As we move further toward a more technologically driven world, the role of business leaders is becoming more important than ever. The dynamic business environment, driven by the changing customer demands and market trends, has increased the competition by multiple folds. Thus, today’s leaders have to continuously be on their toes and shoulder various responsibilities simultaneously.
Like many other industries, the education sector is also undergoing a transformation, highlighting the important role of leadership. Shannon Yerkic (Chief Executive Officer at TruMantra Education Group) is one of the few visionaries who possess the quintessential skills to be an effective education leader today.
In our latest magazine issue, “Most Inspiring Business Leaders to Watch in 2023,” we are shedding light on how Shannon Yerkic rose to prominence as a respected name in the education leadership sector.
Energy, Expertise, and Enthusiasm
As a graduate of Valdosta State University, Shannon Yerkic has consulted both domestically and internationally for public, private, and proprietary colleges, companies, and universities. His extensive experience has contributed immensely to the success of the organization’s faculty, students, and staff.
Being a successful business leader, Shannon Yerkic focuses on creating meaningful value with and for all stakeholders in TruMantra Education. As the CEO of TruMantra, he functions as a visionary, architect, coach, and catalyst for the organization. Moreover, he brings Energy, Expertise, and Enthusiasm to the organization. He approaches every situation with the same dedication and determination that has enabled success for his team as well as himself. At TruMantra, he continues to foster these results to the students and the staff.
“We teach the way YOU learn…”
The TruMantra family of Schools, which includes the Academy of Lymphatic Studies and the Arizona School of Integrative Studies was created to genuinely preserve a unique, integrative approach to massage therapy education, and lymphedema treatment. For over 20 years, schools that subscribe to this philosophy have honed and refined their curriculum, teaching styles, classroom dynamics, and culture to serve students and create an atmosphere of learning excellence. “We know that not every student learns the same way. That’s why we like to say, we teach the way YOU learn,” says Shannon Yerkic.
The organization incorporates Perceptual Training Patterns in all aspects of its school so that each student is presented with the information in the best way they absorb it. These training patterns are one of the most important aspects of a TruMantra School. Shannon Yerkic adds, “This should mean the most to a prospective student, that they are not just merely a number at a TruMantra Education Group School”
A Blueprint of Massage and lymphedema Education
TruMantra schools are based upon a successful blueprint of the space and education necessary for their students to become amazing massage therapists and lymphedema therapists. Both massage and lymphedema treatment have been used throughout history as a treatment for pain and disease. It promotes the circulation of blood, lymphatic flow, muscular relaxation, a greater base in standing and moving, and increased sensory awareness. Through the practice of massage and lymphedema therapy, students can also become aware of lifestyle and psychological patterns, which may be causing or perpetuating painful and limiting ways of being.
Perpetual Thinking Patterns
TruMantra encourages schools to offer a variety of feedback opportunities for students to discover how they best learn. To that end, Perceptual Thinking Patterns (PTP) are central to its educational philosophy. PTPs are the ideas that each person learns through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic means (with varying degrees of immediacy). Therefore, an effort is made in each class to present the curriculum in all three modes. This simple philosophy greatly enhances students’ grasp of the materials and concepts presented.
“It is NOT the same old classroom where you may have struggled. It is a richer and deeper experiential learning that allows schools to teach the way students truly learn,” adds Shannon Yerkic. He mentions that it is very common for students who have struggled to achieve in high school and college to flourish and prosper within such a learning system.
Fostering Talent from Within
The incredibly adept team is one of the prominent reasons behind TruMantra’s success over the years. Being at the helm, Shannon plays an instrumental role in building a team of talented professionals. His approach to talent development is marked by a preference for internal promotions. Enunciating his views on hiring external talents, he says, “When you hire external talent, I have found that it will take longer to adapt and generally leave the company at higher rates of voluntary and involuntary exits.”
Shannon Yerkic firmly believes that internal candidates, having a deep understanding of the company’s culture and dynamics, adapt more readily and exhibit higher levels of success. This approach not only retains talent but also boosts employee engagement as they witness the promotion of their peers. They will tend to be more loyal and committed to the company.
Leading with a Purpose
Change is the very nature of businesses and in many instances, Shannon Yerkic has been in situations that required change and rebuilding. His experiences have taught him that employees always seek a purpose for the business and a plan of action to be implemented. He mentions that employees appreciate knowing their part and what they can do to keep operations running smoothly. The key is to involve employees and keep them informed of the plan.
Shannon Yerkic further adds that employees need to continue to feel valued and like a part of the overall organization. According to him, a leader must lead with a purpose that encourages employees to brainstorm improvements and offer solutions to management. He has found this to be the most successful approach in leading teams to success in challenging situations.
The Potential of Hybrid Learning
The pandemic outbreak presented a flurry of challenges for organizations of all sizes. The lockdown disrupted several businesses and increased the need for technology adoption. In the education sector, it promoted the concept of hybrid learning. More and more schools/educational institutes started to adopt a hybrid model as it combined the best of both worlds—traditional in-person instruction and the flexibility of online learning.
Hybrid learning allows for greater personalization and adaptability, as students learn at their own pace and access materials from anywhere with an internet connection. It promotes active participation, fosters independent learning skills, and prepares students for the digital age by integrating technology into the educational process. Moreover, it offers a balance between the structure and social interaction of traditional classrooms and the convenience and accessibility of online learning, making it a compelling option in today’s educational landscape.
Understanding the benefits of hybrid learning, TruMantra is committed to harnessing the potential of hybrid learning to create engaging, inclusive, and effective educational experiences for its students.
Customized Learning Experience
The dedicated team of educators at TruMantra has created a dynamic curriculum that maximizes the potential of hybrid learning. Students can access course materials and interactive resources and collaborate with peers and instructors through its intuitive online learning platform. This digital ecosystem enhances the learning experience by providing multimedia content, virtual simulations, real-time feedback, and opportunities for asynchronous and synchronous interactions.
Flexibility lies at the core of TruMantra’s hybrid learning approach. Students can customize their learning journey according to their unique needs and preferences. They can attend on-campus classes, participate in virtual sessions, or opt for a combination. This flexibility empowers learners to balance their academic pursuits with work, personal commitments, and other responsibilities, ensuring a learner-centric experience.
Ambitions for the Future
Shannon Yerkic mentions that an important lesson he learned from the pandemic is to acknowledge the pace at which technology evolves and the extent to which the traditional model limits access to education. In the future, Shannon envisions a less structured model that makes room for more variety. This includes developing new paths, multiple streams, and a wider array of credentials. He sees the TruMantra Education Group as one of the premier leaders in utilizing the available new technology.
