WIB Member Profile: Steve Redding
Talent Support Manager
UPS
Founded in 1907 as a messenger company in the United States, UPS has grown into a multi-billion-dollar corporation by focusing on the goal of enabling commerce around the globe. UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company and a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics services. Every day, UPS manages the flow of goods, funds and information in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Steve Redding is a talent support manager at UPS. He is also a member of the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s Workforce Investment Board.
SDWP: What motivated you to join the WIB?
Redding: The County of San Diego has a very special place in my heart. As one of the children of retired Marine Corps parents—yes, both of them—I feel a bond to the County as a military “brat.” Giving back to San Diego County is my privilege. I was motivated to learn about the inner workings of San Diego County’s involvement in workplace development. I had understood from several key figures in the community that the San Diego WIB was among the top resources for process-driven, successful results in workforce placement. I am a firm believer that everyone should be given a fair and equal opportunity to be successful in our country. We have all fought and persevered over the last few hundred years to continue that way of life. The WIB is one of the focal points of all employment activity in San Diego County. With my professional experience, knowledge and resources from one of the top Fortune 50 companies in the business sector, I can bring value to a seat at the table.
SDWP: What issues are you most passionate about as they relate to workforce development?
Redding: DIVERSITY! Diversity! Diversity! I am very blessed to have the position and opportunity that my current employer, UPS, has given me. I am proud of the diversity UPS has and their efforts to represent the communities we serve. There is always an opportunity to make life better for anyone—one person at a time through education and development workshops. We can position all people seeking employment in a better opportunity to succeed in their quest for satisfaction in their careers. I have always felt that no matter what background and situation you come from, different viewpoints can be beneficial to a business decision. We need this type of diversity in order for our cities and counties to prosper. If we all looked at everything exactly alike, we would not have the ability to determine the definition of success. We would likely fall into unfavorable situations without guidance and counsel of others who have knowledge and experience from various backgrounds.
SDWP: Tell a brief story about a person, event or project that you were involved with that underscored your passion for these issues.
Redding: A few years back, a good friend from the WIB, Trevor Blair, invited me to assist in a workshop and be a panelist for interviewing skills and résumé practices. Dealing with several different organizations and their unique hurdles gave me satisfaction arming them with useful tools and practices for their organization’s success. There was never a feeling of competition but more of a sense of community pride to reach out and empower all people and organizations equally. I was encouraged to witness for myself the excitement and compassion that these instructors from various backgrounds came together to mentor their students from all walks of life. After years of human resources background and thousands of hiring experiences, it still amazes me that getting a job is one of the most exciting, discouraging, nervous, life-changing and above all fulfilling challenges that we all face. With the recent economic crisis not fully recovered, we are still faced with challenges. This eye-opening experience has forever changed families and communities. Generations of companies suddenly vanished. This situation reminds us that we cannot feel completely safe and secure with our current employment. We need to personally and professionally develop our future leaders. The next generation of employees must be able to adapt and respond much quicker than we did last year, last month or even last week. This challenge will keep me motivated to be a partner in the WIB for years to come.