Learning from a Leader: Marissa Kropp on growth, mentorship, and seizing opportunities

Recently, I had the privilege of facilitating Crew’s first Learning from a Leader session of 2025, where I interviewed Marissa Kropp, an IT manager at Andersen Windows with deep expertise in project management and portfolio strategy. Marissa was the ideal leader to launch this year’s series, as she started her career at Andersen Windows in 2016 through Turnberry’s Crew program.

Crew, Turnberry’s junior talent development program, cultivates high-potential, high-performing consultants. With just zero to three years of experience, Crew consultants consistently deliver impact beyond their tenure. Marissa exemplified this by launching her career as a project leader at Andersen, where she worked closely with senior leadership and strategically allocated resources through in-depth analysis. Now, as a leader, she recognizes the value that Crew consultants bring to her team, integrating them into her workflows and supporting their career growth through mentorship. It was an incredible opportunity for our audience to hear firsthand insights on leadership and professional development.

One of the most compelling takeaways from our conversation was Marissa’s emphasis on soft skills, particularly communication. She shared that her ability to articulate ideas and collaborate effectively played a defining role in securing her first role at Andersen as a Crew consultant. Hired as a project manager in IT with limited technical knowledge, her strong interpersonal skills set her apart. Her story is a powerful reminder that soft skills like communication, relationship-building, and adaptability are crucial for career success. These skills may not always come from formal training, but they play a key role in long-term growth. Marissa encouraged attendees to continually refine these skills for ongoing professional development.

Marissa also spoke about the value of embracing stretch opportunities, recalling how early in her career, she was tasked with presenting her analyses to senior leadership. While the responsibility was daunting, she saw it as a chance to grow. Her advice was simple yet profound: when faced with an intimidating challenge, just try. Even if the situation feels overwhelming and uncomfortable, these moments of discomfort are where the greatest learning and professional development occur. Her perspective resonated deeply, reinforcing the idea that career growth often comes from leaning into the unknown.

Another key theme in our discussion was the importance of maintaining a willingness to learn. Marissa reflected on how her role as a Crew consultant at Andersen differed from what she originally thought it was going to be. Rather than resisting the uncertainty, she embraced it—asking questions, allowing herself to be vulnerable, and giving herself the grace to navigate the steep learning curve. She highlighted how grounding herself in her strengths helped her push through challenges, a mindset that has continued to serve her throughout her career. This philosophy aligns closely with Crew’s mission of equipping consultants with both the confidence and adaptability to succeed in diverse client environments.

Mentorship and development were essential topics Marissa addressed. She advised attendees to seek guidance both formally and informally from professionals at various stages of their careers and lives. She emphasized that mentorship offers not just career advice but also fresh perspectives that can help navigate challenges and new experiences with more clarity. Marissa echoed a core Crew value by highlighting the program’s focus on mentorship. Through initiatives like this series, partnering with managing consultants, and fostering lasting connections with client mentors—just as Marissa has—Crew places mentorship at the heart of everything we do.

One of her most insightful remarks addressed self-development. Whether you’re just starting your career or are already a seasoned professional, recognizing a new challenge and knowing how to prepare for it isn’t always easy. When an audience member asked how to best navigate a new role, Marissa provided a powerful insight: “There is a time for development in the form of training and a time for development by doing the work.” Her perspective resonated deeply with me and many in the audience, serving as a reminder that while training has its place, experience is often the best teacher.

Marissa’s journey from Crew consultant to leader at Andersen Windows shows just how powerful adaptability, continuous learning, and strong mentorship can be. Her story is a reminder that success goes beyond technical skills—it’s about communication, resilience, and stepping up to challenges that push us outside our comfort zones. As Crew consultants and professionals alike grow in their careers, Marissa’s advice is a call to focus on soft skills, embrace new opportunities, and seek mentorship along the way. Sessions like Learning from a Leader highlight the lasting impact of Crew alumni and reinforce our commitment to developing professionals who will lead the way forward.