Star City Six – Dr. Brett Wells
Established in 1989, Talent Plus (www.talentplus.com) is an internationally recognized and award-winning human resources consulting firm headquartered in Lincoln. Dr. Brett Wells is the chief science and consulting officer for Talent Plus.
Tell us a little about your business.
Talent Plus is the leading partner in building and sustaining high-performing and fully-engaged cultures through talent selection, development, and analytics. Our team is scientifically skilled at helping companies select the very best people for specific job roles and maximize their potential for the growth of the company.
How did you get started in the business?
I have always been fascinated with people—the uniqueness of each individual and how they impact those around them. Growing up, I watched those close to me work extremely hard, but never express great fulfillment in their work. After having the opportunity to interview and visit with the people at Talent Plus, I knew I was lucky to come across a one-in-a-million organization. Today, I have the opportunity to help more than two million people each year find significance in their work.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Having spent our entire lives in Chicago, I’d say uprooting our family three years ago and taking the leap of faith to move to Lincoln. We couldn’t be more happy with our decision. We have a new family in Talent Plus and Lincoln. GBR!
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Being published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wonderful wife Emily and I were college sweethearts. We have a five-year-old kindergartner, Ben, who loves swimming and dinosaurs. Fingers crossed, he turns into my golfing buddy one day.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Meeting my wife Emily. She brings out the best in me.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I have a passion for classic cars.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Anything worth doing is worth doing right.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Team Talent Plus helps me make sure this doesn’t happen.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Ace for the Chicago Cubs.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
My wife Emily and I are passionate about education, which certainly helped pave our path toward success. We enjoy reviewing scholarship applications for Lincoln Community Foundation.
What is your favorite TV show?
America’s Got Talent, of course! A guilty pleasure might be Bachelor in Paradise…
What is your favorite local restaurant?
The Oven.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Dr. William E. Hall, Talent Plus’ co-founder and the father of positive psychology.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 489-2000; Email: brwells@talentplus.com; Website: www.talentplus.com.