In this episode of The Cleary Mind[s] Podcast, host Tom Egan sits down with Donna Oser, President and CEO of the Michigan Society of Association Executives, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, career growth, and the power of education. Donna reflects on her journey through nonprofit management and association leadership, sharing how her passion for helping others grow, solving organizational challenges, and leading through governance has shaped her career.

Throughout the episode, Donna emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship as a mindset—not just for starting businesses, but for approaching challenges with curiosity, creativity, and resilience. She encourages students and young professionals to gain as much experience as possible, communicate clearly about their goals and needs, and make themselves indispensable within their organizations by leaning into opportunities and supporting their teams.

Donna also opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome as the first person in her family to attend college and eventually earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees later in life. She shares how higher education transformed not only her career trajectory, but also her family’s future—creating a path that inspired her children to pursue advanced education and intentionally shape the lifestyles they wanted for themselves.

The conversation closes with thoughtful advice for students about networking, building confidence, embracing failure as part of growth, and never assuming that college or career advancement is out of reach. Donna’s story is an inspiring reminder that success is built through persistence, continuous learning, and the willingness to keep evolving personally and professionally.