Title: Alumni Share How to Master the Unwritten Rules of the Corporate Workplace

What are the unwritten norms that shape a workplace and how do you navigate them effectively to get ahead in your career? 

According to Cynthia Groves, adviser to the Kosoy Women in Business program at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business and a coach in leadership and career planning, these questions require the strategic thinking needed to win in a game of chess. 

In her new book, Mastering the Corporate Chess Game, Groves brings together Georgetown alumni, executives and other notable leaders to share their experiences, lessons and advice for strategically navigating corporate culture and launching a successful career in business. 

The book features chapters from six alumni across Georgetown as well as top executives across industries, including a foreword by Norah O’Donnell (C’95, G’03), CBS News’ senior correspondent and a 60 Minutes contributing correspondent. 

“Groves lifts the curtain on the unwritten rules to help you succeed in business,” said Mary Callahan Erdoes (C’89), CEO of JPMorgan Asset and Wealth Management. “Drawing on insights from seasoned leaders, she shares the challenges they faced and the strategies they used to overcome them.”

Alumni like Cherylyn Harley LeBon (G’14) recount beginning her career on Capitol Hill with little knowledge of politics and later landing presidential appointments in the U.S. Small Business Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. Lizzy Conroy (C’97) shares her transition from an elite gymnast to the principal of a real estate firm in Virginia. 

“The real-world insights and practical suggestions from successful executives, experts and our own alumni complements the values-based approach to business we teach in our classrooms,” said Paul Almeida, dean and William R. Berkley Chair of Georgetown McDonough.

Groves said she wanted to provide students and early-career professionals with a playbook on how to navigate the invisible rules in the workplace that may not be explicitly taught.

“Every workplace operates on a set of unwritten norms that shape its internal culture,” said Groves. “While business schools and management programs can provide excellent training in finance, marketing, strategy and research methods, they rarely prepare students for how to discern these unspoken rules that are crucial for career mobility.”

Mastering the Corporate Chess Game will be published on Nov. 3 through Georgetown University Press. To support the advancement of current and future Georgetown students, all proceeds from the book will be donated to McDonough programs.

Read some of the hard-earned wisdom from alumni featured in the book.

Ann Beth Stebbins (C’86, L’94): Understanding the Big Law Game

Ann Beth Stebbins, a partner at a New York law firm, dispels the myths about Big Law, showing that while it is demanding, it can also be rewarding and intellectually stimulating. Success depends on mastering both the “written rules” (like billable hours, on-the-job training and understanding the partner track) and the “unwritten rules” (navigating staffing, giving 110%, being indispensable and excelling as a team player), she writes. By consistently delivering excellent work and cultivating strong relationships, young lawyers can thrive and open doors to future opportunities.

Ivy Cohen (MBA’86): The Power of Public Relations Skills

Ivy Cohen, president of her own corporate communications firm, emphasizes the transferable nature of public relations skills to different sectors. PR professionals must contend with constantly shifting conditions: evolving client industries, changing social norms, financial variables and dynamic corporate structures. In working for companies like Procter & Gamble, the NFL and Wells Fargo over the years, Cohen has gained broad subject matter expertise and been able to apply her skills across industries. Cohen also stresses the value of data and analysis as a strategic weapon to tell compelling brand stories, and she underscores the importance of building purpose-driven initiatives that are authentic and business-aligned.

Lizzy Conroy (C’97): Harnessing Grit 

Alumna Lizzy Conroy reflects on her journey from an elite gymnast to principal at a real estate firm in Virginia, emphasizing the power of grit in driving personal and professional growth. She highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with skilled, trustworthy people and learning from mentors. Through a reflection of personal experiences, Conroy encourages readers to step outside of their comfort zone to engage meaningfully with colleagues and develop a holistic approach to problem-solving and leadership.

Cherylyn Harley LeBon (G’14): Keep the Learning Curve Steep

Cherylyn Harley LeBon, a partner at the DC law firm Cohen Seglias, encourages readers to embrace steep learning curves and take risks to grow. LeBon began her career on Capitol Hill with little knowledge of politics. She quickly adapted, gaining exposure to legislation, lobbying and national issues. Her path took her to Germany on a professional fellowship, into high-profile communications roles, presidential appointments in the U.S. Small Business Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs and entrepreneurial opportunities. Through the many phases of her professional journey, LeBon demonstrates how overcoming obstacles, seizing opportunities and stretching beyond comfort zones are key to building a rewarding and resilient career.

Cameron Rodgers (B’10): The Rewards of Discomfort

Cameron Rogers, a partner at Angeles Wealth Management, recounts how discomfort and career stagnation can fuel growth, innovation and alignment between your values and professional work. Rogers was initially frustrated working in the financial industry – particularly around gender-based pay disparities and the lack of social initiatives in the sector. But eventually, Rogers found opportunities to help women gain financial power, building wealth with intention and driving meaningful change.

Jen Dalton (B’99, EMBA’12): Every Move Counts

Jen Dalton, founder of Brand Mirror, shares the importance of deliberate decision-making and how challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and success. Through a detailed account of her career, Dalton demonstrates that shifting priorities – like pausing competitive rowing to study abroad – are a natural part of personal and professional evolution and that change does not equal failure. She launched her consulting business while pursuing Georgetown’s Executive MBA and encourages readers to leverage teamwork, lean into innovation, embrace lifelong learning and carefully manage your personal brand. 

Cynthia Groves: The Importance of Professional Development

Cynthia Groves, who leads a professional services consulting firm, recounts her career as a series of “chess moves,” where mentorship, professional development and trust-building were key to navigating challenges and achieving long-term career growth. She shares her professional journey beginning in retail, where she quickly learned the importance of mentors, organizational culture and the unwritten rules that shaped her career success. Transitioning into consulting, she encountered a far more competitive environment, which required her to rely on training, networking and strategic thinking to succeed and expand into new industries.