The Art of Goal Setting: Lessons from Experience
Reflections, missteps and strategies that shaped successful careers
As we move through the year, many professionals find themselves asking the same questions:
Am I on track? Should I pivot? How do I set goals that actually stick?
Join our Emerging Professionals Council for an engaging and practical Goal Setting Panel Discussion, featuring accomplished leaders from banking, leadership development and talent acquisition. This candid conversation will explore how goal-setting evolves over the course of a career — from early ambitions to intentional execution — and how professionals can align their goals with growth, balance, and long-term success.
Our panelists will share real-world insights on refining goals, staying accountable, navigating course corrections, and redefining success beyond numbers alone. Whether you're reassessing your 2026 goals or setting the tone for the year ahead, this session will leave you with clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies you can apply immediately.
Reflections, missteps and strategies that shaped successful careers
As we move through the year, many professionals find themselves asking the same questions:
Am I on track? Should I pivot? How do I set goals that actually stick?
Join our Emerging Professionals Council for an engaging and practical Goal Setting Panel Discussion, featuring accomplished leaders from banking, leadership development and talent acquisition. This candid conversation will explore how goal-setting evolves over the course of a career — from early ambitions to intentional execution — and how professionals can align their goals with growth, balance, and long-term success.
Our panelists will share real-world insights on refining goals, staying accountable, navigating course corrections, and redefining success beyond numbers alone. Whether you're reassessing your 2026 goals or setting the tone for the year ahead, this session will leave you with clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies you can apply immediately.
Key Takeaways:
- Tools to prioritize effectively when everything feels important
- Clear framework for setting goals that align with their career stage
- Strategies for staying accountable and course-correcting with confidence
- Refreshed perspective on what "success" looks like - personally and professionally
- Reconnect with your "why" and create an action plan for the second half of the year
- Network with like-minded professionals focused on personal and professional growth
Meet Our Incredible Speakers:

Charles Kapur is a Senior Vice President and Director of Deposit Services at John Marshall Bank, returning to banking after six years as the President and CEO of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. A champion of economic development and small business in Northern Virginia for more than 25 years, he guided the Chamber through the pandemic and helped position it as a leading voice for business leadership in Western Fairfax County. Charles has served on several nonprofits boards, including ArtsFairfax and Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, and holds an MBA from Quantic School of Business & Technology. He lives in Bristow and is the proud father of two freshmen daughters - one at Roanoke College and one at Patriot High School.

Jen Pasquale is the Founder of Lead With Curiosity, brings 25+ years of learning and development expertise across nonprofits, startups, and global enterprises. Jen connects the dots between engaged leadership and high-performing teams, simplifying complex challenges to advance organizational cultures of curiosity and connection. As a strategist, creative problem-solver, and engagement champion, Jen uses evidence-based tools to create learning programs that turn workplace challenges into growth opportunities. Educated in psychology and certified in behavioral strengths, listening, and coaching, Jen creates a safe, structured space for teams and leaders to reflect, build awareness, and take action towards their goals.

Kathe Yamagata is the Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Enterprises, a people-first Fractional HR and Talent Acquisition firm helping grow companies navigating hiring, compliance, and workforce strategy in an evolving world of work. With over 30 years of experience across HR leadership, talent acquisition, coaching, and organizational consulting, Kathe has partnered with startups, high-growth, emerging companies, and established organizations to build scalable, inclusive, and effective hiring practices. Her work sits at the intersection of technology and human judgement, advising leaders on how to leverage automation without losing empathy, trust, or culture. Known for her practical, candid approach, Kathe brings real-world insight into how AI is reshaping hiring - and where the human element remains irreplaceable.
Date and Time
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST
Location
To be Announced!
Fees/Admission
Online Registration
Includes drink ticket & light appetizers
Contact Information
Torrie Turner || Operations Manager