Humble Beginnings
The CEOs and senior GovCon leaders of today weren't always sitting in the corner office. They weren't born in suits with a handbook for success and a direct path to leadership. In fact, before many of these executives came into positions of powers, they had rather humble beginnings -- no corporate family tree or unlimited access. Many had to find their way on their own with little to fall back on. This podcast will share the stories of high school part-time work, first jobs and early-career decisions, decades before the CEO appointments and the board memberships. We'll learn about the unconventional paths to success, the ones most of us can relate to.
Humble Beginnings
No Glass Ceiling: Deb Alderson’s Journey from a Norfolk Farm to CEO and a Defining Comeback
In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," we sit down with Deb Alderson, CEO of ViaPath Technologies, as she shares of her upbringing in Norfolk, Virginia; and how she'd later turn every challenge into an opportunity. Deb was raised by her mother and grandmother in a farming community near a military area, where she learned early lessons in hard work, giving back and breaking barriers. She was the first woman in her family to earn a college and graduate degree.
From starting her career as a GS4 clerk typist (without knowing how to type!) to navigating male-dominated defense and tech industries, Deb shares candid stories of early career setbacks, lessons from mentors and pivotal moments that shaped her leadership philosophy. Today, she leads Viapath with a mission to drive meaningful change in the lives of incarcerated individuals and their families, proving that empathy, transparency,and grit can create lasting impact.
Tune in to hear how Deb’s upbringing, family values and unshakable resilience propelled her from humble beginnings to the C-suite — and why she believes there truly is no glass ceiling.