Mike Thompson (MBA ’85) joined the Darden Alumni Career Services coaching staff in the summer of 2024. Mike began his extensive career in talent and leadership development serving as the Director of Career Planning & Placement at the McIntire School of Commerce from 1986 to 1989. He also spent eleven years living and working in Japan, providing a strong understanding of and appreciation for diverse cultures, lifestyles and values. Mike relishes the opportunity to assist Darden alumni in advancing their professional growth.
You’ve been in the leadership development field for over 20 years. What initially drew you to leadership development early in your career, and what has kept you engaged and passionate about it over the years?
I have always been curious about leadership, particularly the defining characteristics that distinguish great leaders from the merely good, or less effective. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work under exceptional leaders whose engaging and inspiring leadership left a lasting impact.
The decision to devote my career to helping leaders move from good to great solidified during my tenure with State Farm’s California Leadership Academy. With a strong emphasis on Emotional Intelligence, a passion of mine, the company created a leadership development program that empowered individuals to grow as leaders. During my time with State Farm, I had the pleasure of facilitating leadership classes with hundreds of leaders at all levels and coaching the company’s most senior leaders.
Seeing leaders become more confident with their newly developed leadership skills is truly gratifying. I have also enjoyed collaborating with leaders as they promote into more senior roles and then observe the success they experience with those transitions.
What is your favorite aspect of coaching Darden alumni?
After serving as a career and leadership coach for nearly 40 years, I appreciate a special bond with Darden alumni. We have shared experiences and shared values. Even though I graduated from Darden in 1985 and many of my coaching clients graduated more recently, we still speak the same language.
Do you have a favorite Darden memory?
In April of my final semester at Darden, I broke my perfect class attendance record–a record I had been extremely proud of. After my induction into UVA’s Raven Society, an organization whose mission is “to honor and promote superior academic and extra-curricular achievement,” I attended a celebratory banquet at Memorial Hall with my fellow inductees. That evening, I had the pleasure of sitting at the same table as one of my favorite professors, Mr. John L. Snook, who was also a Raven. Throughout the evening, the comradery was welcoming, the food was delicious and the alcohol plentiful.
Flash forward to the next morning, and I overslept my first period class—taught, of course, by Mr. Snook. After missing class, I rushed to Mr. Snook’s office to apologize profusely. To my relief, Mr. Snook was quite understanding!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I’m not working, you will most likely find me playing tennis with friends I’ve played regularly with for almost 20 years or cycling around and through the beautiful hills, mountains and beach areas of western Los Angeles County. Most importantly, I value spending time with my wife of 28 years and our two young adult children, aged 26 and 24.
What are the top three tips you give for alumni who are looking for new roles?
- Although it can be tempting to start looking for new roles based upon what’s “hot” in the marketplace, I think alumni should always start with a thorough self-assessment. That assessment should include things like skills/strengths, interests/passions, personality and preferred work environments.
- Once you complete the self-assessment, explore roles that provide the best fit. If there is such a thing as a “perfect job,” it is one in which the role closely aligns with one’s skills and passions, and the organization’s values align with those of the individual.
- Finally, and most importantly, networking is key. Leverage the Darden alumni network. I have always found fellow Darden alumni to be willing to listen, support and facilitate introductions to individuals within their respective networks. Also, consider networking with the broader University of Virginia community.
If you would like to schedule a career coaching session with Alumni Career Services, please send a request to alumnicareerservices@darden.virginia.edu.
