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ELEVATE EPISODE 06. LARA PAGANO

Recognition, Culture & The Power of Mentorship

 

IN THIS EPISODE.

In this episode of Elevate, Mihae Ahn sits down with Lara Pagano, a meteorologist turned Senior Employee Experience Analyst at the National Weather Service, to talk about the people side of the workplace.

Lara shares how her journey began with Hurricane Bob sparking a love for meteorology, and how that path eventually led her to focus on employee experience and building healthier workplace cultures. Along the way, she reflects on her proudest moments, the mentors who shaped her career, and why supporting employees in both their professional and personal lives makes all the difference.

Together, Mihae and Lara explore the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and reducing pain points across the employee journey, all while creating a culture where people feel connected, supported, and able to thrive.

If you’re curious about how one leader brings both science and heart to improving the way we work, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

TOPICS COVERED

👋     Introduction
🌪️     Lara Pagano's Journey To Meteorology
🔄     Transitioning To Employee Experience
🏆     Proud Moments and Achievements
💬     Communication and Culture in the Workplace
📚     Continuous Learning and Mentorship
🚀     Future Aspirations and Employee Journey

Lara Pagano

MEET THE GUEST.

Lara Pagano

Senior Employee Experience Analyst  |  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration / National Weather Service

Lara Pagano is a dynamic professional whose career at the National Weather Service (NWS) seamlessly bridges the fields of meteorology and organizational health. With a strong passion for improving the employee experience, she currently serves as a Senior Employee Experience Analyst at the NWS, where she develops data-driven approaches to enhance employee wellbeing, recognition, and overall career journeys.

Before this, Lara was instrumental in leading agency-wide efforts to cultivate healthier workplaces as an Organizational Health & Culture Program Manager. A key achievement from this time was her role in developing the NWS Organizational Health Blueprint, a framework that provided resources and guidance to over 200 offices and 4300 employees as they each charted a path toward a healthier environment.

With expertise in program management, change management, and strategic planning, Lara is also a certified facilitator in Outward Performance Training as well as a certified instructor for Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI). She frequently shares her knowledge as a speaker and mentor on topics related to leadership and organizational culture.

Before transitioning to NWS Headquarters in 2021, Lara spent 13 years as a meteorologist, driven by a deep commitment to educating and preparing communities for high-impact weather events. A recognized expert in her field and a summa cum laude graduate of North Carolina State University with a master's degree in Meteorology, she has been honored with a long list of agency awards throughout her distinguished career.

THE SPARK NOTES.

  • Lara's journey into meteorology was sparked by Hurricane Bob.
  • She transitioned from forecasting to focusing on employee experience.
  • Creating a healthy workplace culture is essential for organizational success.
  • Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development.
  • Reflecting on past experiences can provide valuable insights.
  • Lara emphasizes the importance of supporting employees in their personal lives.
  • Communication tools enhance connectivity among employees.
  • Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth.
  • The employee journey is critical for improving workplace experiences.
  • Lara aims to reduce pain points in the employee journey at the National Weather Service.

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