As a senior business management analyst at T. Rowe Price, Lauren Beadell is no stranger to complex decision-making and high-level collaboration. But stepping into a formal leadership role brought new challenges — and new opportunities. Looking to grow her confidence and presence as a leader, Lauren enrolled in the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute’s Professional Leadership Program for Women & Allies. The experience, she says, was transformative.
“I expected to gain technical skills,” Lauren shared. “What I found was so much more. The program reshaped how I carry myself and interact with my team. I’m not just listening, I’m hearing them. I’m picking up on what they need from me as a leader.”
Through reflective sessions, hands-on intensives, and a cohort of supportive peers, Lauren developed tools that extended far beyond the classroom. One of the most impactful moments came during a session on inclusive leadership, where participants explored the difference between diversity and inclusion. “Diversity is a fact,” she explained. “But inclusion is a choice. As leaders, we must seek out and elevate voices that are often overlooked. That mindset shift was a major takeaway for me.”
Lauren also credits the program with giving her the confidence to speak up and own her value. “For years, I’ve been working on feeling like I belong in leadership. This program — and the incredible women I met — helped me realize that I do.”
At T. Rowe Price, Lauren now brings this empowered perspective to her work every day. She leads with intention, listens with purpose, and embraces the strengths she brings to the table. For organizations seeking to build diverse, confident, and capable leaders, Lauren’s story is a testament to what’s possible when women are supported, seen, and equipped for success.
“This program helped me step out of my comfort zone. I made so many new friends and connections,” she shares. “I learned from a great network of women in how they approach their day to day, and how they approach their work lives. I wasn’t expecting to look forward to attending an intensive in-person day-long session every other week, but I did! I loved coming to campus and learning new skills, spending that time on myself and having dedicated development time to lean into something new. I feel like a different person from when I first started this program.”
