Building a career in corporate social impact rarely follows a straight line. The field is still maturing and growth paths vary widely across companies. But solid, unvarnished, and hard-won advice remains a crucial currency for those looking to lead.

This Career Advisory Panel brings together a group of NationSwell Strategic Advisors — seasoned corporate impact executives — for a candid conversation with Emerging Impact Leaders Program participants about what it takes to build a lasting career in this work. Panelists will reflect on their own career journeys — the pivots, the setbacks, and the most consequential choices — and offer practical guidance on the questions early-mid career professionals are asking: How do you build your influence with your senior leadership and key stakeholders? How do you navigate a layoff or a reorg? How can you accelerate your own opportunities for growth and advancement right now and over the long run?

The conversation will be informal and participant-driven, with plenty of room for live Q&A. Come with your own questions for the group.

To encourage open and candid discussion, this event follows the Chatham House Rule – attendees may share insights from the conversation but cannot attribute statements to specific individuals or organizations. This ensures a trusted space for thoughtful dialogue and deeper insights.