MicroSkills: Bridging the Skills Gap for School and Work

Join the Brown Women's Network and the Brown Club of RI for an engaging conversation between Dr. Resa E. Lewiss and acclaimed journalist Soledad O’Brien as they explore the insights and impact of the award-winning book MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact (HarperCollins, 2024). Co-authored by Dr. Lewiss, this groundbreaking business and self-help book offers practical strategies for personal and professional growth. Recognizing that each individual navigates different pathways in their careers, the book equips students and early-career professionals with small, intentional actions—known as MicroSkills—that can profoundly shape their development and well-being.

This discussion will explore how applying MicroSkills can empower individuals to succeed in diverse environments, enhance their daily work life, and foster long-term success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this fireside chat offers actionable takeaways that resonate across career stages.

Books will be available for purchase from Books on the Square. This event will be recorded.

Resa E. Lewiss, MD ’92
A Westerly, Rhode Island native, Dr. Resa E. Lewiss is a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A TEDMED speaker, founding member of Time’s Up Healthcare, and point-of-care ultrasound expert. Dr. Lewiss is widely recognized for her leadership and mentorship in medicine. She is the host of The Visible Voices Podcast, which amplifies conversations in the healthcare, equity, and current trends spaces, and the Academic Emergency Medicine Education and Training Podcast. Her work has been published in outlets such as CNBC, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Nature, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Slate. She is the co-author of MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact (HarperCollins, 2024).

Soledad O’Brien P’24
An award-winning journalist, documentarian, speaker, and philanthropist, Soledad O’Brien is the CEO of Soledad O’Brien Productions, and executive producer and host of Matter of Fact, a nationally syndicated newsmagazine that examines the political and socio-economic issues shaping America today. As the co- founder of the PowHERful Foundation, she is committed to empowering young women and girls by providing the resources and support necessary to access higher education and pursue successful careers. She is the parent of a Brown University graduate, Class of 2024.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding MicroSkills Learn about the concept of MicroSkills and their critical role in achieving both professional and personal goals. Discover how small, consistent actions can lead to significant positive impacts in career success and well-being.
2. Applying MicroSkills Explore practical examples of how MicroSkills can be applied in various professional settings, with a focus on relevance for students and early-career professionals. Learn how these skills have been transformative for others and how they can be integrated into your own journey.
3. The Power of Writing and Sharing Expertise Reflect on the process of writing a book, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences, especially for those without traditional access to workplace success strategies. Discover how writing can serve as a tool for advocacy, leadership, and building a supportive professional community.

With questions, please contact Mitra Nadjmi at [email protected].

Co-sponsored by the Brown Club of Boston, Brown University Department of Africana Studies, Brown University Department of Sociology, the Friends of the Pembroke Center, Harvard Club of RI, MomDocFamily Network at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, the Office of Well-Being - Division of Biology & Medicine at Brown University, the Sarah Doyle Center for Women and Gender, and the School of Engineering at Brown University. 

Host or Publisher Brown University Office of Alumni Relations