The Alliance 2025 Annual Conference featured a transformative session, “Leading Forward: NextGen Voices Spill the Tea”, that brought together emerging leaders in continuing professional development (CPD) for unique, engaging and deeply insightful discussions. Rather than sticking with a traditional panel or lecture, the planning team intentionally chose an interactive small-group format to create a more intimate and relaxed environment. This approach made it easier for both facilitators and participants to open up, engage in honest conversations and tackle more personal or challenging topics together. The result was a space that felt safe, welcoming and genuinely conducive to meaningful dialogue and shared learning among professionals from all walks of life.

A Session Unlike Any Other

What set this session apart was its structure — rather than a passive panel or lecture, facilitators rotated among small discussion groups to spark dynamic, personalized conversations. In the weeks leading up to the conference, facilitators met to identify a list of “hot topics” relevant to emerging professionals in CPD. These topics were shaped into conversation-starting questions based on each facilitator’s interests and experiences. During the session, those guiding questions helped break the ice and get the dialogue flowing, creating a comfortable and welcoming space. From there, the discussions evolved organically as participants asked their own questions and shared their perspectives. This flexible, conversational approach helped remove the pressure often associated with large sessions, making space for authentic exchange

This session was created in response to a growing need in CPD for platforms that elevate emerging voices, foster inclusive dialogue, and rethink how we talk about leadership, culture and professional growth. The focus areas spanned a wide array of critical topics: career development, leadership strategies, the evolving nature of workplace culture, and the importance of representation and diversity in professional education. Attendees found the intimate format particularly refreshing, noting its effectiveness in fostering deeper connections and actionable insights. As one attendee shared, “It was great to hear from several different people on this topic. I liked the way this session was structured as small group convos with presenters instead of a stale lecture. Great idea!” The impact was clear: “Unique format, intimate setting and rich conversation.”

Key Takeaways From the Discussions

The session generated discussions largely aligning with the facilitators’ expectations around hot-topic conversations — but it also brought forth a handful of unexpected questions and insights from participants that introduced fresh perspectives and ideas beyond what was originally planned.  Some of the standout insights included:

• The Changing Work Culture: Traditional office structures are shifting toward a more flexible, people-focused environment. Attendees discussed how younger professionals feel increasingly comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work, breaking away from outdated norms around dress codes, work hours and communication styles​.
• Building Trust and Managing Up: Discussions emphasized the importance of aligning with mentors and leaders who share one's values. Participants explored how trust-building and transparent communication contribute to strong teams and career growth​.
• Taking Risks and Seizing Opportunities: The NextGen mindset embraces career risks and proactive decision-making. As one speaker noted, “If you aren’t nervous or afraid while taking a jump, you aren’t jumping far enough”​.
• Leveraging Transferable Skills and Lateral Moves: Embracing lateral career moves and cross-functional experiences can enhance versatility, strengthen leadership skills and open new professional development opportunities. One facilitator shared how, rather than focusing solely on climbing the traditional corporate ladder, they chose to pursue a series of internal role changes that allowed them to explore different functions across their organization. This intentional approach helped them build a well-rounded skill set while following a career path aligned more closely with their evolving interests and passions.
• The Power of Representation in Education: A compelling discussion emerged around diversity in planning committees and educational speakers. One example highlighted the impact of including a transgender trauma surgeon as a keynote speaker, reinforcing the need for varied perspectives in professional education​.
• Life-work Balance Over Work-life Balance: A shift in perspective was evident among younger CPD professionals, who prioritize personal well-being alongside professional success. Flexibility, remote work options and work environments that support well-being were identified as essential for attracting and retaining top talent​.

Looking Ahead: Keeping the Conversation Going

Attendees left the session energized and eager for more opportunities like this. As one participant shared, “Thanks to this honest discussion, I feel ready to change the C-suite to make my team more comfortable to be their authentic selves at work,” reflecting the deeper impact the session had on leadership perspectives. Others expressed a desire to keep the discussions alive, advocating for continued dialogue on leadership, career development and innovation in CPD.

The “Leading Forward” session was a testament to the power of emerging voices in shaping the future of professional education. By fostering open, inclusive and thought-provoking conversations, this format not only engaged attendees but also inspired real change. As we look to the future of CPD, embracing these fresh perspectives and collaborative learning approaches will be key to driving innovation and excellence in the field.

Join the conversation! Keep the momentum going by connecting with like-minded professionals in the Alliance NextGen Online Community — a space to share ideas, foster collaboration and continue shaping the future of CPD. Join us today: NextGen Community.

AI Disclosure: ChatGPT was used to process and summarize the write-in survey responses that are discussed in this article.

Amanda Jamrogiewicz, CHCP, with over a decade in the medical education industry, currently oversees educational strategy at Global Learning Collaborative, continually striving to develop and execute innovative meded programs that equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry and make a positive impact on patient outcomes.

Andrea Funk, CHCP has been in the medical education industry since 2011. During her time with the Global Learning Collaborative, she’s focused on program management, accreditation and operations, with an emphasis on customer service. When she isn’t managing programs, mentoring employees or completing outcomes and reconciliations, she likes to spend her time watching all the horror movies, crocheting or being at concerts.

Matthew Stern, MS (he/him/his) serves as the manager of CME at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Stern has a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas and a master's degree from Regis University and has worked in medical education for nearly 15 years. Outside of work, he leads several charitable organizations and spends his free time in the hills of Colorado with his family.

Katie S. Lucero, PhD, MS is the chief impact officer at Medscape and leads content marketing, analytics, outcomes and insights. She previously was PI and lead evaluator on federal work, directed QI-CME and health outcomes studies and evaluated public health programs. Lucero was named 2024 Forty under 40 from the Alliance and the 2020 Brian P. Russell CME Professional of the Year. She has a PhD in human development.

Jess Henry (he/him/his), continuing medical education specialist with Nuvance Health, oversees many accredited continuing education activities. He has over 20 years of experience working in healthcare with eight of those in continuing medical education. Working with the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA), he has been a volunteer accreditation site surveyor since 2018 and a member of the Focused Task Force on Accreditation since 2023. In 2024, Henry was selected as a recipient of the ACEHP CPD Forty Under 40 inaugural award and was recognized at the Alliance 2024 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Henry is skilled in project management, leading teams, relationship building and sustainability, strategic thinking and human resources policies. He is passionate about making online learning fun and engaging to promote memory recall and retention. In his free time, Henry enjoys old movies, local festivals and working on genealogy.

Amy Edouard, MHA, MBA, CHCP is a CME program manager at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She oversees program planning and execution of live accredited activities. She guides course directors, manages budgets and commercial support, coordinates event logistics and fosters collaboration with internal and external partners. Edouard is active in the CPD community, holds her CHCP credential and is an ACCME surveyor.