Alumni Explore Elements of Leadership at Annual Conference

The seventh annual National Posse Alumni Leadership Conference in New York City welcomed close to 200 alumni representing seven Posse chapters. The conference, sponsored by Goodwin Procter and The New York Times, included a keynote address from New York Times Editor and Columnist Adam Bryant.

Posse President and Founder Deborah Bial delivered an engaging presentation about the need for diverse leadership in every industry, charging alumni to remember that it’s their turn to lead.

Adam Bryant, the New York Times Corner Office columnist and deputy science editor, has interviewed more than 400 prominent individuals with a wealth of perspectives on what it takes to be a successful leader. His keynote highlighted curiosity, confidence, team smarts, fearlessness and self-awareness as key traits to develop.

The 2015 Ainslie Alumni Achievement Award was presented to Vanderbilt University Posse alumna Mia Howard in recognition of her commitment to providing deserving young people with access to top educational opportunities as founder and executive director of Intrepid College Prep in Nashville, Tennessee.

At panel discussion sessions throughout the afternoon, alumni were introduced to professionals from a variety of industries who are recognized as prominent visionaries, thought leaders and change agents. These distinguished guests discussed the elements of leadership required to implement change and solve complex problems.

In addition, representatives from Posse’s graduate school affiliates and major fellowship programs provided guidance to alumni considering graduate and fellowship programs.

Posse is grateful to the guest speakers and panelists who offered inspiring advice on how to build a successful and meaningful career.