Current job
CEHD degrees
What is your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?
One of my favorite memories from the UMN is the enriching academic environment shaped by its diverse faculty. The professors came from various backgrounds, providing well-rounded perspectives that broadened my academic understanding. Additionally, the curriculum was modern and relevant, incorporating teaching methods that emphasized respect for differences among classmates. This approach not only deepened my learning experience but also fostered an inclusive atmosphere where diverse viewpoints were valued. Finally, the diverse classmates from different countries, created a dynamic and globally connected learning experience. Over time, these connections evolved into a strong professional network that continues to be valuable in my career. The University of Minnesota provided an environment that nurtured both intellectual growth and meaningful relationships, making my time there truly unforgettable.
What professor(s) or course(s) were most influential during your time in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD)?
During my time at the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), several courses had a profound impact on my thinking and approach to both work and life. One of the most influential courses was Organization Development, taught by Prof. Dr. Gary N. McLean and Prof. Dr. Sue Lynham, who was a TA at the time. This course deeply instilled the principles of Systems Thinking and Critical Thinking, shaping my ability to analyze and navigate complex organizational dynamics. Another pivotal course was Theory Building, taught by Prof. Dr. Richard Swanson. This course empowered me to develop new knowledge by building upon existing theories. It fostered the confidence to contribute original insights to the field. Later, this course was integrated into the doctoral curriculum at NIDA, helping Ph.D. students here in Thailand refine their research and expand theoretical foundations. These courses, along with the exceptional guidance of my professors, played a significant role in shaping my professional and academic journey, reinforcing the importance of critical inquiry and knowledge creation.
What was the impact and benefit of your educational experience in CEHD?
Studying at a world-class university like the University of Minnesota was a transformative experience that shaped both my academic and personal growth. It provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge, refine my critical thinking, and develop a global perspective that continues to influence my professional journey.
The university’s environment and administrative practices served as an exemplary model, offering valuable insights that I later applied in developing and improving the academic institutions where I have worked. Additionally, the relationships I built—with professors, classmates, and colleagues both inside and outside the classroom—became an essential professional and personal network that continues to enrich my career and life.
I am deeply grateful for everything UMN intentionally and unintentionally provided during my five years there—every experience became a lesson, and every challenge became an opportunity to grow.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
Living in Minnesota, where winter lasts for a significant part of the year, my activities during a 30-minute break varied depending on the season. In the cold months, those 30 minutes were often spent scraping snow off my car or clearing the walkway, followed by a warm cup of hot chocolate—simple yet essential winter rituals. During warmer months, my favorite way to spend 30 minutes was walking around Como Lake in St. Paul. The distance was perfect for a relaxing 1-2 lap walk, providing a refreshing break and a chance to clear my mind. It became such a cherished routine that even after leaving Minnesota, I’ve carried the habit of walking in parks wherever I am. It remains one of the things I miss most about my time there.
What's a good book you'd recommend to others?
As someone who has dedicated my career to teaching and consulting in Organization Development (OD), one book that has remained a lifelong reference is "Organization Development and Change" by Cummings and Worley. This book has been foundational in shaping my understanding and practice of OD, serving as an essential guide throughout my journey as an educator and consultant. Additionally, two other books that had a profound impact on my professional approach came from my coursework with Prof. Dr. Richard Swanson: (1) "Improving Performance: How to Manage the White Space on the Organization Chart" by Rummler and Brache (1995) – This book revolutionized my perspective on diagnosing performance issues and designing impactful interventions within organizations. (2) " Forecasting Financial Benefits of Human Resource Development" in 1988, Richard Swanson co-written with Deane B. Gradous. – This book reinforced the importance of financial and analytical thinking in Human Resource Development (HRD), providing a structured approach to measuring and predicting the financial impact of HRD initiatives. These books have significantly influenced my approach to diagnosing organizational challenges before implementing development strategies, allowing me to expand my work and create meaningful impact across organizations in Thailand. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to enhance their expertise in OD, performance improvement, and strategic HRD.
If you could have coffee with anyone from history, who would it be?
If I could have coffee with anyone from history, it would undoubtedly be King Rama IX of Thailand. His profound wisdom, dedication to his people, and visionary leadership have always been a guiding force in my life and work. One of the most influential principles I have embraced from His Majesty is "Understanding, Connecting, and Development", which closely aligns with the core philosophy of Organization Development (OD): Diagnosis Before Development. His approach to solving national challenges—deeply understanding the context, engaging with the people, and implementing sustainable solutions—reflects the fundamental OD practice of diagnosing before intervening. If given the opportunity, I would love to ask His Majesty whether he sees this alignment between his philosophy and OD principles. More importantly, I would seek his advice on how to further apply these principles in a rapidly changing world, ensuring that development remains both sustainable and impactful. His insights would be invaluable in shaping how I continue to contribute to organizations and society at large.
What gets you excited about work?
Pursuing a Ph.D. taught me a fundamental truth—there is always so much more to learn. This realization has shaped my mindset, encouraging me to stay open to new knowledge and embrace lifelong learning. Every workday is an opportunity to discover something new, and that continuous journey of learning is what excites me the most. I consider myself fortunate to have had the chance to study and work in a field that aligns with my passion for learning. Moreover, the opportunity to collaborate with numerous organizations has been invaluable. It has allowed my academic work to go beyond theory, ensuring that my contributions are practical, impactful, and grounded in real-world challenges—not just confined to the ivory tower of academia. The ability to bridge knowledge with practice, creating meaningful change, is what truly energizes me every day.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher, fulfilling my mother’s wishes. I envisioned a career dedicated to nurturing young minds and shaping their early learning experiences.
However, life took me on a different path—I became a professor teaching at the graduate level. While my students are no longer children, I am still living my dream of being a teacher and a facilitator of learning. The difference is that my focus has shifted to developing professionals, leaders, and organizations.
Looking back, I am grateful for this journey. While I did not end up in a kindergarten classroom, I believe that teaching and knowledge creation at the graduate level has allowed me to make an even broader impact on society and the country — a realization that makes this path even more fulfilling than I originally imagined.