THEMATIC JOURNEY THROUGH

MY LIFE AND LEADERSHIP

KRISTIN MAULDIN
NOVEMBER 14, 2021
OGL482
DR. BRENT SCHOLAR
Introduction
Throughout the Organizational Leadership program and the OGL482
course I have been creating and collecting data about myself. The
Thematic Analysis provided a focused opportunity to gather all this
personal qualitative data in order to reflect on my life and leadership
journey to understand the themes and values that have, or are,
developing. For this analysis I reviewed a comprehensive array of data
from school and work to identify themes that I eventually categorize into
ten distinct themes present in all facets my life.
Research Process and Methods
To begin my Thematic Analysis, I started from the beginning of my Organizational
Leadership program. I looked through papers, self-assessments and discussions
throughout my educational and professional journey, with specific focus on the OGL481
and 482 courses. Below are the steps I followed to develop my analysis:
1. Collect data sources from Canvas, my documents, and professional experiences
2. Read all data
3. Code repeated words/statements in an Excel spreadsheet to track the data
sources
4. Reflect on the codes identified, organize into common themes using color coding
and preliminary code verbiage
5. Step away
6. Re-evaluate the themes and supporting data to confirm accuracy and relevancy
of data supporting the final theme coding
7. Return to data collection to collect and compile the relevant data points for each
theme
Research Process and Methods Cont’d
 Challenges
 When starting my data collection, I was anxious I was digging in too deep and
felt overwhelmed with uncertainty and the volume of data. Once I
understood this provided a more robust pool of data, I dug into all relevant
courses along my Organizational Leadership journey.
 My next challenge was in coding. Once I thought I had confirmed my themes
and started the execution of my presentation I felt redundancy in the themes
or data I was pulling to support. By simply returning to my notes and analysis
process though, I was able to confirm my themes, or adjust where I had
developed crossed connections.
 Outcome
 Once my data collection, analysis, coding and recoding were complete, I
found I developed a set of themes that are well represented my history as well
as in my current considerations for my path forward in my career and personal
life.
My Data Sources
I returned to my previous work from all courses within my Organizational
Leadership journey including the current course to find valuable and
relevant data. I also included self-assessments completed in school and
in my professional life in order to analyze a broad spectrum of data
sources. This allowed me to develop the most comprehensive analysis
possible of my journey so far, as well as a well-informed path forward for
my career and personal life.
Data Sources

 16 Personalities Self-Assessment (16P) This is a self-assessment based on the Myers-Briggs

Type Index personality types. It evaluates the dimensions of a person’s personality and codes
the results according to one of the 16 combinations of traits. These dimensions measure a
persons: extraversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs.
perceiving.
 Career Anchors Assessment (CAA) This was an assessment that helped me understand what
needs I place the most value on. By knowing what is most important to me in my work life, I
can make the best career decisions in order to support my highest priorities.
 DiSC Personality Test (DiSC) This assessment requires users to select two answers from a series
of statement clusters, one which they find most accurate to their personality and one which
they believe is least accurate as to their personality. Each statement has a corresponding
value which generates a score for the user in four categories: Dominance, Influence,
Steadiness, and Compliance.
 Holland Personality Traits (HPT) An assessment based on John L. Holland’s six personality
types that evaluates a person’s scores to determine vocational paths that they would be
best suited for. These personalities are the balance between: realistic, investigative, artistic,
social, enterprising, and conventional.
Data Sources Cont’d

 Inspiration Book Project (482 IBP) My OGL482 Inspiration project that was
completed through evaluation and application of a book. I chose James Clear’s
Atomic Habits (2018), which is a great personal and leadership development tool
addressing the systems of habits a person has, and how to change these for the
better.
 Kuder Career Interests (KCI) Based on Hollland’s RIASEC personality types, this
assessment helps identify careers that may be of interest to a person depending
on the personality scores.
 Kuder Skills Confidence (KSC) Based on Hollland’s RIASEC personality types, this
assessment helps identify careers that may be of interest to a person depending
on their confidence level in different skills categories.
 Lockheed Martin Career Values (LMCV) This is an internal Lockheed tool from
Psychometrics Publishing. This evaluates responses to a Career Values Scale and
describes key features of a person’s value system to help identify work and career
paths that would be most rewarding.
Data Sources Cont’d

