Seven Strategies for Success

Takeaways from W&M Professional Development Week 2025

March 10, 2025
By Catherine Tyson ’20

The professional landscape is constantly shifting in response to new technology, policy changes, economic trends and more. That is why W&M annually hosts Professional Development Week, bringing the university community together to learn, spark new connections and advance careers of purpose. Now in its seventh year, W&M Professional Development Week 2025 attracted nearly 1,000 participants, including generations of alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends. Panels and presentations covered topics ranging from artificial intelligence to board leadership to building impactful partnerships. Here are a few takeaways:

#1 A good partnership can make the difference between a missed opportunity and a golden one.

From libraries to universities to banks, partnerships can transform an organization’s ability to make an impact. Jane Carpenter-Rock ’92, acting director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, has seen this in action. Throughout her career, she’s capitalized on great ideas by cultivating relationships built on shared values, goals and needs. Her recipe for success? Relentlessly focus on relationship building. Be a connector. And watch your organization expand its reach, relevance and impact.

Watch the recording featuring Jane Carpenter-Rock ’92, Smithsonian American Art Museum.

#2 Sometimes the smallest companies have the biggest opportunities.

While they may not boast big names or high profiles, small- to mid-sized companies can provide the perfect ecosystem to accelerate your career. Their size presents valuable opportunities to work alongside senior leadership, try your hand at different projects and flex your creativity and initiative. How do you find an opportunity like this? Start by tapping into your W&M network. Don’t be shy. Reach out on One Network today!

Watch the recording featuring Aaron Mosby ’05, TTEC Digital; Pam Krulitz ’86, Optify; and Jaenya Cooper ’27, William & Mary.

#3 Don’t let your greatest strengths stand in your way.

When hijacked by stress and negative emotions, our biggest talents can turn into our greatest weaknesses — or, as StepOne owner and life coach Anne Powell Lyons ’92 calls them — our internal saboteurs. A high achiever will push themselves to burnout. An organizer begins to micromanage. An energizer starts running in too many directions at once. The key to a more calm, productive and joyful life lies in recognizing these patterns and harnessing the power of positive emotion to bring our strengths back into our corner.

Watch the recording featuring Anne Powell Lyons ’92, StepOne.

#4 Combat polarization with questions and curiosity.
Listen so actively you’re burning calories. That’s how Phil Wagner, clinical associate professor at W&M’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business, recommends building bridges in polarized times. When interacting with those around you, don’t settle for superficial questions such as, “How’s it going?” or “Crazy weather, right?” True connection requires curiosity — asking deeper questions and bringing your full attention to the conversation. When we commit to this, others see it in our body language and feel it in our tone of voice. This creates space for vulnerability and meaningful discussion — the first steps toward bridging divides.

Watch the recording featuring Phil Wagner, William & Mary.

#5 Be part of a culture of authenticity and openness.
Belonging starts with authenticity. When we feel free to express our personalities, passions and even struggles at work, we’re empowered to do our best. Finding an authentic workplace begins with choosing an organization that shares your values, but it also starts with you. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) — employee-led communities built around shared interests or identities — can foster deeper connections and a culture of belonging. Don’t have an ERG at your workplace? You might be the right person to start one.

Watch the recording featuring Jessica Chen ’05, The Walt Disney Co.; Pilar Mejia ’04, GitLab; and Tunisia Riley ’00, New York Life.

#6 Successful board leaders empower and unify.

For anyone considering board leadership, experienced board directors Julie Dobson ’78, P ’17, P ’19; Kim Lopdrup ’80, P ’11; and Cindy Hughes Davis ’80 offer one critical piece of advice: Understand your role. Too often, board leaders jump into “doing” instead of “advising,” which can strain relationships, create barriers and foster mistrust. Great board leaders take a strategic approach, acting as unifiers and thought leaders. By offering guidance — not control — they build strong communication, trust and long-term success.

Watch the recording featuring Julie Dobson ’78, P ’17, P ’19, Fortis Inc., Sunrise Senior Living; Kim Lopdrup ’80, P ’11, Botrista; and Cindy Hughes Davis ’80, CHD Consulting.

#7 A new technological revolution is upon us. Leverage it to your advantage.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are exploding in number and popularity. They create podcasts, transcribe conversations, code websites from scratch, put together PowerPoints and much more. In two sessions during Professional Development Week, W&M alumni gave advice on how to adapt your skillset to this rapidly shifting landscape.

As technology evolves, human-centric skills such as empathy, strategic thinking and leadership will only grow in demand. Carve out a niche, become an expert and focus on growing competencies that can’t be automated.
AI doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. Get your feet wet by trying out fun projects like creating a website or having a conversation with a chatbot.

Watch the recording of the first session featuring Elaine Turville ’96, Accenture Federal Services; and Greg Wallig ’94, Agentic Advisors, THEIA Analytics Group Inc.

Watch the recording of the second session featuring Isabel Hirama ’14, M.S. ’17, data scientist; and Jonny Mills ’17, M.S. ’18, data engineer.

Professional Development Week is a community effort, made possible through the hard work and service of alumni, faculty, staff, friends and volunteers. A special thanks to all those who presented, to William & Mary’s Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement for sponsoring the week and to the W&M Alumni Association for their support.