I used EDX to do all of my certification prep and I'm absolutely loving it. 

Here's why:

Its the only tool I've found that makes the top online and certification prep courses from the world's leading institutions available to anyone for free (Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Berkeley, etc). 

When I was studying for my ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt Exam, I was getting really tired of trying to teach myself complex statistics with a book. I didn't have $2200 to spend on an online course through ASQ and to be honest I figured it would be pretty dry if I did.

I turned to EDX and audited a Six Sigma class instead. It taught me everything I needed to know with short instructor videos, PDF materials and interactive quizzes. They only charge a fee if you want a formal course credit, but you can't beat the free version for anyone motivated to learn. 

I passed my certification exam the first time using their online courses. 

2. Understanding my leadership style: Atlassian - Find Your Leadership Style

I love personality and work style quizzes. This is the best one that I have found for free. It covers the 7 classic leadership styles with clear pros and cons. 

I took a 5 minute quiz to understand my style. Spoiler alert: it's coaching. 

But I didn't stop there.

I used it to help get out of the paradox: need experience to be a manager, but can't get a manager job without experience. 

Here's how:

1. Formed my personal ethos around leadership so that I could speak to my abilities more directly in interviews. As a coach:

• I lean on my ability to connect my individual capabilities to the right strategic opportunities. I believe in skilling people up to meet the moment.  
• Given my natural style is coaching, I am excited about the opportunity to build a team. 
• Part of developing a high performing team is leading with diplomacy and caring deeply about our people. 

2. Control the narrative around how my style can compliment other leaders. 

• When working for a boss who's style was transformation, I made sure to frame my work as innovative and growth focused. I appealed to their desire to meet and exceed goals by tying action to their grand vision.
• When interviewing for a manager role, I tried to predict the leadership style of the hiring manager so that I could appeal to their sensibilities. 

We all have multiple leadership styles, it's about knowing when to flex to achieve optimal results. 

3. Best practices and help solving complex business problems: Harvard Business Review 

If I need to tackle a problem at work, my go-to is Google. Even if it's something that I'm well versed in, I always like to see what other information is out there. 

I noticed Harvard Business Review often popped up and had the information I needed. Some of their articles are theoretical, but they usually have tactical steps included. 

Their breakdown of the RAPID decision-making model has fundamentally shifted how I approach my work. 

They have a paid membership, but you can access up to 3 articles a month free.