Lifelong learning, data fluency, and letting go of being right

For some, a career is about climbing the ladder as fast as possible. For two-time Central Michigan University alumna Stacy Salisbury, ‘05, ‘11, success has meant something different: building expertise, adapting to change, and embracing lifelong learning while maintaining work-life balance.

After earning a BSBA with a double major in accounting and personal financial planning at CMU, Salisbury began her career at Michigan State University, where she has worked for 20 years. She later earned a master’s in public administration from CMU and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School while working full-time. Today, she is a contract and grant manager, helping to negotiate and oversee research funding at MSU.

In this interview, Salisbury shares insights on why being right isn’t always the most important thing, why lifelong learning is critical, and how understanding data can set young professionals apart.

What experiences shaped the path you’re on today?

Going away to college was a huge turning point for me. I was the first in my family to leave home for school, and while I was always independent, CMU really forced me to take full ownership of my choices. I didn’t know anyone when I arrived, which, looking back, seems crazy! But it pushed me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have if I had stayed closer to home.

I’ve also always loved learning, and I think being in an educational environment helped solidify that. My time at CMU set the foundation for my career at MSU, and I’ve been fortunate to continue learning ever since.

When did something you learned help you solve a real-world challenge?

Something that has changed the way I work – and honestly, how I interact with people in general – is realizing that being right isn’t always the most important thing.

Early in my career, I thought I needed to prove I was right. I’d get defensive if someone challenged me. Over time, I’ve learned that listening and collaborating are far more important than just making sure my point gets across. Now, I focus on finding the best solution together rather than proving I have the right answer. It’s made my work easier and my relationships better – both professionally and personally.

What’s a moment that sparked a passion for what you do?

I love being part of an educational institution because I believe in lifelong learning. I work in research administration, which means I get to support groundbreaking projects – everything from medical research to agricultural innovations. Knowing that the work I do helps fund these efforts makes me proud to be part of something bigger.

What are some of the most valuable professional relationships you’ve built?

I’ve worked with some of the same people for nearly 20 years, and those relationships make my job so much better. Having a network of colleagues I can call on – people who I trust and who trust me – makes problem-solving so much easier.

I also try to pass that on to my team. Everyone communicates differently, and one of the most valuable skills I’ve learned is adapting to how others prefer to communicate. Some people prefer email, while others need a quick Teams message or a face-to-face conversation. Learning what works best for each person makes a huge difference in building strong working relationships.

What are the biggest shifts you’ve seen in your industry?

The biggest shift has been the move to data-driven decision-making. When I started, we did everything on paper or even by fax. Now, everything is digital, and there’s an expectation for real-time data and analytics to guide decision-making.

If I had one piece of advice for young professionals, it would be to get comfortable working with data. Even if you’re not in a technical role, understanding how to pull, interpret, and apply data will make you stand out in any career.

If you had to give a TED Talk on any topic, what would it be?

Confidence. It has made such a difference in my life – both personally and professionally. I used to be nervous about public speaking, but over time, I learned that the more I prepared and practiced, the more confident I became. That applies to everything. Confidence isn’t about knowing everything – it’s about trusting that you can figure things out.

Reading has played a big role in that growth. Books like The Confidence Code, Atomic Habits, and 10% Happier have helped me rethink how I approach challenges, personal development, and even daily habits. I love books that share real experiences – stories of people who struggled, adapted, and came out stronger. Learning from their journeys has helped me shape my own.

Final thoughts

Salisbury’s journey is a great reminder that success isn’t just about climbing the career ladder – it’s about growing, adapting, and figuring out what really matters along the way. Her story highlights the power of lifelong learning, strong relationships, and the ability to listen as much as you lead.

For students and young professionals, her advice is simple but powerful: Stay curious. Get comfortable with data. Be open to learning from others. And don’t waste energy always trying to be right – focus on the bigger picture.

Thinking about where a business degree could take you? Learn more about CMU’s College of Business at cba.cmich.edu.