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Elaine Ridge
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 It has been said that the best gift, is the gift of yourself. That philosophy has been my strength and a joy in my life for many years. And it is the main reason that I have chosen to be a mentor.
Every human being has value, and it is our duty as participants in our world, to use and share the gifts that the good Lord has given us.
I think the idea of "pay it forward" is one of the best ideas ever. I have been called an opportunist and I consider that to be a compliment, as opportunity is an open door which we should always walk through to see what may be on the other side. As a mentor, I want to share amd impart the knowledge, skills, experience, and values that I possess. My diverse background has afforded me many rich and exciting experiences, which I love to share. I want to offer my experience as one more tool for your growth, and which I hope you will be able to use in your business and daily life.
Education
University of Colorado at Denver | Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Graduated 1991
Study Included: | Speech, Group Dynamics, Leadership, Persuasion, Argumentation, Interpersonal Communication, Literature, Creative Writing, Marketing, Political Science
Languages (in addition to English): Conversational (and at times, terrible) in French, German, and Italian. Understand a lot, but speak very little Spanish.
Additional Training
Bell System Technical & Management Training - 600 hours.
Experience
Paid Position
Accounting & Data Entry Specialist 1984-1990
Aspen Airways, Denver, Colorado
Paid Position
Teacher, Coordinator 1992
Cultural Homestay Institute, Denver, Colorado
Paid Position
Reports & Systems Clerk, Computer Attendant & Specialist, Assistant Supervisor, Manager 1969-1987
Mountain Bell, Denver, Colorado
Paid Position
Tour Formation & Guide 1993
Desmond Adventures, Europe
Paid Position
Bookkeeper & Special Projects 1996-2006
Wall-Street.Com, Aurora, Colorado
Paid Position
Property Management & Marketing 2002-2006
Emerald Properties, Littleton, Colorado
Paid Position
Director/Owner 1994-Present
European Journeys, Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Extra-Curricular/Volunteer Activities
Volunteer for Adult Literacy Program as teacher and public speaker. I am a very passionate advocate of literacy, which I believe to be one of our most important social issues and responsibilities.Volunteer for educational TV station annual fund raising auction as fund raiser and technical staff. Important to give back to the community.Mentor in Nation-wide "Class of '95 Mentor Program". My introduction to mentoring.Liaison for Corporate VIP hospitality tents for Denver Grand Prix. Great fun.Developed and instructed exercise class at Mountain Bell, which was sponsored by the Pioneer retiree organization. A unique and innovative break through in the corporate world at that time.Certified as gymnastics instructor for YMCA. Fun and madness teaching 4-15 year olds on Saturday mornings!
Work Related Strengths
I think it is important to begin every face-to-face encounter by showing others respect for simply being a fellow human being. We do not always know the needs, dreams, and personal challenges of others, so I approach everyone that I meet with respect. I believe this philosophy brings good communication with employees, colleagues, and the people that I encounter each day.
I am responsible, dependable, and conscientious, and these characteristics are valuable to an employer.
I take my work seriously, and am a loyal employee who is willing to do everything from emptying trash to directing board meetings, if that is what getting the job done requires. I believe the best leaders are those who are willing to roll up their sleeves, and jump in.
When I was between jobs and a starving student, I did my share of what people may consider to be no brainer or demeaning work. I was surprised but glad that these jobs made me humble and empathetic, and I do not forget the importance of every person's contribution in a job or organization.
Sometimes my employees would be amazed at my composure when jobs would blow up and programs would crash (really I was just thinking fast on my feet, and hoping we could figure it all out). What is most important is not the failure, but the ability to begin again.
I believe that confidence in myself and my decisions (good or bad) has played a large part in my successes.
Rewards, Recognition, or Accolades
Developed and instructed exercise class at Mountain Bell. Certified as gymnastics instructor for YMCA. Mentor for Nationwide "Class of '95 Mentor Program". Liaison for Denver Grand Prix Corporate hospitality tents.
Research and Publications
Some writing for local newspapers and travel publications.
Organization Affiliations
Austria and Switzerland Tourism - Partner and specialist
Colorado Women's Chamber
Professional Accomplishments
Member of committee responsible for pilot tri-state executive planning and problem solving team.
Successfully managed transition of technical group during AT&T/Bell divestiture, and billing organizational and program conversion.
Developed support and programming staff job sharing program for better communication between groups.
Maintained commitments directing a management staff throughout two work stoppages.
