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In this first episode, Denise and Herminio explore the importance of having a friend in the workplace and how friends can make a difference in your professional and personal life.

Denise Nelson Nash, MFA, EdD

Denise is vice president, secretary of the Board of Trustees, convener of the IDEA Initiative, Scripps College. Denise joined Scripps College in 2013 as vice president and secretary of the board of trustees. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, she works directly with the president and board on a wide array of strategic initiatives, including the implementation of the college’s strategic plan, equity and justice initiatives, and effective board governance. Nelson Nash serves on AGB’s Council of Board Professionals and is the past chair of the Board Professionals Leadership Group. Her community service includes the board of Polytechnic School, ESL teacher and advocate, and past service as a member of the Pasadena Educational Foundation Advisory Committee and past president and board member of the Tournament of Roses Foundation. Nelson Nash earned her BA from Scripps College, MFA from the University of Michigan, and EdD from New York University.

Herminio L. Perez, DMD, MBA, EdD

Herminio is assistant dean of student affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Herminio Perez received his DMD degree from RSDM and his MBA in Healthcare Systems from the Silberman College of Business, Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. Perez, who is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry, joined RSDM as an instructor in 2008. In addition to his academic and administrative responsibilities, he is a member of the Diversity Leadership Council at RBHS and co-chairs sections of the Antiracist Taskforce and the RBHS University-wide Diversity Strategic Planning Process.

Resources:

Book: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Episode Recommendations:

Denise offers 10 steps to making friends on campus:

1. Introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Starting with those you will work most closely with, followed by those you share an affinity with, and followed by those who seem so unlike you – you may find surprises in this category.
2. Learn people’s names, how to pronounce them, and use them.
3. Ask questions – not of a personal probing nature – but work-related and if offered more personal information, such as family or hobbies, display interest.
4. Bring food, share food. Who doesn’t like to eat? I always ask if anyone wants anything when I make a Trader Joe’s run or I bring in snacks on just because days and always celebrate milestones.
5. Be positive. No one wants to be around negativity. You’ll attract more friends if you approach situations with honesty and find the silver linings – there is always at least one.
6. Eat lunch with or schedule coffee time with co-workers and not just those in comparable roles – go lateral, go deep.
7. Share information, that is not confidential, but information that would be helpful to others. In doing this, you’ll often find reciprocal gestures.
8. Attend work events – welcome receptions, farewell receptions, celebrations, etc. Work the room, greeting those you have met before and introducing yourself to unfamiliar faces.
9. Plan get-togethers outside of work, if appropriate.
10. Always be you – genuine and authentic.