Fairstone

Natalia Matusevscaia

Natalia Matusevscaia is the Director of People Development at Fairstone, where she utilizes the extensive experience she gained in her previous role at Ellicom. She earned her Master’s degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from Concordia University. Natalia’s diverse skill set includes coaching, course design, training, elementary education and teacher development, positioning her as a well-rounded expert in the field of learning and development.

Crafting Growth in a New Land

My journey has been shaped by transformative changes, driven by both my age and my immigration to Canada. After fifteen years as a teacher in my home country, I moved to Canada and shifted careers to become an instructional designer inspired by new technological advancements. I specialized in creating training programs for various age groups, focusing on adults in the industrial sector.

As the Director of People Development at Fairstone Bank, I am responsible for identifying the development needs of various teams and levels within the organization. My team and I create and deliver tailored training solutions— whether through e-learning, in-person sessions, or virtual formats—to enhance skills and drive positive outcomes. This role enables me to leverage my experience to support employee growth and meet their evolving needs effectively.

Tailoring Training to Real Needs

When it comes to accommodating learning preferences, I hold the belief that learning styles are largely a myth. Instead, individuals have diverse preferences and beliefs about how they learn best. While these preferences can provide some guidance, I prioritize developing skills through the most effective methods, even if they don’t always align with individual preferences. At times, a more impactful approach is necessary to ensure retention and comprehension.

Addressing the diverse needs within different groups can be challenging, as these needs are often not immediately evident—even to those who have them. To navigate this complexity, my team actively listens to leaders’ requests for specific training and proactively monitors industry trends. By staying attuned to the evolving skill demands in the finance sector and anticipating future changes, we can better identify and address needs. I regularly evaluate these insights and collaborate with other departments to align on the most effective strategies for skill development.

Evaluating Training Effectiveness

Assessing the effectiveness of training requires a thoughtful approach rather than immediate feedback right after a session. Our evaluation process follows a structured approach, assessing satisfaction levels initially and then evaluating the practical application of the acquired knowledge over time.

"Step away from the computer and engage directly with people. When we interact with them about their development needs, we uncover gaps that are not always apparent through digital channels"

One aspect I take particular pride in is our commitment to continuously gathering and responding to feedback. We use a structured database to collect insights over the months, particularly for larger programs and new hire orientations, ensuring that we can make informed adjustments and enhancements based on participant experiences. This system allows participants to provide insights at their convenience, which I then review to identify any gaps or areas for improvement. For example, we follow up with new hires after six months to ensure their knowledge is growing and address any issues that may have emerged. This approach ensures that our training remains relevant and impactful.

Striking a Balance between Innovation and Employee Mindset

Technology is constantly evolving and can certainly disrupt traditional practices. However, I view this disruption more as a shift in mindset rather than a direct technological disturbance. For instance, the rapid adoption of tools like ChatGPT has sparked enthusiasm, but it has also raised concerns among employees about their job security and adaptability.

New technologies can provoke fear and uncertainty, making people feel they cannot keep pace with advancements. While I am excited about technological innovations, I believe it is crucial to approach their implementation thoughtfully. This means considering the practical benefits and the psychological impact on employees. Effective change management is essential to address these concerns and ensure that technology enhances workplace dynamics.

Engage and Evolve

Step away from the computer and engage directly with people. When we interact with them about their development needs, we uncover gaps that are not always apparent through digital channels. This direct conversation helps you identify and address learning needs effectively, facilitating their growth.

Embrace experimentation. Do not shy away from trying new technologies or approaches. I often use pilot programs to test ideas before rolling them out on a larger scale. These trials can reveal valuable insights and help you avoid becoming outdated. By experimenting, you stay ahead of trends and ensure your methods remain relevant and effective.