 OGL220 Assignment Responses (OGL 220) OGL220 Behavioral Dynamics in

Organizations was one of the first courses in the Organizational Leadership
program. This course provided many opportunities to reflect on behaviors,
leadership, and how these interact within organizations.
 OGL300 Module 5: Paper 2 (OGL300) In OGL300 Theory and Practice of
Leadership students explore different leadership styles to understand and
apply these to experiences in life and class.
 OGL321 Module 1: Short Paper (OGL321) OGL321 Project Leadership was a
course focused on leadership within project management. This paper was an
assignment evaluating examples of great leadership and required discussion
on personal leadership traits.
 OGL481 Electronic Portfolio (481EP) This was a compilation of reflection and
discussion about leadership competencies I hold.
Data Sources Cont’d

 OGL482 Unit 1: Self-Assessment Paper (482 U1) The paper completed in Unit 1
of OGL482 was an opportunity to reflect on much of the self-assessment data
collected so far in the OGL program.
 Super Work Values (SWV) An assessment that asks a series of values-based
questions and evaluates responses to determine and rank work values most
important to me. This provided a good overview of what I value most.
 Yellowdig (YD) In my responses within the Yellowdig community I can see
current trends and appreciation to the values I hold. Through discussion with
peers, and reflection on our conversations, I can express my perspective as
well as learn through other’s perspectives as well.
My 10 Themes
The product of my in-depth analysis of my work and educational history is
the identification of the prominent themes throughout my life. As I
compiled the data that supported each theme, and reflected on the
theme in my life journey, I developed a deep appreciation for the value
of each theme. These themes have developed me into who I am today
and will continue to guide me in my future decisions about my path.
Understanding the themes valuable to me will help me navigate my
future to best support my values and priorities.
Theme 1: Family Dedication
 Theme Statement: My family is the number one priority in my life, my actions and decisions are
all based on what will best support my family’s happiness and wellbeing. This includes finding
an integration of my work and life priorities in order to be available when needed for my family.

 Supporting Data
 “Lifestyle” has become number one in my work values, I appreciate how integration of
work and life supports my family priorities best. (SWV)
 “This flexibility has allowed me to fulfill the needs in my home life through supporting my son
and his education through virtual learning, and I have come to realize that this is a function
of my work I need to continue.” (482 U1)
 “Knowing this has helped me meter myself when I get overly excited for new opportunity or
projects by slowing down to weigh out all benefits and costs to the outcome or to my
approach.” (482 U1)
 “What drives much of my motivation in this journey is my role as "momma" to my 6-year-old,
Benjamin, and I cannot wait for him to see me graduate this December!” (YD)
 “My greatest passion in life is raising and loving my son, Benjamin. He has been a driving
force for continuing my education and pursuing new career paths.” (481 EP)
Theme 1: Family Dedication Cont’d

 Contradictory Evidence
 Although my family is my priority, there are times where I have felt guilty
in taking so much time away from them to complete my coursework. I
don’t see this as contradictory ultimately though, because the end goal
is all for a better future positioning for us all.
 Reflection
 I have always had strong ties to my family and placed great value on
the time we spend together. This grew exponentially when I became a
mother, and the dedication and prioritization was happily required from
me as a single parent. Now with the changing nature of work and
flexible options, I have found I have more choices available in my
career path that will allow me to continue putting my family needs and
goals in focus. The ability to fully support and be present for my family is
my number one consideration as I move forward in my career.
Theme 2: Stability and Security
 Theme Statement: The stability of my work and home life, and the financial security, is
important for me to have in order to fully support my family as best as I can.

