud of who you are. Embrace all the life you have lived before today, and welcome all your tomorrows with open arms. Today, this very second is all you are promised. Sharing our stories not only helps others deal with and heal from experiences, but owning our stories also helps us. Vulnerability is the greatest strength and allows others permission to be vulnerable as well. 

What’s something people may not know about you?

I am an ambassador for an organization called Mission22. Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day and this organization helps veterans and their families with support. My father was a veteran and he died by suicide 37 years ago, so this is dear to my heart. I also have my Certified Personal Training certificate through NASM. I am certified to be a personal trainer. 

The post OpenSesame Employee Spotlight: Kolene Hammer appeared first on OpenSesame.

Senior Director of Customer Success

Portland, OR

she/her/hers

Marta Altree, Senior Director of Customer Success, perfectly applies her tech-ed experience and outgoing personality in her role at OpenSesame. Along with her customer success team, Marta blends her passion for innovation and technology with her client relationship instincts. (Still, as she says, she nearly joined the Polish CIA using those same skills!) Within her two years at OpenSesame, Marta’s leadership has been leveraged through OpenSesame’s leadership development program, and her team has made leaps in delivering customer value. “We’re taking huge steps to scale our processes in how we support our customers,” Marta said. “We all have a sense of investment in the success of the company and a drive to constantly iterate and improve on how we do business.”

Briefly describe your role.

I lead the team of talented and hard-working customer success managers, whose charter is to help customers drive value out of the investment they made in our product.

How did you get into the field you’re in?

I graduated with a degree in education and started my career in higher education as a teacher/adjunct instructor and instructional designer. I stumbled upon the ed-tech industry, where I was able to combine my passion for teaching with my interest in technology. Customer Success is all about enabling and training customers, so it was a natural progression. 

What has been the best part of working in your role? 

Our customers and my team are the best part. Throughout my 12 years in technology, I’ve had the chance to work with the most innovative, forward-thinking organizations with bold thought leaders who pushed me to grow and learn. Building a team is most rewarding — I thrive on coaching co-workers, watching them grow and developing new skills. 

How has your career grown since starting at the company?

Thanks to OpenSesame’s leadership development program, I’ve advanced tremendously in my role. When I started, we only had five customer success managers. Today, there are 16 of us, and we’re a well-oiled machine. We’re taking huge steps to scale our processes in how we support our customers. I keep a Trello list of all the projects and initiatives I complete, and it’s growing exponentially every month.

What is the Best ProDev you’ve taken?

Gainsight Pulse conference; the largest Customer Success conference in the world. Five thousand like-minded customer success managers descended on San Francisco and spent three days talking about improvements in supporting our customers and helping them achieve their goals. 

If you feel comfortable, give a glimpse of life outside of work; where do you get your energy, or what do you enjoy?

My family is my everything, including my hubby, my 8-year old daughter, and a furry son named Steve, a 2-year old rescue doggo from Texas. We live for adventures and traveling is our obsession. In the summer, you’ll find us exploring the Pacific NW, hiking, biking, swimming. In the winter, it’s mountain time. There is also the annual European trip, inevitably ending with a visit to my family in Poland. I can’t wait for Covid to be over to get back on the plane.

What is the most unique thing about OS or what makes working with OpenSesame rewarding?

We all have a sense of investment in the success of the company and a drive to constantly iterate and improve on how we do business. Also, pets are a big theme at OpenSesame. We have a dedicated “Dogs of OpenSesame” Slack channel. The office is dog friendly, and during our new hire presentations, a slide with you or your family pet is a must.

What enneagram type are you? And what part speaks most strongly to you?

I am a 3 (The Achiever), wing of 2 (The Helper). I’m definitely The Achiever – I like to put ideas into executable plans with measurable outcomes and start implementing them. Folks describe me as a “doer”. The other side of the coin is that I need to remind myself to pause and reflect before diving in.

How has your OpenSesame team maintained a sense of community through the pandemic era?

As customer success managers, we’re all extroverts. We’re all outspoken and type-A. My team is very close-knit and most of us were already based in the Portland office. I was concerned with how we would remain effective and collaborative, while still caring for each others’ wellbeing and mental health. We certainly miss the water cooler conversations, team banter, and thought sharing. Still, through daily standups, team meetings, fun all-company events, and happy hours we have been able to stay close and care for each other. Our team even brought on four new hires since the pandemic started. 

What makes a team member successful at OpenSesame?

A desire to learn, grow, and get better every day. Questioning the status quo and pushing for change.

Do you have a motto or personal mantra?

