When invited to return to Beloit College in 2021 as an Executive-in-Residence, I did not hesitate: it was the fastest yes of my career. Beloit’s transformative, liberal arts education made my post-Beloit successes possible. At Beloit, I learned foundational skills: how to think critically, problem-solve, communicate, and collaborate effectively across disciplines and contexts. (You can read more specifics here.)

After graduating from Beloit College (’89) and Yale Law School (’92), I began my career as a corporate lawyer. In 1999, I joined Amazon as one of its first lawyers, helping launch its international websites and build its operations worldwide, before moving to Luxembourg to run international legal and then to London to become the business leader of the global launch of Prime Video. After 20 years with Amazon, I became a media-tech CEO and then a consultant and board member to a range of companies and nonprofits.

As Executive in Residence, I teach The Art of Leading (PRAX 304), where students learn how to lead in any context. We focus on building self-awareness, how to gain perspective, and find, communicate, and implement creative solutions. The students practice these skills in class and right here on campus. I run the class like I’d run a company: every student has a level of ownership. Students solve real-world problems and learn ways that the skills they learn in the classroom will give them a toolkit for success in any career and in life.

In my role as Vice President of Career & Professional Development, I lead Impact Beloit, the college’s initiative to bring together all of our career-readiness programs to ensure graduates find fulfilling careers. Through Impact Beloit’s Community Connections, students are placed in positions in Beloit-area businesses and organizations, gaining hands-on skills and a sense of community. Through Alumni Connections, students find alumni mentors, internships, and jobs. And with Career Works, students gain the professional skills they need to get internships and job placements. Seniors can apply for an Impact Beloit Fellowship or Concierge Internship for year-long placements working on projects that build community and career skills.

Talk to Tim about: anything, but I especially enjoy movie and TV show talk. I love film, especially watching in the theater, and ambitious TV shows. My favorite movie of 2022 (can’t pick 2023 yet, because there’s some great ones coming) was “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” with “Top Gun: Maverick” a surprising second (I’m not usually a big-budget Hollywood film person). We’ve got an excellent theater in Beloit, Classic Cinemas. Check it out. Top show of 2022: “Severance.” I’m full of recommendations. Just ask me at lesliejt@feng-xiong.com or schedule an appointment here. I’d love to meet and talk film, TV, career, and life.