 Supporting Data
 I will be most satisfied working in an organization where I have enough income to
ensure that I can afford life's luxuries for myself and my family. (LMCV)
 While I do not mind working in changing environments, I greatly value stability and
basic job security. (LMCV)
 My ideal work environment is a stable and predictable environment. (DiSC)
 Terminal Values assessment results indicate Family Security and Comfortable Life are
two of my three top values. (OGL220)
 Career change and pursuit of the OGL program to position me well for career
advancements. (YD)
Theme 2: Stability and Security Cont’d
 Contradictory Evidence
 I did not come across qualitative data that contradicted this theme. In my experience
I ponder if throughout my education journey I have created a less stable schedule for
my son, but this is in the pursuit of continued stability and security through my career.
 Reflection
 I have found that throughout my adult life I have sought stability. My childhood was
stable, so I believe this is an inherent quality I strive to continue for my life and my son’s
as well. Financial security has been important to me having grown up in a low-income
household. My pursuit of my undergraduate degree is primarily to position myself
better for more lucrative opportunities in my career, in order to continue a stable and
secure future for my family.
Theme 3: Service to Others
 Theme Statement: I am most fulfilled in my work and community life when I am serving others in
ways that support the needs or development of my teams and community.

 Supporting Data
 I feel best about what I do when I am being helpful to others. (LMCV)
 “In my role as a manager and leader with Starbucks, I found great joy and fulfillment in
supporting my teams to accomplish their work as well as connecting and supporting
customers as people. I found that by creating these experiences that uplifted teams and
customers, I was content with my role in the stores and saw that we both brought business
and community results.” (482 U1)
 “I want my role to be one that recognizes individuals and teams, uplifts and enhances their
experience, and support in the fulfillment of their goals.” (482 U1)
 “Demonstrates a will and desire to help others in the organization.” (DiSC)
 My service anchor is “characterized as being principally motivated by dedicating their
work and sometimes their lives in the service of others”(CAA)
Theme 3: Service to Others Cont’d

 Contradictory Evidence
 I did not find contradictory evidence, and I would not expect to given
my past and my assessment results. I consistently score very high on
social, relationships, and service focuses.
 Reflection
 Ever since a young age I have found fulfillment in supporting those
around me. I am often not able to support financially, and because of
that have found greater value in supporting with my personal efforts.
Service to others has been a focus in my personal life in volunteering
within my community, and I have found this theme to be ever present in
my leadership journey as well. My servant and authentic leadership
styles have demonstrated this, and by understanding this theme as a
constant in my life I understand the importance of continuing to uphold
this in my career and personal journey.
Theme 4: Empathy
 Theme Statement: Empathy is the basis for my authentic approach to relationships, social
settings, and leadership. I develop appreciation for others and trusting relationships through my
empathy for the different journeys' others have lived.

 Supporting Data
 “Even if I cannot fully understand what someone has been through, the fact that I can
appreciate that and that they have an equally valid perspective as mine helps to establish
a trusting relationship.” (481 EP)
 “I have also learned through many courses how important empathy is for various focuses of
a team, from diversity and inclusion to personal motivation or performance.” (481 EP)
 Empathy is a great gift to have in leadership. I was able to support my customers and
employees, and better coach the employees to reflect and anticipate needs as they see
customers body language, language, or general demeanor. (OGL220)
 I believe that everyone deserves to express their feelings, and my empathy and warmth
create spaces where even the most timid can feel comfortable opening up. (16P)
 “Campaigners can use their communication skills and empathy to handle even the most
challenging workplace situations in a way that is kind and fair.” (16P)
Theme 4: Empathy Cont’d
 Contradictory Evidence
 I did not find contradictory evidence, and I did not expect to. I have always been
empathetic to the experiences of others. My mom often tells me about after the 1994
Northridge earthquake that I was emotional and sad, not out of fear but out of
sadness for what the affected families were going through.

 Reflection
 Empathy has always been a driving competency in my personal and professional lives.
I have found that this enables me to support others better by understanding I do not
know how to help if I cannot view a situation from their perspective. This has especially
supported my leadership journey by understanding the views of others or striving to do
so. As I have started in an administrative support role, I believe this theme will be ever
present as I progress in my career because I have knowledge of what experiences
these roles receive from higher levels. This will allow me to ensure I provide better
experiences and support for those around me.
Theme 5: Authenticity
 Theme Statement: My authentic approach to personal and professional relationships, and to the
work I perform, is how I develop trusting relationships and a steadfast personal brand for my
career.