Invest in experiences, not things. I’m obsessed with traveling. It’s the best way to grow as an individual.

What’s something people may not know about you?

I was born and raised in Poland. After graduating, I planned to join the equivalent of the Polish CIA. I took a gap year after I got my degree to work and travel the west coast of the U.S. Eighteen years later, I’m still here and not in the Polish CIA . . . or am I? 

The post OpenSesame Employee Spotlight: Marta Altree appeared first on OpenSesame.

Product Operations Team Lead – Portland, Oregon

After a global pandemic, Danielle Rubio knows exactly what it takes to make change happen fast for OpenSesame clients. Danielle expertly leads the product operations team for customers. During the lockdown height, her team worked cross-functionally to quickly launch an unprecedented catalog of public courses focused on “Wellness” and “COVID Preparedness” — available to anyone, for free. “Things don’t usually change that rapidly. Not in eLearning,” she said. “We were dealing with shifting priorities and trying to do the right thing for our community and the world.”

Briefly describe your role.

I am the team lead of the product operations team, which currently includes our support engineers, implementation specialists, and product operations specialists. I’m responsible for the technical onboarding of new customers, order fulfillment, and supporting our sales team with any pre-sales needs.

How did you get into the field you’re in?

I’m passionate about teaching folks to get the most of the product they’re using, and it turns out that translates pretty well into many other disciplines. 

What has been the best part of working in your role? 

I get to work with almost every department. I’m able to help those departments or have them help me. When you’re in support, things are always changing — but with the resources to support us. This job keeps you busy learning and growing in a way that has to be targeted and intentional. 

In what ways have you been supported by the OpenSesame team or culture?

OpenSesame allows you to grow into what you’re capable of. There is always more to learn if you’re looking for it. I’m always supported in taking on more responsibility and growing my skills.

What is your favorite course in the OpenSesame catalog?

Fostering Mutual Understanding: Identify Biased Filters in Hiring | Valerie Purdie-Vaughns Greenaway: This course spoke to me personally. It’s all about how we can be better and do better. I’m currently hiring, and it helped me understand where my leadership team is at, where I’m at, and where my candidates are at. 

How has life changed for your role since the pandemic? 

OpenSesame decided early on to do whatever we could to allow the public to access content around “COVID Preparedness” and “Wellness” — for free. That was huge. Things don’t usually change that rapidly. Not in eLearning. We were dealing with shifting priorities and trying to do the right thing for our community and the world. 

Where do you get your energy, or what do you enjoy? 

Pre-pandemic, I played soccer a couple of times a week, but lately, I’ve been relegated to juggling (poorly) in my living room. Otherwise, I enjoy reading YA, outdoor activities, puttering around my house, growing succulents, and driving my truck.

What makes working with OpenSesame rewarding?

Work-wise, I love the ability to choose your own adventure. I’ve learned from every department by working on cross-functional projects in so many different business areas. Community-wise, there is a lot of attention to helping employees learn about other business areas not related to their specific job. 

How has your OpenSesame team maintained a sense of community through the pandemic era?

We’ve got several things that help take away the isolation. We have regular Friday meetings with interactive activities. There’s also a virtual coffee break and a virtual lunch room. The company is really open about how we don’t know when we will return to the office and what it might look like when we do. There’s a sense of trust in the communication. Trust is crucial to a community. 

What’s something people may not know about you?

I was born in Sweden and just became a U.S. citizen in 2015. My dad still lives in Sweden. He was a political refugee from Chile, and my mom was born in England and grew up in the U.S. She met my dad in Sweden. They met in Swedish class because neither of them spoke Swedish. 

How has OpenSesame changed since you’ve joined?

We’ve almost doubled in size, and we’ve gone fully remote due to the pandemic. The company and leadership have also become more open to new ideas as we grow and the world changes.

What advice would you give to new Open Sesame hires?

Take your time. Soak it all in. Focus on whatever you were hired to do, but look around and keep an open eye for things that are interesting to you. You’ll have a chance to pursue other things. We don’t expect people to stay in one place forever. Don’t be shy, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

What makes a team member successful at OpenSesame?

Things are changing rapidly, and you have to interface with a lot of departments. An openness to interfacing with people different from you is critical. People who are successful here are open to learning and interacting with other teams. 

What enneagram type are you? 

I am an enneagram type seven. I like to think of my brain as the real seven; it’s always trying to get to the next adventure, which often means getting into a specific subject or work project and learning a little too much.

The post OpenSesame Employee Spotlight: Danielle Rubio appeared first on OpenSesame.