YPB's Ask an Executive: A Young Professional Forum

On Thursday, January 29th, 2026, The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce held its Young Professionals Bloomington social event, Ask an Executive: A Young Professional Forum. Moderated by Sandra McGow of Autumn Trace Senior Communities, this interactive forum explored topics like managing people and projects effectively, navigating early-career challenges, building credibility, and what leaders look for in young professionals they hire and promote.  

Panelists included: 

• Leslie Abshier - CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington
• Esthela O'Neill - Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services and Student Success at Ivy Tech Community College: Bloomington
• Blayne Roeder - Senior Director of Corporate Development at Cook Medical
• Denzil Ross - South Region President of IU Health
• Tom Rowe - Former CEO of Serva-lite

​See the photos from the event below! (Photos provided by: Ever Exuberant Co. & The Mill)

Missed the event? Here is a recap!

Throughout the forum, panelists emphasized that effective leadership is built intentionally over time. Many shared that early-career leadership often focuses on speed, visibility, or proving oneself, while experience teaches the importance of patience, listening, and relationship-building. As leaders grow, they become more thoughtful about how their words, decisions, and even casual comments influence others—especially during periods of uncertainty.

Clear communication and accountability emerged as essential leadership skills. Panelists noted that difficult conversations are unavoidable but most productive when grounded in respect, clarity, and shared goals. When expectations are communicated consistently and feedback is ongoing, challenges become opportunities for growth rather than sources of conflict.

Panelists also encouraged young professionals to focus on excelling where they are. Visibility and advancement often come not from chasing the next role, but from doing current work exceptionally well, staying open to learning, and stepping up when opportunities arise. Taking calculated risks, saying yes to new challenges, and remaining adaptable were repeatedly identified as key drivers of long-term career growth.
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Finally, the discussion reinforced the importance of authenticity and values-driven leadership. Whether navigating career changes, furthering education, or collaborating across generations, panelists agreed that staying true to one’s values, remaining open to feedback, and viewing leadership as an evolving process are critical to building meaningful, sustainable careers.

TLDR - Key Takeaways

• Leadership evolves over time—from proving yourself to empowering others.
  
• How leaders communicate matters; clarity and intention build trust.
  
• Difficult conversations are necessary and most effective when focused on growth, not blame.
  
• Young professionals should focus on excelling in their current roles—strong performance gets noticed.
  
• Career growth often comes from saying yes to learning opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable.
  
• Authenticity and values-driven decision-making are essential to long-term leadership success.
  
• Collaboration across generations strengthens teams and leads to better outcomes.​