The OD Academy Membership … What’s in it for me?

Some members of other professional bodies tend to say, “What’s in it for me?” when joining a cohort of like-minded people.

The OD Academy is not just a place for learning and sharing great ideas: it’s a community of OD
professionals that are generous with their time; in sharing knowledge; and creating a safe and
supportive environment.

There is always someone who you can reach out to, and they will be able to
share or signpost you to the right place.

I have been part of the Academy since 2021 and I have grown in leaps and bounds in all aspects of
my development as an OD professional. I am grateful to Steve Benfield (Partner and Co-Founder of
the OD Academy) who has consistently been a champion to me personally, and a true scholar in his work. Steve has an enormous passion for OD, is a wonderful mentor, and someone who will always be available for you.

Having won the Member of Year OD Academy Award in 2024 and having been nominated and
shortlisted for the OD Practitioner of the Year Award in 2021-2022, these achievements and
recognitions have added value to my more than 20 years in the HR and OD fields.

Not only is the
Academy student led, it is also about engaging with the fellow students in the Academy during workshops, webinars, and other online professional platforms.

The Academy is flexible in all aspects of learning and teaching. It embraces an open-door environment that is inclusive and diverse to its students who are lucky enough to be part of this great community.

I will really value this aspect of the Academy as well as its commitment with enhancing my performance and continuous growth.

I have made many connections and networks since joining the Academy with people from PTHR, the European OD Forum and the Staff Development Forum to name but a few, all organisations that align with the cultural values of the OD Academy and its work with its members.

The OD Academy has provided me with the ability to enhance my skills, experiences, and vision. It has also enabled me to develop as an OD practitioner within my daily role. I continue to be
passionate about OD, and the Academy has allowed me to remain authentic and true to myself
throughout the work that I do.

So, in short, that’s what’s in it for me.

Get in touch via my LinkedIn Page
should you wish to share your comments or just have a chat online over a coffee about the work the
OD Academy has done with me, please do reach out and get in touch and I will be lucky enough to
share my experience with you.

Thank you for taking the time in reading this today.

Bally Heera
Post Graduate CIPD (Level 7) and HND Business & Finance (Distinction)
Member of the OD Academy (MODA)
Winner for the Member Award OD Academy 2023-2024
Nominated and shortlisted for the OD Practitioner of the Year Award 2021-22
Nominated and shortlisted for the CIPD Health at Work Award 2013