Name
Kimberly Derryberry

Position/Employer
Colorado Technical University and Purdue Global University

How long have you been a SIOP member?
Since 2017

What roles have you had within SIOP?
Military and Veterans Inclusion Committee Chair, SIOP Ambassador

Interest area(s)
DEI, Leadership Development, Motivation, Job Performance, Military and Veterans Inclusion

What sparked your interest in I-O psychology?
My interest in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology was sparked by a deep curiosity about team dynamics and the underlying factors that influence workplace decisions, such as promotions and leadership selection. I often wondered why certain individuals were elevated to positions for which they seemed ill-suited and how these decisions impacted organizational culture. My experiences with toxic leaders further solidified this interest, as I witnessed firsthand the profound effects poor leadership could have on morale, productivity, and overall workplace well-being. When I began exploring potential paths for my doctoral studies, I engaged in conversations with professionals about my aspirations to create meaningful change in workplace environments. Through these discussions, I discovered I-O psychology—a field that combines science and practice to address exactly the kinds of challenges I wanted to tackle. Learning about I-O psychology was a pivotal moment, as it aligned perfectly with my passion for improving organizational effectiveness and employee experiences.

What role do you see I-O psychology playing in the future of work?
Industrial-organizational psychology will shape the future of work by addressing technological, social, and cultural challenges. It will optimize human–AI collaboration, support remote and hybrid work models, and enhance employee well-being through mental health initiatives and work–life balance strategies. I-O psychologists will drive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and leverage data analytics for talent management and leadership development. They will focus on upskilling workers, fostering organizational agility, and preparing leaders to navigate uncertainty. Additionally, I-O psychologists will address ethical concerns, including AI use and employee privacy, ensuring the future workplace is adaptive, equitable, and human centered.

What work trends are you seeing and hearing about and how can I-O psychology practitioners, educators, and students impact these trends?

Emerging work trends are transforming organizations, presenting unique opportunities for I-O psychology practitioners, educators, and students to drive meaningful change. The rise of remote and hybrid work has increased the need for policies that support flexibility, virtual team cohesion, and strategies to prevent burnout. Similarly, the growing focus on employee well-being calls for programs that address mental health, resilience, and work–life balance. With diversity, equity, and inclusion becoming critical priorities, I-O psychologists can help reduce workplace bias, foster equitable practices, and teach inclusive leadership. The ongoing digital transformation, driven by automation and AI, highlights the importance of guiding ethical AI implementation, reskilling efforts, and human–machine collaboration. The shift toward skills-based hiring underscores the need for reliable assessments and frameworks for lifelong learning. Additionally, as organizations face volatile markets, I-O professionals play a vital role in leading change management, fostering agility, and developing resilient leaders. Through evidence-based, human-centered solutions, I-O psychology ensures workplaces remain innovative, inclusive, and future ready.

What advice would you give to students or those early in their career?

  1. When opportunity knocks, kick down the door!
  2. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
  3. Network strategically. Join professional organizations like SIOP, attend conferences, and seek mentorship. Build connections with seasoned professionals that can provide invaluable insights and opportunities.

What is one of your favorite SIOP Annual Conference memories/highlights?

Although there are many opportunities to take in workshops, I have found there is so much knowledge gained in networking. I really enjoy meeting up with my peers, especially those in the Military and Veterans Inclusion Committee. Not only do we speak I-O but also military jargon. They’re a wonderful group of friends.

Please share one non-I-O-related bit of information about yourself.
I love to garden, and I used to teach ballroom dancing.

Is there anything you would like to add?
If you are a veteran, veteran spouse or family member, or a business owner who hires veterans, please reach to one of our committee members. We would love to connect with you!

If you would like to be considered for a Membership Spotlight, please fill out this form