Reflection from NACE 2025 Conference, Philadelphia

NACE 2025 in Philadelphia provided a dynamic platform where universities, employers, and educators came together to explore industry-academia collaboration, share best practices, and discuss the latest research.

As part of the University of San Diego team, I had the opportunity to engage with colleagues from across the country, as well as employers and institutions who are reimagining the bridge between colleges and employers.

From AI’s impact on recruiting to strategies for inclusive hiring and student readiness, NACE 2025 offered valuable insights into how we can collectively prepare the next generation of leaders—not only for today’s workforce but for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

One of the most impactful moments for me was the keynote by David Epstein, author of Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. As a leadership educator and researcher, I found his message especially resonant. In a workforce evolving faster than ever, Epstein challenges the conventional wisdom that early specialization is the key to success. Backed by compelling research, he makes a powerful case for the value of breadth, adaptability, and interdisciplinary thinking. His work has reshaped how we think about hiring, professional growth, and skills-based learning. For those of us building employer partnerships and preparing students for long-term success, Epstein’s research affirms the need to go beyond technical skills and invest in soft skills, leadership capacity, and real-world adaptability.

This approach reflects my core perspective—both personally and professionally. As a non-conformist, I’ve never been one to follow conventional paths. To me, true leadership means cultivating a growth mindset and the courage to challenge the status quo, outdated norms, and limiting standards of living and working. It’s about constantly evolving—individually and collectively—with a shared commitment to human-centered leadership that serves the greater good.