As Assessments International enters an exciting new chapter, we're pleased to introduce our new President, Dr. Christine Scheu. With a deep background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, a passion for leadership development, and a people-first approach to leadership, Christine brings both expertise and enthusiasm to her new role. We recently sat down with her to learn more about what drew her to Assessments International, the leadership values that have shaped her career, and her vision for the future of our organization. From mentoring emerging professionals to fostering a culture built on teamwork, client focus, and continuous growth, Christine shares insights that reflect both her professional experience and her personal philosophy. We hope you'll enjoy getting to know her as much as we have.
A Q&A with Our New President, Dr. Christine Scheu
1. What attracted you to Assessments International, and what made you excited about joining the organization?
Over the years, I had the pleasure of partnering with several members of the team, so I was drawn to the chance to work alongside talented people who care about their clients, their colleagues, and doing high-quality work. Additionally, The PROFILOR® products are ones I know, trust, and genuinely enjoy using, so the opportunity was also intriguing to my inner I/O geek. Honestly, being able to build on the product’s legacy while helping organizations develop their leaders made this an opportunity I simply could not pass up.
2. As you begin your first few months as president, what are the most important things you're hoping to learn about our people, clients, and culture?
It is my goal to learn as much as I can. Terri and the team have established a strong foundation for Assessments International. I believe it is important to understand the past and the present before making decisions about how to move into the future. When you have a high-quality team, they tend to know what is working and what needs additional attention, if you listen and learn you can then bring a new lens and a more informed perspective. One of my pet peeves is leaders who change things for the sake of change or putting their mark on an organization. My goal is always to work with my team to learn, understand, and define next steps.
3. Looking back on your career, was there a mentor, leader, or experience that had a significant impact on who you are today?
During the summers, I worked retail and temp jobs in various corporate offices. One summer, there were several instances where I saw people being treated in ways that were far from ideal. I kept thinking people spend so much time at work, there had to be a better way. The next semester I had a class in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and I discovered there was an entire field dedicated to finding a better way. I went to graduate school for I/O and have been working in the field ever since. Those early work experiences shaped my career.
4. What leadership values have guided you throughout your career, and how do they shape the way you lead teams?
My leadership values and style tend towards servant leadership. Once you establish a vision, a large part of leadership is providing guidance and helping people to execute. Basically, how can I support my team, solve problems/remove roadblocks, elevate and address their concerns, and help them grow. I find if you care, listen, make time for people, and trust your team, you will see incredible returns.
5. What is one accomplishment you're especially proud of, and what did you learn from that experience?
A large part of Industrial Organizational Psychology is understanding individual differences. When I started managing people, I leaned into adjusting my style to the needs of the people I was managing and developing. At one point in my career, I managed a lot of early career I/O consultants. Watching them learn and grow as professionals was very rewarding and seeing them continue to flourish in their careers long after we had worked together continues to make me smile. I learned so much about myself, my field, and leadership by working with highly talented people and figuring out new ways to help them succeed.
6. What do you enjoy most about helping organizations and leaders grow and succeed?
It is probably no surprise to anyone that the pace of business today is quite relentless. I find that when I am working with organizations and leaders today in a development capacity, it is a rare opportunity for them to slow down, reflect, and think things through. Seeing them have the aha moments, hearing them express gratitude for creating space to think, problem solve, and appreciate their accomplishments, it is what keeps me motivated. It is the very human moments, in a world so focused on technology, that bring joy.
7. What might surprise people to learn about you outside of work?
One of my hobbies is mixology. I find it fun to play with flavors and mix up syrups, sodas, and cocktails.
8. How do you like to recharge when you're not working?
I enjoy cooking and baking. It is a creative outlet for me and can be relaxing. Cooking also has immediate results, which is nice given with a lot of the work I do it takes longer than a few hours to see an impact.
9. What's a piece of advice you've received that has stayed with you throughout your career?
In graduate school, I recall wondering if my approach to a client project was going to be enough. One of my mentors laughed and said “Do you realize how much better this is than anything they have now? You are meeting the client where they are. Not every client has the need, resources, or interest in a Cadillac. There is a lot of room between a Pinto and a Cadillac. A quality mid-sized sedan will get them to where they want to go.” I always try to keep in mind to ‘meet my clients where they are’, it is a critical part of problem solving and customer service.
10. As we look ahead, what kind of culture do you hope to foster at Assessments International?
I strive to have a culture based on teamwork, a focus on clients, and enjoying and feeling pride in what we do. If you put those pieces together with good judgment and common-sense things tend to fall into place.
Bonus questions:
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Coffee or tea? Tea
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Early bird or night owl? Early bird
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Favorite book you've read recently? Anything fiction. Reading for me is a beautiful escape and a chance to recharge. I enjoy mysteries, romance, fantasy, adventure, and great stories with strong female leads are a bonus.
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Favorite way to spend a weekend? Something outdoors with my husband like hiking, walking in the park, local concerts, or sitting on a patio with a cocktail.
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Favorite place to vacation? Warm places, I live in MN, vacation means nice weather and no snow.
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First job you ever had? Retail
👉 Click here to connect with Christine on LinkedIn.
