Investing In Your Employees: Deb Alderson of ViaPath Technologies on The Benefits of Offering Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Initiatives for Employees
An Interview with Chad Silverstein
Increased Employee Engagement and Retention
When employees see that their growth is prioritized, they are more likely to remain invested in the company. CPD demonstrates that leadership is committed to their future, not just their output.
Investing in team development has become increasingly crucial for forward-thinking companies, who understand that their greatest assets are their people. From implementing innovative training programs and wellness initiatives to cultivating a supportive work environment, these strategic investments are vital in enhancing employee satisfaction and retention. As the business landscape evolves, mastering effective methods to support and retain employees is pivotal for achieving long-term success. I had the pleasure of interviewing Deb Alderson.
Deb Alderson is the Chief Executive Officer of ViaPath Technologies, where she leads efforts to break the cycle of incarceration through innovative technology and a strong commitment to second chance hiring and reintegration. With over 25 years of executive leadership experience across national security, government services, and technology sectors, she has successfully guided organizations through growth, transformation, and private equity-backed transitions. Before joining ViaPath, she held senior roles at Sotera Defense Solutions and SRA International. She is passionate about fostering mission-driven cultures where employees are empowered to learn, lead, and thrive.
Thank you for joining us. Please share a little about yourself and how you got started.
Absolutely. After graduate school, my career began as a defense contractor supporting the Navy. It was an incredible introduction to mission-driven work, and I learned early on the value of discipline, leadership, and teamwork from my time alongside the military. Those experiences have had a lasting impact and continue to shape how I lead today.
What was your biggest challenge in those early days?
Early on, I assumed leadership roles that encouraged rapid growth. One of the most significant challenges — and invaluable lessons — was learning to connect with others. I recognized how much strength arises from diverse experiences and perspectives, and how vital it is to come together around a shared mission. That foundation has shaped my approach to leadership to this day.
Was there a specific event or factor that inspired you to prioritize CPD initiatives within your company?
Yes, our industry is evolving rapidly, especially with the explosion of new technologies in the corrections space. At ViaPath, we realize that to stay ahead, we need to think smarter and move faster. This means investing in our people. CPD initiatives provide our employees with the tools to grow with the company, adapt to change, and take on new challenges. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about creating a culture where learning and advancement are part of our DNA.
Can you explain why this is crucial for a business’s success?
Businesses are only as strong as their people. When you invest in employees’ growth, you’re helping them and strengthening the entire organization. CPD fosters innovation, sharpens skills, builds confidence, and leads to improved performance and higher retention. In today’s world, where change is constant, companies that support continuous learning remain agile, competitive, and resilient.
Please share with us and briefly explain the first major initiative you started that directly benefited your employees.
One of the first things I focused on was shaping and sharing a clear, meaningful mission for ViaPath — deeply influenced by the people doing the work: what they cared about, what motivated them, and what they needed to feel connected to something bigger. Establishing that mission helped shift our culture. It gave people a sense of direction and pride in our work. It became more than just a job — it became a purpose.
Do you have an example of a situation where you didn’t get the result you were looking for, and can you tell us what happened?
As we leaned into our mission and began aligning our technology and strategy around long-term impact, I expected everyone to rally around that vision. However, the reality was that not everyone did. Some individuals struggled to avoid a short-term, quick-revenue mindset and didn’t fully embrace the mission. That misalignment created disruption and, frankly, slowed our momentum. It was a challenging but valuable lesson in culture fit and clear communication. Since then, we’ve become much more intentional about reinforcing our mission in hiring, leadership expectations, and team dynamics — because the right strategy can’t succeed without the right people behind it.
What has been the most impactful CPD initiative you’ve seen other companies offer, and how did it inspire or influence your approach?
One of the most impactful CPD initiatives I’ve seen is when companies embed development directly into the flow of work, offering personalized, ongoing coaching, mentorship, and leadership training, rather than just one-off workshops. It inspired us to think differently about preparing employees for long-term success, especially those from nontraditional backgrounds. At ViaPath, this means designing development opportunities that are practical, inclusive, and closely linked to genuine career mobility — because that’s where transformation truly happens.
