{"id":15313,"date":"2024-12-01T00:30:08","date_gmt":"2024-12-01T08:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/?p=15313"},"modified":"2026-02-19T16:40:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T00:40:15","slug":"event-roundup-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/2024\/12\/01\/event-roundup-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Carson College Annual Events Offer Industry Insights"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Starbucks
Starbucks CFO Rachel Ruggeri shares business insights at the 2024 fall Power Breakfast.
Photo by WSU Photo Services.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Starbucks CFO Rachel Ruggeri keynotes Power Breakfast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the Carson College of Business Power Breakfast<\/a>, featured speaker Rachel Ruggeri<\/a> described the values that have helped guide her life and leadership as the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Starbucks. In sharp contrast with the sea of dark business suits in the room, the WSU alumna\u2019s light blue dress patterned with vibrant tropical plants and birds was the first clue to her regard for individuality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI grew up in the small community of Walla Walla in a very tightknit family, which gave me a strong sense of identity and belonging,\u201d she says. \u201cI joined Starbucks because I was always taught about giving back. The sense of belonging, joy, and individual experience Starbucks strives to create for each customer resonates with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authenticity, resilience, and generosity drive Ruggeri\u2019s (\u201900 MBA) business and leadership philosophies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo one person runs a company or a college. You have to make sure your company culture stays top of mind when organizational change occurs; stay true to your mission,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruggeri says rapidly advancing technology trends like AI can help strengthen company processes, for example systemizing sales forecasting and auditing site selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m excited about what we can do with AI from an energy and transportation sustainability perspective,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruggeri suggested institutions focus on developing students\u2019 problem-solving skills and curiosity to help them prepare to navigate rapid technology advances once they are in the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have to teach them the skills and mindset behind the technology because what they learn today versus a year from now will change,\u201d she says. \u201cMy advice is basically this\u2014don\u2019t be led, lead. The rewards outweigh the risks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tRead the full article about the 2024 Power Breakfast\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tWatch the Power Breakfast video\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\"Alum
Alum Jaimie Jacobsen (left) and Professor Joe Compeau kick off the fall 2024 Business Technology Symposium.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Business Technology Symposium features leadership insights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carson College alums with executive leadership experience spoke at the Business Technology Symposium<\/a> about their career experiences and the skills business graduates will need to be successful in the tech industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current trends in tech are transforming traditional education as new AI tools increase automation but call out an increasing need for policy that protects individuals\u2019 data and organizational systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A growth mindset, an ability to \u201cwork in the gray,\u201d and good communication skills are among the most important attributes a technology professional can have, according to speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These core traits mean tech leaders will be able to adapt to rapid changes while avoiding burnout. Another top recommendation was to have professional mentors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though young professionals should stretch themselves by taking on new challenges, if a project proves to be too much, having a mentor who can help see you through it can lead to a successful outcome, noted Jaimie Jacobsen<\/a> (\u201903 Mgmt. Info. Sys.), Slalom\u2019s executive chief of staff of the US west region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLearning to learn, collaborate, and build relationships were key lessons I learned in the tech industry. When I had a setback on a project I was managing, my mentor helped me navigate it,\u201d Jacobsen says. \u201cHer empathy and advocacy led to my next role that was a better fit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another speaker says having the grit to never give up\u2014an attribute Cougs are known for\u2014must balance with knowing your skillset and setting limits to avoid destructive habits such as overworking or focusing on financial gain above all else.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tWatch the Business Technology Symposium video\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Students
Students listen to alumni and industry leaders at the spring 2024 Women in Business Networking Luncheon.