The Future Workforce Learned from Today's Leaders
Some of the best career advice isn’t found in a textbook.
It’s shared over lunch.
On July 8, 2026, more than 70 college interns representing universities from across the country, including Rice, Purdue, UNT, SMU, Oklahoma State, and many others, gathered at HALL Park to hear from leaders who have built successful businesses, led organizations, navigated setbacks, and learned lessons that only experience can teach. Some interns work with companies located in HALL Park, while others are participating in the Frisco Chamber’s Frisco Talent Experience (FTE), bringing together students from organizations across our community for a shared learning experience.
The discussion featured Brian Proctor, CEO of Mente Group, and Michelle Brennan Hall, CEO of Brennan Wealth Advisors, and was moderated by Dr. Trapper Pace of Altair Global, who explained that HR was his career, but he also taught classes at UNT at Frisco as his calling.
Throughout the conversation, one theme became clear: success isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about developing the habits that allow you to keep learning.
Stay Curious!
One of the strongest messages of the day was simple.
Stay curious.
Brian Proctor encouraged interns to do more than simply listen. He challenged them to “listen between the lines.” People don’t always say exactly what they need, he explained. The best employees learn to recognize opportunities, solve problems before they’re asked, and ask thoughtful questions that lead to better decisions.
Curiosity isn’t just a personality trait. It’s one of the greatest competitive advantages a young professional can develop.
Volunteer Fast!
Growth rarely comes from the easiest assignments.
The panel encouraged interns to be the first to volunteer for challenging projects. The work that stretches you is often the work that gets noticed. Those experiences build confidence, create trust with leaders, and open doors to greater responsibility.
As Brian shared, careers grow one opportunity at a time, and those opportunities often begin with a simple willingness to raise your hand.
Don't Fear Failure
Perhaps the most memorable analogy of the conversation came from Michelle Brennan Hall.
Drawing from the scientific method, she encouraged interns to experiment, test ideas, and, when necessary, “blow the beaker up.”
Not because failure is the goal, but because learning often comes through trial and error.
The panel reinforced that setbacks aren’t career-ending moments. They’re opportunities to adjust, improve, and move forward a little wiser than before.
Technology Changes. Character Doesn't.
Artificial intelligence naturally became part of the conversation.
The CEOs agreed AI will continue transforming nearly every industry, but they also emphasized that technology works best when paired with human judgment, creativity, curiosity, and relationships. Those who learn to use AI as a tool will have an advantage, but the qualities that make great leaders remain remarkably unchanged.
Serve Because You Care
The conversation ended on a topic that had nothing to do with business.
Community service.
Both CEOs encouraged interns to volunteer, but not because it looks impressive on a resume.
Instead, they challenged them to find causes they’re genuinely passionate about. When service comes from the heart, it not only strengthens a community, but it also shapes the person doing the serving.
Each intern also received a copy of Craig Hall’s The Responsible Entrepreneur, a fitting reminder that leadership is measured not only by professional success, but by the positive impact we have on others.
Beyond the classroom: interns practiced the professional etiquette and networking skills that build confidence in every business setting.
Why FTE Matters
vents like today’s CEO Luncheon are exactly why the Frisco Chamber launched the Frisco Talent Experience.
Yes, internships help students build resumes.
But relationships build careers.
By bringing interns together with business leaders and one another, we’re helping them do more than gain experience. We’re helping them build connections, confidence, and a sense of community that we hope will one day bring them back to Frisco as the next generation of leaders.
Learn more about FTE here.
Today’s interns will become tomorrow’s leaders. If today’s conversation is any indication, the future is in good hands.
