Spotlight: Nancy Scott

1 - Where are you from, and how did you choose to live in Middle Tennessee?

I grew up in North Texas. I came to Knoxville for graduate school in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, and almost never left.  Actually, I moved to Boston for a couple of years and have now been back in East TN for 5 years. It’s great place to call home – 4 seasons (compared to Dallas almost always like summer, and Boston like winter), friendly people, and fun things to do in the area. 

2 - What is your professional background, and why did you become a coach?

Growing up into high school and college, I played softball so I was exposed to teams and coaching at early and important ages.  Graduating college was eye opening because I didn’t find a job that I enjoyed nearly as much as I enjoyed sports. I worked at a web design company before switching to the fitness industry. I was in a major car accident, and was fired from that industry (as I was told from management that you can’t help people get healthy from a hospital bed). That served as a life changing transition. I went back to get my MBA while recovering. During that coursework, I took a leadership class and for the first time professionally, felt like my experience/passion could connect to my job. I then came to UT Knoxville to get a Ph.D. in I/O Psychology. During my education I began to focus on leadership assessments and training/development, and was exposed to assessment center methods. Coaching was a natural fit with my entire background and education. I am currently the Director of the Leadership Development Program for the Haslam College of Business Graduate & Executive programs where I have the opportunity to design leadership assessment batteries.

3 - How did you choose your specialty area?

My specialty area (executive/leadership coaching) chose me. I deeply believe that George Bernard Shaw was correct – “life is not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself.” This space offers me the opportunity to help others decide and work toward who they want to be and what they will do as leaders to better themselves, others, teams, and organizations. It provides me great meaning helping others transform to make an impact in their communities.    

4 -What are the greatest challenges and greatest rewards of your career?

The greatest reward is helping others achieve their goals. I love watching others grow their self-awareness, confidence, and interpersonal effectiveness as a result of their work with me. The greatest challenge (and opportunity) has been the switch to virtual methods of assessment and training, and creating ways for the virtual experiences to still be personal and impactful.

5- What is something that most ICFTN members would be surprised to learn about you?

My current role is my dream job. About 15 years ago, I told someone this role is my dream job as it connects current Executive leaders to future leaders (undergraduate students). She remembered that, and 10 years later I got a phone call to interview. I spend every New Year’s Eve with my brother. I want to visit all of the MLB baseball stadiums one day (I’ve only been to 5 so far so I’m excited to keep going).

6- How do you enjoy spending your free time?

My husband and I are prototyping farming as a next career (well down the road) so I spend my extra time practicing with our little hobby farm. Taking care of goats, chickens, pigs, and ducks. I enjoy spending time with our 3 dogs, gardening, and arts & crafts.  Traveling in the camper if we ever get the chance!