Earlier this month, the University of West Georgia’s Dr. James ‘Earl’ Perry College of Mathematics, Computing and Sciences hosted an exclusive fireside chat with four prominent leaders and entrepreneurs from the technology, healthcare and e-commerce sectors.
This event provided students with a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain real-world insights and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of technology and innovation.
Rusty West ’88, co-founder of Wings & Warriors and former president of Market Scan Information Systems; Dr. Allison Key ’02, owner and medical director of 3:16 Family Medicine; Sid Mookerji, founder and managing partner at Silicon Road Ventures; and Dr. Ted Grosch, chief scientist at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, joined moderator Dr. Renee Butler, interim dean of the college, for a discussion focused on three key themes: the power of people, overcoming obstacles and making an impact.
The Power of People
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the significance of relationships and teamwork in achieving success.
“Success isn’t just about what you know – it’s about who you surround yourself with,” said Mookerji. “Having great mentors and collaborators can make all the difference in your career.”
Key emphasized the value of diverse strengths: “Surround yourself with people who have different strengths than your own and compliment your abilities. The best teams are made up of individuals who bring different skill sets to the table.”
West echoed this sentiment, adding, “I knew I had built a successful company when I looked around and everyone at my table was smarter than me.”
Overcoming Obstacles
A major theme of the discussion was navigating challenges in the professional world.
“Your biggest obstacle is finding the right people,” said Grosch. “Learn how to sell yourself. The way you communicate your strengths and experience can open doors you never imagined.”
“No matter how skilled you are, the ability to communicate effectively and solve problems in real time is what sets professionals apart,” said Mookerji. “Those who can think critically and articulate their ideas clearly will always have an edge.”
Making an Impact
The panelists also spoke about the qualities that set great professionals apart.
“Hard work is essential, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work at all,” said Key. “Passion fuels success, and authenticity is what helps you stand out in any field.”
“As a technologist, your compensation is directly proportional to the level of disability of the problems you’re capable of solving. If you want to be successful and indispensable, look for the biggest problems in your industry and solve them,” said West. “The people who solve the hardest problems are the ones who make the biggest difference.”
For more information on upcoming events, visit UWG’s event calendar.
photography by Hailey Wilkinson