 Supporting Data
 “I believe being authentic in leadership is monumental for any setting. This creates a trusting
space, knowing that a leader is coming forth with transparency in their expectations,
understanding, and a genuine care for the team and the work.” (OGL321)
 “I approach new teams and settings with curiosity and a yearning to understand the
processes and impact of my work, and I think this is demonstrating my authentic approach.”
(OGL321)
 I believe authenticity is shown when I have compassion for my teams. Through authenticity I
am able to establish trust and respect and energize my teams. (OGL300)
 Few things matter more to the ENFP personality types than having genuine, heartfelt
conversations with the people they cherish. (16P)
 Being curious ad perceptive to others, I am a good listener and excellent communicator. My
good nature also makes me approachable and able, if not eager, to approach others for
new projects and solutions. (16P)
Theme 5: Authenticity Cont’d
 Contradictory Evidence
 As an ENFP, I am a people-pleaser, and may compromise on things important to me if
I try too hard to keep the peace or accommodate others’ ideas. (16P)
 Reflection
 I value relationships and developing bonds with others. I have found that I do this best
when I am my authentic self. I value truth and honesty in others and strive to present
that of myself in my interactions. This is a valuable theme to lean on as I progress in my
career as I will always be clear in who I am and what I bring to the table. As I explored
this theme through this analysis, I also have now considered how critical it will be to
remain authentic to my values and passions in my roles at work as I navigate my
career path.
Theme 6: Curiosity
 Theme Statement: My curious and inquisitive nature has been present throughout my life and
career and is the basis for my lifelong pursuit of knowledge and education. My curiosity
encourages my continuous development in my career.

 Supporting Data
 “I aspire to continue my education through a graduate degree program to deepen my
knowledge and develop for future leadership roles in my career.” (481 EP)
 I am interested in activities that include working to achieve economic gain as well as
personal or organizational goals. (KCI)
 Understanding habits as a system empowered me to evaluate my systems, and start to
make incremental changes to drive personal development (482 IBP)
 “To develop myself to a human resources leader, I will make incremental changes that
develop habits that demonstrate my propensity for business strategy and support of the
humans in an organization.” (482 IBP)
 I enjoy learning new skills and expanding my expertise. I “will be satisfied working in an
organization where there is a culture of life-long learning, where there are constant
challenges” and there is opportunity to develop new skills. (LMCV)
Theme 6: Curiosity Cont’d
 Contradictory Evidence
 A low score in the Investigative Skills Confidence category. While I have curiosity for
the world around me, I do not hold much confidence in my skills within the scientific
and mathematic realms according to Kuder assessments. (KSC)
 Reflection
 My curiosity and pursuit of development has always been present in my life. I have
found examples of this through personal relationships when others note my random
fact knowledge of some topics. If something interests me, I dive in to understand it
and the systems it is a part of. When I started in a new Human Resources career, and
in a new industry, I dove in to understand the populations I now worked with, what
they do, how the company is organized, and what our goals are. This curiosity will be
beneficial to me in my personal development, I have already developed my skills in a
new HR facet. Having this curiosity will also support my family as I strive to help my son
explore the world around us and all the magic and curiosities of life.
Theme 7: Social Relationships
 Theme Statement: Social relationships are invaluable to me in my education, work, and my
family life. Development of social relationships is what energizes me, and how I develop into
most career opportunities.

 Supporting Data
 “Confident in developing and growing human relationships.” (KCI)
 I like quality social relationships. I often will become friends with my customers, clients, and
peers. (DiSC)
 I enjoy working closely with co-workers and clients. Occupations where I can build close
relationships with others will be highly satisfying. (LMCV)
 I see all of my colleagues as my equals. I often do want to impress my boss, but I value
making a good impression on everyone else as well. (16P)
 I had feedback and proposals to a previous supervisor to “Allow me, who is on site in
California, to establish the relationships, receive personal and team feedback, and
empower and trust me to act on that feedback.” (OGL 300)
Theme 7: Social Relationships Cont’d
 Contradictory Evidence
 Along with service-oriented themes, social relationships has been a recurring theme in
every self-assessment I have taken. No contradictory evidence was found.
 Reflection
 As I was considering my next career path after my role as a manager at Starbucks, I
reflected on what brought me the most fulfillment in my twelve years there. It was always
the people I worked with in my stores and my district, how we developed teams and great
business success through our relationships. I also enjoyed the relationships and interaction
with my customers, many relationships have continued through professional and
community networks as well. Now through my education and my new career, I have
developed an even deeper appreciation for not only the relationships themselves and
what we can accomplish together, I also value the relationships I build for the career insight
and direction they may eventually provide. I have developed a network in my new career
already, and through these social relationships I have leaders seeking opportunities for me,
advocating my work and sponsoring me in talent progression discussions. This natural theme
in my life may prove to be a significant driver in my career opportunities as well.
Theme 8: Accountability
 Theme Statement: I demonstrate accountability to my decisions and actions, and hold this
expectations for others to demonstrate responsibility for themselves in return.

