Education & TAM: Lessons Beyond the Lecture Hall

Written by CEO Ayla MacEachern

Over the weekend, I attended a friend’s graduation. Typically, I tune out during commencement speeches—how many times can we hear “Carpe Diem” or “Reach for the Stars!” before it all starts to blur? But this time, I did hear one that shared a couple of values, pieces of advice, that I would love not only graduates to hear but everyone within the talent acquisition space. Because, quite literally, talent acquisition affects every single business on the planet. These values, while not the full list, are two that I truly do believe in and that we here at TAM try to implement in our culture. 

💡 1. Don’t Invite Anyone to Your Wedding

You read that right.

The speaker told a great story about their own wedding, making the point that your authentic self is your most compelling self. Your journey doesn't need to look like anyone else’s. What’s perfect for you won’t be perfect for everyone, and that’s more than okay. Your path to success doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

We have shared many times here at TAM that being your true, authentic self is what will bring about the most success, with clients, our team, ourselves and with the world. It is what we look for in our talent and it is what we hope to share across the talent industry.

💡 2. Find a Way to Add Value

Another standout moment was the story of someone choosing to bring a little joy during a tough time by playing “Everything Is Awesome” from The Lego Movie—even when things felt anything but awesome. Overall point: There is always a way to add value, you just have to find it. Having a good attitude, desire to learn, and not taking yourself too seriously can be more valuable than having every single technical skill a job is requiring. 

At times, you’ll need to challenge the status quo, ask tough questions, and stand firm in your values. But when you stay true to your authentic self and offer fresh perspectives on traditional ways of thinking, you bring real value to your organization. Be proactive in shaping a better, more thoughtful environment around you.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to the commencement speaker for sharing such meaningful values with the graduating class. Though the speech took place in Small Town, USA, the message carries universal relevance—and I truly hope those graduates take the time to reflect on, share, and live out these lessons.

📚 Education Looks Different for Everyone

I’ve never been one to claim that success requires a college degree, that a master’s is inherently better than an associate’s, or that formal education is the only path to a meaningful career. The truth is, your authentic self may not need a traditional academic route to do great things. More often than not, grit and resilience outweigh memorized facts and test scores, especially when that knowledge can't be applied in the real world.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved school. But the lessons that have truly shaped me came through real-life experience: on-the-job learning, mentors who took me under their wing (you know who you are—and yes, I still have questions!), and a few moments of simply being in the right place at the right time.

When I look at the TAM team, I see a wide range of stories, challenges, and lived experiences—all contributing to who they are and who they’re becoming.

I’m proud to lead a team that values personal growth, embraces the journey, and pursues their authentic selves with purpose. And at TAM, we’ll always support them every step of the way.

At TAM, we’ve seen firsthand how unique journeys fuel growth:

• Julia and Delfina recently earned their diplomas in Sworn Translation—a remarkable achievement that reflects their dedication and drive. What’s even more inspiring is how they balanced this commitment with their roles at TAM, all while traveling, nurturing friendships, and staying grounded in what matters most. That’s exactly the kind of growth we champion at TAM. Whether or not they apply these skills in their future careers, their accomplishments add another layer to who they are, enrich our team, and embody the spirit of contributing meaningfully to a world that needs more givers than takers.

• Connie & Leon are currently diving into Salesforce Administration training—a challenge brought to us by a client and embraced wholeheartedly. No hesitation, no complaints—just genuine enthusiasm and a clear commitment to deepening the client relationship. They’ve each taken on roles that have become truly invaluable, a fact confirmed by the client time and time again. While their busy schedules mean the journey is unfolding gradually, the foundation is strong. From day one, expectations were aligned, and every new skill they’re developing is already contributing to long-term growth and success—for both the client and themselves.

These are just a few of the many stories within our team. Stories of passion, grit, growth, and the pursuit of purpose.

TAM’s path to success has been anything but traditional. What began as a 6-month experiment has evolved into a thriving team I’m incredibly proud to lead—a group united by a shared commitment to doing meaningful work, growing personally and professionally, and defining success on their own terms. As each team member explores new educational paths and skill-building opportunities, TAM’s leadership remains fully committed to supporting them and cheering them on every step of the way.