Member Spotlight: Michelle Goro

Name
Michelle Goro

Position/Employer
Manager of Customer Experience Services, Operations & Transformations at Infor

How long have you been a SIOP member?
Since 2007

What roles have you had within SIOP?
I volunteered as a student during the 2009 SIOP Annual Conference in New Orleans, have been a conference reviewer for many years, participated as an Ambassador and Practitioner Mentor, and have spent the last 5 years within the Membership Committee where I partnered with Shanique Brown to co-chair the start of the Membership Analytics Subcommittee (MAS), providing SIOP membership insights to allow the Executive Board make more informed decisions about our Society. I’m currently wrapping up my final year as the Membership Committee Chair and look forward to future involvement.

Interest area(s)
Data Analyses, Motivation/Rewards, and Employee Withdrawal/Retention

What sparked your interest in I-O psychology?
After realizing that my original plan of dental school was not going to work out as a junior psychology major, the following fall I took Organizational Behavior from the business school and fell in love. By the end of the second class, I (a very natural introvert who would never go out of the way to ask for help unless I really needed it) went up to the professor and asked how I could learn more about this and was recommended to explore I-O psychology. As I started my graduate program, I immediately felt I was among others who enjoyed trying to understand the why through research and being able to apply the findings to help make a difference to those who work.

What role do you see I-O psychology playing in the future of work?
With the continued prevalence of virtual and remote work, I hope to see more of a global focus on the value that I-O psychology (known as work & organizational psychology in many other parts of the world) can bring to every profession. The learnings within our field have application to all careers, and it would be inspiring to see organizations transform as they apply best practices.

Which of the Top 10 Work Trends for 2022 do you most strongly relate to, and how can I-O psychology practitioners, educators, and students impact this trend?
If they weren’t all important, they wouldn’t be the top trends! I think they’re all relatable in some form, no matter your role within the field.

What advice would you give to students or early practitioners?
Don’t let your “early” designation hold you (or your passion!) back. The global shift to more virtual opportunities has increased your methods for networking, building presentation skills, and general growth—leverage these learnings to be able to expand your future. That said, learn to say “no” and protect your mental health—advice some of us continue to need later in our careers.

What is one of your favorite SIOP Annual Conference memories/highlights?
Chicago, 2018. It was my first opportunity to present a poster session (along with Brittani Plaisance and Patrick Clark). It was the last poster block of the conference, and I had to leave for my flight right after. At the time, I was still very anxious speaking in front of others, but the experience was invigorating! Everyone who approached asked questions that were insightful and challenging, but not aggressive. The experience made me realize that there isn’t anything to be afraid of when it comes to presenting to our conference attendees; others just want to learn more about your methods and geek out over the nuances that make I-Os unique.

Please share one non-I-O-related bit of information about yourself.
I have a lifelong goal to skydive every 5 years for as long as I’m capable. I started when I turned 30 and so far, I’ve stuck to it!

Is there anything you would like to add?
If you are a current Member, please consider utilizing your earned right to vote the next chance you can! Only about 25% of voting-eligible Members vote. If you are an Associate, please consider taking the pathway to upgrade to Member—this was made easier this past year, and you could then vote, too! Also, if you know others who could benefit from our I-O scientist–practitioner model, share the new Affiliate membership type with them—this group is growing in number every day, and we are very excited to welcome them at the 2023 SIOP Annual Conference in Boston! Finally, please take a minute to update your membership profile and complete your demographic information—this helps provide valuable data to our organization, which helps us better serve one another within SIOP’s membership.

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