 Supporting Data
 “Dependable team player.” (DiSC)
 I lead by example, leading sometimes in quiet ways letting my actions and results speak for
themselves. (DiSC)
 “I have learned that my results are all products of my actions, good and bad. With this
being learned, I have also learned that transparency is best in upholding ultimate
responsibility.” (481 EP)
 “By maintaining transparency, I eliminate any miscommunications or misinterpretations
about my actions, and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for my actions.” (481
EP)
 I learned the importance of accountability to even the smallest actions and habits I hold. “I
have found motivation and greater success in my goals of achieving good grades and
timely assignment submissions by not only knowing what is ahead, but by having a visual of
how far I have already come.” (482 IBP)
Theme 8: Accountability Cont’d
 Contradictory Evidence
 I can become restless and eager to move on before fulfilling my tasks or
responsibilities. “Campaigners are notorious for skipping ahead to a new project
before they’ve completed the last one.” (16P)
 Reflection
 Despite the contradictory evidence, a major theme in my life has been responsibility
for my actions, and accountability for my results. I sometimes take on too much
accountability and need to reflect further to understand when there have in fact
been external circumstances that have influenced my outcomes. By understanding
this, but keeping accountable to my results in the end, I have developed this theme to
even be well known about me in my work. I believe this is a good theme to have
others understand about me, because they know they can trust my work and my
word. This will be beneficial in my career as well as in my family. My family will grow
knowing they can trust me to do what I say I will do and make it up to them if I falter.
Theme 9: Seeking Joy
 Theme Statement: The pursuit of happiness is inherent in my everyday actions. I find the joy and
good in life and cherish sharing this with others.

 Supporting Data
 My personality (ENFP) proves that seeking out life’s joys and pleasures is not a shallow
pursuit. “These personalities radiate a positive energy that draws in other people” (16P)
 I “know how to find fun and joy in the present moment – and few things give (me) more
pleasure than sharing their joy with others.” (16P)
 “Cheerful - I am optimistic, happy, and assume the best in others. My initial response is
rarely judgmental or cynical, I approach others and situations positively.” (OGL220)
 “I feel joy when I am supporting others through my work or actions. I strive in my career to
create positive impact to others, and when I see my impact, I feel joy and fulfillment.” (YD)
 Peers have commented on my enthusiasm, and I excel navigating unexpected challenges
while maintaining a positive attitude to uplift those around me. (OGL 220)
Theme 9: Seeking Joy Cont’d
 Contradictory Evidence
 I have not found any contradictory evidence. My assessments are consistently
optimistic, enthusiastic, and if I find I am not these things it is usually a situational
occurrence.
 Reflection
 I have known myself to be an optimistic person, always seeing the bright side in things
and being able to laugh through struggles. When I have found that I no longer could
do these things, had zero joy left, in my work or a situation I have gotten myself
repositioned or out of these situations. When I feel I “am not myself” it is this lack of joy
and positive outlook and understanding that is inherent to me is invaluable. I am
simply not my best self, so I know that in my pursuit of continued education or in future
roles at work, if I lose my joy instead of enhance it, the situation is not right for me, and
ultimately my family. If I don’t find joy in the work I do in some form or another, I bring
home a more negative attitude, and that is not the environment I want my family
developing in.
Theme 10: Love
 Theme Statement: Love for others, life, and myself is what guides me in my actions. My parenting, personal
interactions, and my leadership are all based on the inherent love we all deserve as people.

