Featuring Brad Tharpe
Assistant Vice President of Career Services at Pitzer College
Finding the right professional development opportunity can be transformative. For Brad Tharpe, Assistant Vice President of Career Services at Pitzer College, the Career Leadership Collective’s Mastermind Cohort provided the focused, intimate environment he was looking for to discuss leadership challenges with like-minded professionals. Our Partner Engagement Consultant, Sharon Attaway, recently connected with Brad to learn more about Mastermind's lasting impact on him since his participation in the 2023 cohort.
A Path of Purpose
Before leading career services at Pitzer College, Brad gained valuable experience as a chaplain at The Claremont Colleges and helped to initiate the Bioethics program at Wake Forest University. His background in ethical exploration and vocational discernment, along with degrees from Vanderbilt University and Wake Forest University School of Divinity, equips him to inspire students to envision and pursue their futures confidently.
Discovering the Mastermind Community
Brad’s journey to Mastermind wasn't the result of one single decision; rather, it was shaped by a combination of experiences. "There are three main reasons that drew me to the program," he explains. "First, a colleague in Claremont had a positive experience the year before. Second, I had a great time at the Career Leadership Collective’s annual conference. Most importantly, I was looking for an in-depth exploration of leadership development within the career space." Ultimately, Mastermind allowed Brad to pursue an experience that has impacted his leadership trajectory.
The Power of Place, Fresh Content, and Connection
The program's setting in Estes Park, CO, was more than just a beautiful mountain backdrop; it served as a catalyst for leadership reflection. "It sparked deep conversations and created a foundation that couldn't have been achieved in a webinar with a random group," Brad explains. Specific learning topics from the Mastermind curriculum have served as a foundation to accelerate his leadership. Among the most impactful takeaways, Brad emphasizes three key areas:
1. Personal Stability as Foundation
One of the first teachings at Estes Park focused on personal stability as the foundation for career services leadership—an insight that resonated deeply with Brad's approach to leadership.
2. Reframing Challenges
Brad learned to embrace staff turnover as a natural reality rather than viewing it as a problem. He acknowledged, "Instead of lamenting this situation, I can set clear
expectations that turnover is inevitable. Some positions will change every two to three years. In the meantime, I will continue to honor and support our team members while they are with us."
3. Strategic Ownership
The program highlighted the importance of career centers taking ownership of their strategic direction. "We understand the work of career services and the role of career centers," Brad emphasizes. "Senior leaders are pulled in many different directions. If we simply ask for their opinions without providing them with something concrete to respond to, we are actually doing them a disservice."
It wasn’t only the content of Mastermind that was impactful. The connections formed with other career leaders during this time have proven lasting. Specifically, Brad’s C-Group (a smaller “community” group of 6-8 other leaders) has continued to meet twice each semester after the program ended. Throughout the program and since then, this group has provided ongoing support and collaboration, creating an ongoing impact on participants.
Beyond Professional Development: Support and Authenticity
Brad emphasized what distinguishes Mastermind for him is its focus on both professional and personal growth. “The experience has helped me professionally through programs, resources, and strategic guidance, but it has also significantly benefited me personally,” Brad shared. For him, the program has fostered a support network where leaders can discuss their professional challenges with knowledgeable and caring peers who are committed to each other's success. Brad recommends the program to other leaders with sincerity: "Mastermind is perfect for career leaders who are looking for open and honest discussions that involve some vulnerability, as well as a desire to support one another." He emphasizes that the participants' strong commitment and motivation foster an environment where transformative growth can occur.
Interested in learning more about the Career Leadership Collective's Mastermind Cohort? Contact Sharon Attaway at sharon@careerleadershipcollective.com to find out how you can join the next cohort in May 2025.
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