Chose as consultant repsonsible for planning, organizing, and facilitatiing executive meeting for support of and interface with all application and technical departments.
Realization of my dream of owning and operating a tour business in Europe, against all odds.
Developed computer, bookkeeping, and office coordinator procedure manuals including research, design, writing, packaging, and training.
Wrote customer service training modules for a major corporation.
Extensive knowledge of and recognition for knowledge of history, tourist sites, and events in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Scandinavia, Prague, Budapest, and St. Petersburg, Russia.
Personality Strengths
I am a Leo. So according to the stars, I am a strong, confident, leader (a.k.a. tenacious, pushy, love being the center of attention), and a fun-loving people person (a.k.a. love a good party, like being in people's business). In reality, I fit the profile of a Leo very well. I love people, and try to inject humor into even the most humorless situations. I am creative and cherish life. These I believe, are emotional strengths, which are important in maintaining a passion and good perspective for the everyday trials of work and life.
I am driven, very assertive, and goal oriented. These strengths help in creating results and thereby, success.
I also realize my limitations, which I believe you must understand if you are to be a successful leader, who is willing to delegate to others, and ask for advice when you need to.
I believe that the most important strength that I possess is in taking responsibility for all of my actions. That is imperative to being true to myself and others.
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Elaine Ridge |
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Effective Presentations |
| 3 Months | 9 Hours | $1575.00 |
Developing writing and presentation skills to help you navigate through your daily business tasks and roles. How to network. Meeting, greeting, and developing good relationships, partnerships, and support in your field of business and in your personal life.
Mentor Program Details |
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($2,025 for in-person mentoring, travel not included) Set better goals, make better decisions, have someone to collaborate with, and become a better manager, executive or businessperson.
This program includes:
- 3 months of mentoring
- 3 hours telephone mentoring per month for $525/month (or in-person mentoring for $675/month) with unlimited email support. (Travel expenses are not included in the program cost.)
- DiSC Indra Assessment
- Access to new networks
- Access to Ingage's mentoring resource library, articles, and discussion board
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Elaine Ridge |
CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Career Choices |
| 3 Months | 9 Hours | $1575.00 |
Finding your place in the business world. Who and what do you want to be? How can you be the best you can be at the vocation you have chosen? Developing realistic, achievable goals. Managing your time in our busy world. Building your knowledge base for success, through education, experience, and skill development.
Mentor Program Details |
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($2,025 for in-person mentoring, travel not included) Set better goals, make better decisions, have someone to collaborate with, and become a better manager, executive or businessperson.
This program includes:
- 3 months of mentoring
- 3 hours telephone mentoring per month for $525/month (or in-person mentoring for $675/month) with unlimited email support. (Travel expenses are not included in the program cost.)
- DiSC Indra Assessment
- Access to new networks
- Access to Ingage's mentoring resource library, articles, and discussion board
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Elaine Ridge |
ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS: Writing a Business Plan |
| 3 Months | 9 Hours | $1575.00 |
Creating a realistic business plan for development of your business goals and ideas. Help with the ins/outs, ups/downs, good/bad/ugly, joys and challenges of successfully owning and operating your own business or product. Setting achievable short and long term goals. Discovering if your product and personality fit the profile of a successful entrepreneur.
Mentor Program Details |
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($2,025 for in-person mentoring, travel not included) Set better goals, make better decisions, have someone to collaborate with, and become a better manager, executive or businessperson.
This program includes:
- 3 months of mentoring
- 3 hours telephone mentoring per month for $525/month (or in-person mentoring for $675/month) with unlimited email support. (Travel expenses are not included in the program cost.)
- DiSC Indra Assessment
- Access to new networks
- Access to Ingage's mentoring resource library, articles, and discussion board
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Elaine Ridge |
A MENTORING PROGRAM - A TRIAL OFFER: Get to know your mentor; define your goals; address a short-term goal |
| 1 Month | 3 Hours | $525.00 |
Description to come...
Mentor Program Details |
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($675 for in-person mentoring, travel not included.) To experience the benefits of formal mentoring first hand.
This program includes:
- 1 month of mentoring
- 3 hours telephone mentoring for $525 (or in-person mentoring for $675) with unlimited email support. (Travel expenses are not included in the program cost.)
- Access to new networks, through the mentoring relationship, other INGAGE mentors, and other INGAGE protégés
- Access to Ingage's mentoring resource library, articles, and discussion board
Please call or email for more information.
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