Laura Ray

30 July 2025

Top 7 Professional Growth Sessions to Attend at PASS Summit 2025

PASS Summit 2025 isn’t just about technical deep dives, it’s about growing as a professional, a communicator, and a leader. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, building your personal brand, or navigating the human side of tech, this year’s line-up offers powerful sessions to help you level up. 

Here’s our curated list of seven standout sessions that deliver serious professional development value: 

1. Unpolished, Unpopular, Unapologetic: The SuperPower of Being ‘Not Special’

Speaker: Mridula Pandit
This keynote is a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated. Mridula shares raw, real stories about navigating tech as a woman of colour and a mother, and how authenticity, not accolades, can be your greatest strength. Expect to leave empowered, not just inspired. 

2. Placing Focus Where It Matters Most

Speaker: Dean Furness
Dean’s story of resilience after becoming a paraplegic is a powerful reminder that growth starts with mindset. Learn how to define your “personal average” and shift your focus away from comparison traps, whether in your career, your team, or your own expectations.

3. I Got the Role… Now What?

Speaker: Cindy Gross
Landing a leadership role is just the beginning. This session explores the emotional and relational shifts that come with stepping into power. Cindy shares her journey from high-stakes tech to empathetic coaching, offering a toolkit for navigating uncertainty and leading with clarity. 

4. Networking 101: Building Professional Relationships

Speaker: Ray Kim
Networking doesn’t have to be awkward. This interactive session breaks down what networking really is, where it happens (hint: not just at conferences), and how to do it well. You’ll even get to practise in the room, so bring your business cards and your curiosity. 

5. Managing Yourself and Others

Speaker: Blythe Morrow
If you’re aiming to lead teams or influence decisions, this session is essential. Learn frameworks for difficult conversations, persuasive communication, and people management. It’s practical, honest, and packed with tools you can use immediately. 

6. Learning to Present and Becoming Good at It

Speaker: James Serra
Public speaking can be terrifying, but it’s also one of the most powerful ways to grow your career. James shares his journey from introvert to international speaker, with tips on how to get started, build confidence, and actually enjoy presenting. 

7. Blogging for the Tech Professional

Speaker: Steve Jones
Want to stand out in a crowded job market? Blogging can help. Steve walks you through how to start, what to write, and how to use your blog to boost your visibility and credibility. It’s a session for anyone who’s ever thought, “I should really start writing…” 

Final Thoughts 

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned PASS Summit veteran, these sessions offer more than just inspiration; they offer practical, actionable growth. And that’s what makes them worth your time. 

Join us in Seattle, 17–21 November 2025. Register now. 

Register for PASS Summit 2025

Connect, share and learn at PASS Summit 2025 in Seattle, November 17-21, 2025

Learn more and register now