At ESS, we’re proud to recognize our team members who go above and beyond to invest in their personal and professional growth. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Natalie Decker, who recently completed and graduated from the Dale Carnegie professional development course—a globally recognized program that has empowered professionals worldwide.
We sat down with Natalie to learn more about her experience and the impact it’s had on her journey.
Q: What is the Dale Carnegie Course®?
Natalie: Dale Carnegie is a globally recognized professional development program that offers courses designed to enhance communication, leadership, and human relations skills. The course I took specifically focused on building greater self-confidence, strengthening interpersonal skills, improving communication, and developing leadership abilities. It’s not just about learning techniques—it’s about transforming how you show up in every aspect of your life.
Q: What inspired you to take the course?
Natalie: I was inspired to take the course with the help of my supervisor, Carrie Myers, who saw my potential and gave me the confidence to pursue it.
Q: What did the Dale Carnegie course look like on a weekly basis?
Natalie: Each week, we delivered two separate two-minute speeches centered around a specific Dale Carnegie principle and how we applied it in the workplace. At the end of each session, our classmates would vote on who they felt best exemplified the principle that week. I was honored to receive that recognition in Session #8, which turned out to be a turning point for me.
Q: Tell us more about that breakthrough moment. What changed for you?
Natalie: Session 8 was kind of my “Aha” moment. I realized I had started to apply the principles more organically in both my professional and personal life. I wasn’t just picking one to focus on each week to check a box or have something to talk about. I was genuinely using a variety of principles in real situations. That shift in mindset made everything feel more natural. Instead of delivering a speech, I shared a real-life scenario from the previous week where I applied several principles, which ultimately led to a positive outcome and a win-win for everyone involved.
Q: Was there a single lesson or theme that resonated most deeply with you?
Natalie: It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing that I learned that was the most influential, because everything from the Dale Carnegie course truly is so applicable to our lives both personally and professionally. But if I had to summarize my biggest takeaways, it’s this:
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We are more capable than we think.
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Discomfort is a necessary part of growth.
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Curiosity is a powerful tool in the face of uncertainty.
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And most importantly, always show up with authenticity.
Those ideas have really stuck with me and changed how I engage with others.
At ESS, we believe in unlocking potential and celebrating progress. Congratulations, Natalie, on your Dale Carnegie graduation and for your Session #8 Breakthrough award. Thank you for inspiring us with your authenticity, curiosity, and commitment to continuous improvement. The best leaders never stop learning, and you’re proof of that.
If you’re inspired by Natalie’s story and looking for a workplace that invests in your personal and professional development, join our supportive team.
Apply today at ESS.com and discover where your growth journey can begin.