Lynette Krishnabhakti Raudner is a passionate technology trainer, instructional designer, and training manager. She joins fusionSpan with 12 years of experience in the technology training industry, having worked in corporate consulting, law firms, and tech startups. When not at work Lynette enjoys yoga, hiking, and outdoor adventures with her dog Ember.
What was your first job? Tell us about it.
In high school, I was part of a few dance companies and did Show Choir. When I was 17 my dance teacher referred me to my first job as a Party Motivator for a company called Washington Talent Agency. As a Party Motivator, I went with DJs and Bands to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs where I would teach the kids and adults line dances, played games with the kids, handed out party favors, and encouraged everyone to get up on the dance floor! It was a lot of fun and I continued this through college as a weekend job.
Who has influenced you most in your professional path/career?
After college, I took a part-time job helping out in the office at a Technology Training company called Gestalt Partners. I worked for the VP of Sales, Kathy Kelly. I worked closely with her for a while and she thought I would make a good instructor, so she suggested I take a class to see if I wanted to teach it. I took the opportunity and sat in on an Introduction to Excel class. I studied the manual and taught my first class to two people. Needless to say, I found my calling as a technology trainer and later an instructional designer and training manager. I spent the next four years working for Gestal Partners as a technology trainer, traveling all over the DC Metro area providing training for organizations like Exxon Mobile, the Department of Education, Greenpeace, to name a few. Kathy gave me the opportunity to learn and expand my career in the industry. She has been a mentor to me my entire career and if not for her I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What’s your favorite part about working in the technology industry? What drew you to it?
My favorite part of working in the technology industry is that I get to be a lifelong learner and I get to help people! I was drawn to this industry because I have an aptitude for learning new technology and I enjoy helping teach people how to use it and navigate the change this has in their work lives.
What are the main responsibilities of your current role? What do you enjoy most about your position?
I joined fusionSpan to help build a training arm of the business. To not only improve and expand our training offerings for our customers but also for our employees. Currently, my main responsibilities are conducting client training, expanding our training templates/documentation, providing training and support for our employees, helping to improve internal processes, and rolling out new training initiatives and offerings. What I enjoy most about my position is that I get to work with an amazing group of people to build a department from the ground up!
Looking back, what career advice would you tell your 18-year-old self?
Put yourself out there, don’t be afraid, and always do your best!
Do you have a favorite quote?
I don’t have a favorite quote but this is one that I resonate with…
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”
– Steve Jobs
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
I love getting out in nature and practicing yoga. Some of my favorite hobbies are hiking in the woods, singing karaoke, spending time at home with my fur-babies and my partner, reading a good book, painting, and visiting with family.
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
My middle name is Krishnabhakti and I was given this name by the guru of a Hare Krishna temple my dad designed and built. The temple is in Durban South Africa and is called the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be, and why?
Energy! That way I can accomplish more things and not be tired! haha
What words would you use to describe fusionSpan? What have you enjoyed most about being here?
fusionSpan is a wonderful company to work for and I absolutely love the people I get to work with. As a company, I love its mission of Bridging Gaps Through Technology ! This is something that resonates with me deeply as it is why I chose my career in technology training. I also really believe and embrace the company values: Culture of Caring, Give Back to Our Community, Embrace Change & Strive For Growth, and Deliver Seamless Experiences & Solutions! I feel fortunate to be part of a company that holds these kinds of values and I am so lucky I get to work with some of the brightest, kindest, and most driven people in the industry!