 Supporting Data
 “I feel the most valuable dimension that completes the authentic leadership approach, is having heart.
Leading with love.” (OGL 300)
 “Loving - I believe love should be a guiding value, and it is underlying in all my interactions. We are all
humans, and all need and deserve love and appreciation for just that.” (OGL 220)
 “Love is the foundation of respect for everyone as a person and soul that matters. It's love for oneself,
love for others, and I feel that love shown and known will create trust and stability.” (OGL 220)
 Authentic leadership is built on love. Employees should be able to bring themselves more fully to work,
to be included and welcomed for who they are, and this to me requires that "love" from their teams
and leaders, and authentic appreciation for their induvial person. (OGL300)
 “We evaluated our Love Languages to determine how we provide and prefer to receive love
(appreciation). By understanding the love languages better, we could then reflect on our teams to
understand their language of love and appreciation. This allowed us to be more effective leaders.”
(OGL300)
Theme 10: Love Cont’d
 Contradictory Evidence
 I did not find contradictory evidence, this is an inherent value and theme in my
personal, educational, and professional life.
 Reflection
 Love is not a common theme we hear in studying organizations and organizational
leadership. To me, though, love is the foundation to true respect and appreciation for
others. I believe that the love and appreciation for each person I interact with is
based on them simply being a person and a soul. In my opinion, we all deserve to be
seen, heard, respected, and treated with kindness, just based on the love that should
be shared within humanity. Continuing my career pursuit with love will provide
continued success in a people focused career. Also, love is what is binding and
fulfilling in my family life. My love is what guides me in my parenting journey and what
will continue to influence the decisions in my life.
 I strive to love and uplift those I interact
My Personal with, to ensure all people I cross paths
with feel they are seen, heard, and
Vision valued, and to always put the future and
wellbeing of my family as my compass.
Statement
Reflection: I reflected on my themes, the data sources
and where I was drawn most to in order to start my
vision statement. I also leaned on a favorite quote of
mine by Dr. Wayne Dyer, “See the light in others and
treat them as if that’s all you see.” After becoming a
mother, I viewed the world and people around me
differently. I saw from a person’s beginning, birth, the
constant need and foundation to all future facets of
our lives is love. An appreciation for the person with in,
and the steadfast support of this. My personal vision is
to live this, and Dr. Dyer’s quotation, in my personal life
and in my leadership and career.
 I will relentlessly pursue opportunities for personal
My Personal growth and development, career paths that will
support people within organizations and their
Mission goals, and opportunities that support my family
goals and allow me to enjoy life’s blessings with
my family.
Statement
Reflection: I crafted my mission statement with
consideration to my vision statement, and how I will
ensure my vision can become reality. This again leaned
on looking at my themes and the values I hold in life. My
personal growth and development will enable paths to
be available to me in the careers I strive for. If I am within
the careers I want, I will be able to better fulfill my vision of
supporting and uplifting others. With the stability and
financial security my career provides, I will continue to be
able to integrate my work and life to fulfill the needs of my
family, and my hopes for them as well.
Conclusion
Through thematic analysis I have been able to develop a deeper
understanding and appreciation for the values and themes in my life.
This provided an opportunity to look more closely at what is important
to me in my career and education, and especially in my personal life.
By understanding the common themes and priority values, I am better
equipped to pursue opportunities as they align with these and my
long-term goals. The time spent on this analysis was an investment into
my future success.
References

 Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits
& Break Bad Ones. Penguin.
 Indigo Project. (2019). Indigo DISC Assessment. Target Training International,
Ltd. http://www.indigoproject.org/
 Kuder. (2021). Kuder Career Interests Assessment® Results. Kuder Journey.
https://journey.kuder.com/my-assessments/career-interests-assessment-
results?ID=27845213
 Neris Analytics Limited. (2021). Campaigner Personality. 16 Personalities.
https://www.16personalities.com/enfp-personality.
 Psychometrics Publishing. (2002). Career Values Scale Report. Psychometrics
Publishing. Accessed through Lockheed Martin.