We recently connected with Jillian Ferry and have shared our conversation below.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the co-founder of Durable Minds Everboarding, and at the core of everything we do is a belief that clarity, confidence, and character are the real keys to career success. Through our signature programs—DurableME and DurableSuccess—we’re helping the next generation bridge the gap between school and the real world by giving them the tools they need to develop durable skills and show up with purpose.
This work is deeply personal for us. After spending nearly two decades in corporate HR, I saw firsthand how many young professionals were thrown into the workforce without the support or guidance they needed. So we built what we wish we had, resources that turn the “unwritten rules” of work into something clear, practical, and empowering. We like to say DME is the unwritten rules of work finally written down.
One of our proudest moments recently was being selected to speak at NACE—the National Association of Colleges and Employers conference. It was our first time sharing our message on a national stage, and my amazing co-founder, Dr. Anh Lee, led the charge. Seeing our vision resonate with educators and career leaders across the country was incredibly validating, and just the beginning of what’s to come.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the four things that have shaped my journey the most are self-awareness, courage, resilience, and the ability to build real, authentic relationships.
Self-awareness gave me the clarity to understand who I am and how I show up. Courage helped me take big leaps, like launching a business or walking away from things that no longer aligned. Resilience kept me going when things got hard (and they definitely did). And relationships have been everything. The most meaningful opportunities in my life have come from real, human connections, not perfect resumes.
If you’re just starting out, my advice is this: Know yourself. Be willing to try, even when it’s messy. When things don’t go as planned (and spoiler alert: they won’t), let resilience be your anchor, not perfection. And surround yourself with people who lift you up and challenge you to grow. The journey’s not linear, but every step teaches you something.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DMEverboarding.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmeverboarding/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmeverboarding/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dmeverboarding
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
