Meet Dietrich Von Biedenfeld

We recently connected with Dietrich Von Biedenfeld and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dietrich, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?

Diversity is my super power. Whether it’s research showing cultural identity blindness of homogeneous individuals, or linguistic aptitude in practice while traveling, my parents deserve credit.

My mother studied English in college; my father learned English from a book. Both provided technical awareness. Both also shared colloquial phrasing and the joy of language (my father loved puns).

I drew on my parent’s differing backgrounds to understand differences of opinion, language, culture, and motive. This has aided my ability to effectively communicate. I seek first to understand, then to be understood (Covey). Growing up not fitting in a single “box” helped my confidence to wait on others to finish thoughts, and to focus on the point of origin and context over any personal insecurities or biases.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve worked in education since graduating law school. Work overseas and volunteering in service of disabled veterans in Washington, DC foreshadowed a much more glamorous life post-law school—when a friend of my father said he needed a lawyer, but couldn’t pay attorney wages, my father sent me. Little did I know what doors this cooperative purchasing venture would open.

Since that role. I’ve performed compliance and legal work for several institutions of higher education. I’ve also taught supply chain, law, ethics, and related courses for undergrad and MBA students. More recently, I was appointed legal counsel for a private entity, started a consulting enterprise, and was appointed city attorney and of counsel for a newly formed law firm. Objects in motion tend to stay in motion, and I expect I will be moving quite active for years to come.

One of my projects involves creating an educational tool that can be accessed globally at low cost. The model is a choose-your-own-adventure style of learning where questions can become more complex as aptitude increases. Also, an environment where learners can focus on content most relevant to their interests and needs without excessive time in the environment on topics or content outside interest or need.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Situational Awareness. We tend to be engrossed in our phones and devices. How many impromptu introductions or career-edifying meetings have been missed due to lacking environmental cognizance? This is a safety tool in some scenarios. In business it means hearing what isn’t being said, seeing what doesn’t align or match expectations, and otherwise watching for social and cultural cues.

Documentation: For years I would take one-off courses and attend classes for personal betterment. Purpose served. However, I realized late that certifications and licenses are superior documentation and valuable external validation. Credibility and other benefits came from building learning into organizations and programs that had 3rd party or objective value.

Measure Twice, Cut Once: build the tactical based on the strategic. Begin with the end in mind (Covey).

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents taught me how to think, then what they thought. I’ve been able to spend time introspectively, read and then travel to places to test theories, listen to people in their local tongue and learn extrapolate meanings all because my parents modeled best practices, encouraged curiosity, and lived to learn as they served others.

Providing a foundation has allowed me to build quite high.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dietrichfortx/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dietrichfortexas
• Other: Multiple episodes:

  https://www.fox26houston.com/shows/isiah-factor-uncensored