What challenges might companies face when implementing these initiatives, and how can they overcome them?
The biggest challenge is often time — balancing immediate business needs with the long-term investment of professional development. There can also be hesitancy from employees who have never been given these kinds of opportunities before. To overcome this, companies need leadership buy-in, clear communication about the “why,” and a structure that makes CPD accessible, not burdensome. Building a culture where learning is part of the job, not separate from it, becomes much easier to scale and sustain.
Can you share a story of an employee who significantly benefited, and how it affected their performance or career trajectory?
One of the most inspiring examples is Antonio, who joined ViaPath after being incarcerated for over a decade and is now one of our strongest advocates and leaders. Through mentorship, targeted development opportunities, and a culture that values lived experience, Antonio has been empowered to grow his skills and step into a high-impact role within the organization. His journey reminds us that when companies invest in people, regardless of where they start, the results can be extraordinary for both the individual and the business.
Please list the “Top Five Benefits of Offering Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Initiatives for Employees.” Can you explain what you mean?
- Increased Employee Engagement and Retention
When employees see that their growth is prioritized, they are more likely to remain invested in the company. CPD demonstrates that leadership is committed to their future, not just their output. - Stronger, More Adaptive Teams
The workplace is constantly evolving. Continuous development helps employees acquire the skills to adapt, solve problems, and lead through change, particularly in mission-driven or tech-forward environments. - Improved Performance and Productivity
CPD provides employees with the tools and confidence needed to work more effectively, make better decisions, and take ownership of their roles. The ripple effect is evident in stronger results across the board. - Leadership Pipeline Development
Professional development helps identify and prepare future leaders within the organization, including individuals without access to traditional leadership paths. It ensures long-term continuity and alignment with the organization’s culture. - Greater Organizational Resilience and Innovation
A learning culture promotes curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Teams are more inclined to propose new ideas, question assumptions, and contribute to a company that constantly evolves and improves.
How do you measure the success and ROI of these CPD initiatives?
We look at several key indicators — employee retention and the percentage of internal promotions — to see whether people are growing and choosing to stay. We also track broader business metrics like profitability and company growth because the organization performs better when our people are developing. Continuous professional development isn’t just about training; it’s about investing in our people in a way that drives long-term value for them and the company.
Looking forward, how do you see the role of CPD evolving in the next 5–10 years?
AI tools will make CPD significantly more targeted and personalized. Rather than a one-size-fits-all training approach, employees can access development opportunities customized to their individual goals, roles, and learning preferences. This transformation will enhance professional growth, making it more engaging and effective, while helping organizations cultivate a more agile and future-ready workforce.
What advice would you give business leaders hesitating to make these changes?
Move smartly and quickly — because your people are the key to your company’s success. Investing in CPD isn’t just about skill-building; it conveys a clear message to your employees that they’re valued and have a future with you. Organizations prioritizing growth and development now will be best positioned to adapt and lead in the years ahead.
Can you share any upcoming initiatives or plans for further investing in your employees?
We’re exploring how AI tools can help us create more dynamic and accessible product training for all ViaPath employees. The goal is to ensure that everyone, from engineering to frontline teams, understands our offerings and confidently speaks about our mission. By equipping our people with this knowledge, we invest in their development and create a unified and informed voice in the marketplace.
How can our readers follow your work?
You can follow our work at ViaPath Technologies by visiting www.viapath.com and connecting with us on LinkedIn.
This was great. Thank you very much for the time you took to share with us.
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a Founder and CEO. While attending Ohio State University, he launched his first company, Choice Recovery, Inc., a nationally recognized healthcare collection agency — twice ranked the #1 workplace in Ohio. In 2013, he founded [re]start, helping thousands of people find meaningful career opportunities. After selling both companies, Chad shifted his focus to his true passion — leadership. Today, he coaches founders and CEOs at Built to Lead, advises Authority Magazine’s Thought Leader Incubator.
Investing In Your Employees: Deb Alderson of ViaPath Technologies on The Benefits of Offering… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.