12/03/09

The Tazie Effect

Heather Whittaker

Show Description:
Today on Everything Animal, host Catherine Bradford welcomes Heather Whittaker, author of 'The Tazie Effect', a heartwarming story about a 6-lb Miniature Pinscher and the many challenges she's faced in her life. Taz is a disabled dog who has a lot to offer in  both spirit and inspiration. Ms. Whittaker shares about Taz's challenges and combines them with stories from
 her own management career to present 10 Leadership Principles. Each of these principles is
geared toward new leaders or those with hopes of being a leader.
Taz's disability teaches that no matter what the challenge we face, it's our positive attitude,
personality, and tenacity that get us through. She is truly an inspiration. Readers learn about
optimism, creativity, the importance of positive feedback, and several other concepts important
to every successful leader.
Ms. Whittaker wrote The Tazie Effect at a time she was adjusting to a change in her own career
and Taz is the reason she sought and found a new direction. Animals have so many amazing
lessons to teach if we’re open to learning and Taz is no exception.

http://thetazieeffect.com

Guest Bio:
Heather Whittaker is the author of The Tazie Effect, a book that teaches leadership principles through the life
story of Taz, a blind Miniature Pinscher. Ms. Whittaker combines her love of animals with her own
management experiences resulting in memorable stories with a creative approach to teaching a subject matter
typically lacking creativity and filled with jargon.
Ms. Whittaker has 15 years management experience spanning the industries of transportation, financing, and
insurance. Her specific background encompasses call center management, operations support, and quality
assurance. In 2005, she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Organizational Communication, and in 2007,
obtained her Masters degree in Organizational Leadership. In addition, she is an adjunct faculty member for
Cardinal Stritch University’s College of Business teaching communication and management courses.
Heather is a member of the Wisconsin Regional Writer’s Association and the American Authors Association.
She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Volunteer Center of East Central Wisconsin. Heather lives in
rural Wisconsin with her partner, Mary, and their 2 Miniature Pinschers, Taz and Tinker.