In this inaugural episode of After Class, Dean Prabakar Kothandaraman sits down with James Downing ’00, CEO of Bolton, a benefits, retirement and compensation consulting firm, and a distinguished Economics alum from Towson University’s College of Business and Economics.

James shares the unconventional path that took him from working in restaurants and retail to earning his economics degree at Towson at age 31, and ultimately to senior leadership roles at major companies including McCormick and Stanley Black & Decker. He discusses why experiences outside your field of study can become some of your most valuable professional skills, the importance of understanding your own value, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to leadership.

The conversation also explores mentorship, the value of having a sense of purpose, navigating uncertainty and imposter syndrome, and why leaders should focus on “selling, not telling”—helping others understand the why behind a decision rather than simply telling them what to do.

James closes with advice for students on thinking strategically about their careers, aligning their efforts with their goals and building the skills and experiences they’ll need for the future.

Thanks for listening to After Class, a podcast from Towson University’s College of Business & Economics. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us next time as we continue the conversation beyond the classroom.

Learn more: towson.edu/cbe
Follow CBE: @towsonCBE on Instagram

In this trailer, Prabakar introduces a podcast created for the entire CBE community—students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the College. After Class brings you conversations with people who have different experiences, perspectives and paths, exploring everything from careers and leadership to business trends, life lessons and what’s next. 

This is a space to learn from one another, stay connected and hear the stories happening across the CBE community. 

Episodes will premiere every month, with our first episode launching next week, September 8. Make sure to hit that follow or subscribe button right now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Follow After Class and join us for the conversation. 

Thanks for listening to After Class, a podcast from Towson University’s College of Business & Economics. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us next time as we continue the conversation beyond the classroom.

Learn more: towson.edu/cbe
Follow CBE: @towsonCBE on Instagram