10 Within 10 Recognition

Major: Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration

Job title and employer: Owner, Courtney Stanley Consulting, working as a keynote speaker, podcaster and career success coach.

Current city: Grand Rapids, MI

Hometown: Grand Haven, MI

What is your favorite memory of CMU? 

I loved being part of the Meeting Professionals International CMU student club, a group of ambitious people who were passionate about traveling the globe and experiencing the world's greatest gatherings. In 2010, our motley crew earned hands-on, backstage event experience at the Country Music Awards in Nashville. This memory is special to me because it reflects how we made a wild dream come to life. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we created it.

What has been your coolest moment since graduation? 

Moving my life and career to Toronto, Ontario. Toronto is the most multicultural city in the world, with endless opportunities to learn about people who are different from me. The music, the food, the people, the community and the conversations I engaged with in Toronto completely changed me for the better. My experience in Toronto also introduced one of the most exciting speaking opportunities of my life: taking the stage in New York City at the United Nations headquarters.

What are you proudest of?

I'm proud of myself for taking risks and choosing to never stop believing I have a lot to offer the world. There have been many times in my career and in my life when I have faced wild curveballs, unforeseen failure and rejection, but each time I was knocked down, I got back up and approached the next venture with a wiser, unique perspective. I'm proud of my ongoing decision to dream bigger and work harder to make the greatest impact on the world that I possibly can.

What advice would you give to new grads? 

There is no better time to hustle than now. Not everyone has a high level of focus and drive; leverage your momentum of transitioning with energy and excitement into the world of work and build a strong foundation for your career and self to grow from. Don't forget to use your voice to share your ideas and feedback. Don't forget to use your ears to listen to those who have opinions and experiences that are different than yours. Lastly, don't forget to listen to your gut and stay true to your values and who you are.

What has your work life taught you? 

You really can accomplish anything if you work strategically and with persistence. You can reshape your goals, your network and yourself at any time. You will be presented with challenges you could never have foreseen, and you won't always handle those obstacles the way you imagine you would. It's critical to surround yourself with mentors and with a community of people who will support, encourage and challenge you as you continually evolve throughout your career and your life.

What about CMU helped you succeed?