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Women in Business Networking Luncheon inspires future professionals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the business world, networking over a meal is common and requires some basic skill. To prepare for this scenario in the workforce, Carson College of Business students practice at events like the annual Women in Business networking luncheon hosted by the Women in Business Club<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the luncheon, students prepare brief talking points about themselves. During the networking session, each person has 90 seconds to pitch their career aspirations, unique attributes, and professional needs to business professionals at their tables. In between the timed sessions, moderators share tips for success, such as wearing a nametag on the opposite side of your dominant hand, so the tag can be better seen when shaking hands. Another suggestion is to be selective of what\u2019s shared on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guest speaker Shannon Flynn<\/a> (\u201995 Bus. Admin., HR), vice president of corporate human resources at Fortive, shared several lessons from her own work experience. She reiterated the power of networking, noting she was hired at Microsoft shortly after meeting a Microsoft recruiter at a party and discussing her career aspirations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once in the workforce, Flynn learned to appreciate feedback after a tough supervisor told her she would never become a recruiter, which was her aspiration at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt first, I was upset. But I thought about it for a while and went back and asked her why she said that,\u201d Flynn says. \u201cShe gave her reasons, and I set out to prove her wrong. Had I not embraced her feedback, I never would have pushed myself to improve, and it has paid off for me time and again over my career. It\u2019s important to view feedback as a gift.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event also featured guest speaker Kerri Schroeder<\/a>, Pacific Northwest regional chair and managing director\/regional manager of commercial banking at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Schroeder says she always raised her hand to do tougher assignments, working toward the job she wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEmbrace fear,\u201d she says. \u201cAlways do the thing that scares you\u2014that\u2019s where the growth is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schroeder talked about the need for women to be able to negotiate salary, develop confidence, and assume positive intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs a woman in the workforce, if you go in looking for slights and disrespect, you\u2019ll find it,\u201d she says. \u201cPeople will doubt you, and you have to prove them wrong. Focus on positive intent and advocate for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tRead the full article about the Women in Business event\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Carrie
Carrie Cheshier shared career insights pertaining to the insurance industry with business students during the fall 2024 Walton Lecture.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Berkley North Pacific leader Carrie Cheshier delivers Walton Lecture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to Berkley North Pacific President Carrie Cheshier, the keynote speaker at the 2024 Walton Lecture<\/a>, students interested in careers in any sector of the insurance industry will benefit from developing curiosity, collaboration, and integrity\u2014competencies she has seen lead to success in her 30-plus years in property and casualty insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a background that includes senior leadership positions in claims, underwriting, operations, and international business, Cheshier says insurance is as different as the world is, and there are a number of emerging risks that are creating new employment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshier says exposure risks such as cybersecurity, microplastics, ultra processed foods, and climate change are adding complexity to insurance policies. Adding to the mix are synthetic chemicals known as PFAS and FALAYS used in nonstick cookware, water and fire-repellent clothing, cosmetics, plastics, and personal care products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know all the risks these chemicals pose, so they have to be underwritten in a different way,\u201d Cheshier says. \u201cNot everything is insurable, and we have to have the right exclusions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uncertainties such as these require employees in research, data analysis, finance, environmental science and other roles, Cheshier says. She also noted employees are aging out of the insurance industry, creating about a 15-year talent gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are business roles for anything that touches the world,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshier also spoke about meaningful work experience as employees strive to help their customers return to good health and to work, recover property, or receive financial assistance after losing a loved one. On the flip side, she pointed out the challenges of dealing with nuclear verdicts, where a jury awards more than $10 million, often in personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJuries sometimes seek outrageously high punitive damages, and we have to be prepared to price for this,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Cheshier, a love of continuous learning is an important facet of insurance work. She says creating habits like reading headlines and court cases to identify emerging risks is often beneficial for policy preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou will solve issues that haven\u2019t emerged yet,\u201d she told students in the audience. \u201cThat is the beauty of our industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tWatch the Walton Lecture Video\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Recent events hosted by the Carson College provided valuable insights on leadership, networking, and emerging industry trends. Topics ranged from developing leadership qualities to preparing for the impact of AI and automation, offering tools to excel in today\u2019s business world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":[628],"featured_media":18255,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wsuwp_accessibility_report":null},"categories":[620,425],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15313"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/628"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15313"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15313\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18805,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15313\/revisions\/18805"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18255"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15313"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15313"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15313"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/author?post=15313"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}