Professional Development during a Pandemic

by Lynne Richardson, Dean, UMW College of Business

I know many of us are feeling overwhelmed these days. We’re juggling work, virtual learning for our K-12 students, a personal life for ourselves, and so on. The stress is real.

One thing I believe in is investing in yourself! Many of see ME TIME as the last thing to be scheduled. Whether that’s reading a book (my favorite thing to do!), exercising, meditation, or whatever, we postpone it. Our batteries need to be recharged, ladies! Remember when we used to fly? The flight attendant would remind us to put the oxygen mask on our OWN face before assisting others. When we don’t take care of ourselves, we cannot be effective with our families—both our personal and work ones.

We should continue recharging and growing, in spite of the pandemic, at work too. To that end, we invite you to participate in the VIRTUAL 27th Annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium @UMW! This year’s version will be shortened to a three hour morning session, with afternoon add-ons. You will join like-minded women who understand the value of investing in themselves.

During the morning we will hear from keynoter Charmaine McClarie who will help you learn to be heard within your organization! Immediately following her session, we will go into breakout rooms to discuss what we’ve heard from her. The Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award will be given to an amazing woman in our community and then we’ll take a quick break. Replenish your coffee, grab a snack, or take a bio break and then join a breakout session of their choosing.

We have an all star line up of presenters this year! Visit www.umw.edu/lcpw/colloquium to learn more about Charmaine AND to check out your breakout session options.

The afternoon opportunities are optional (and require a separate fee). Have you always wanted to check out how coaching might help you? Sign up for a 45 minute session with one of our seven terrific coaches. Are you a senior leader in an organization with a set of needs to be addressed? Join our keynote speaker for an additional workshop with her.

All in all, it’s going to be another excellent event. We invite you to make yourself a priority and invest this time in recharging your batteries. You will be glad you did!