Five Charlotte leaders share their best pieces of career advice

Charlotte Country Day School recently hosted a panel where alumni shared their career journeys and offered advice.

Why it’s important: The group of alumi included business owners, managers, and leaders from the Charlotte community who graduated from Country Day as recently as 2009 and as far back as 1976.

The takeaways: Though the panelists were speaking to middle and upper schoolers, much of their advice is applicable at any age and career stage.

• Here’s what they had to say:

Eric Law ’76

Executive Director, Promising Pages.

The takeaway: Strike a balance between hard work and fun, and develop good habits.

Here’s why: Study habits are very important. I was a very good student in middle and high school, but when I got to college, I slacked off because my parents weren’t looking over my shoulder anymore.

• You need to develop self-discipline so you can motivate yourself to do the work that’s necessary to succeed inside the classroom and out.

Lindsay Hance McCullough ’93

Principal, Lindsay Hance McCullough AIA.

The takeaway: Work hard, but don’t forget to relax.

When I got to college, I was ready because I had worked really hard at Country Day. Country Day was stressful, but it was worth it because I was prepared and I had good habits.

But, one thing I would say to my middle school self is: “don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Here’s why: It’s all going to be fine, and it’s all going to work out.

Mark Thigpen ’89

Partner, King & Spalding LLP.

The takeaway: It’s okay to take a different path.

My major, though it has nothing to do with what I do now, launched me on a path that led me to where I am now.

But at the same time, I got to study something that I really enjoyed – believe it or not, people do enjoy biology.

Phillip McLamb ’00

Founder & COO, Resident Culture.

The takeaway: Having a plan B is important.

I think I always knew I needed a plan B. Basketball was a passion, but I was a walk-on at UNC and professional athletes retire at about 30, so I was very honest with myself.

Lauren Harbury ’09

Founder & CEO, Feminist Goods Collective.

The takeaway: Find support and security.

At Country Day, I had a cohort of teachers that always made me feel very supported and encouraged. They all made me feel like I could truly go out and do whatever I wanted without questioning myself.

Jason St. Aubin ’98

Assistant Public Defender, Charlotte Mecklenburg County.

The takeaway: Follow the path and see where it leads you.

The story: For my senior project, I shadowed a lawyer who introduced me to different kinds of law. The moment I walked into a criminal courtroom and I saw how things were conducted, it was like something exploded in my head.

• It was so powerful for me to see what it was like to be in a courtroom where people’s lives are being changed.

In other words: Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do, just be aware that it might hit you at any time. When it does, just be ready to follow it.

Charlotte Country Day School’s strong alumni network opens the doors for students. Check out these CCDS alumni profiles to get inspired.

Produced in partnership with Charlotte Country Day School.