Blair Overman, C'07

Navigating a nonlinear career path requires diversity of thought, experience, and interests, skills that Blair Overman, C’07, said helped her succeed in her career journey from leading nonprofit organizations to advising clients around the world. Overman, principal and chief operating officer of Andart Global, is the Babson Center’s Bryan Viewpoint Speaker for the 2024 Advent semester. While on campus, she will meet with students and deliver a presentation, “Sailing the Uncharted Course: Reimagining the Typical Business Career Track,” at 4:30 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 24, in the Torian Room, duPont Library. All are welcome to attend.

Andart Group is a boutique consulting firm based in Dubai that focuses on the space, tourism, technology, and sustainability sectors. Overman leveraged her experience in operational leadership and international development to successfully advise Andart on organizational strategy and project development. Her talents of bringing efficiency to organizations and creating a clear vision were honed in prior jobs, most recently, as founder of Windward Mark Consulting, a firm working with educational programs. She has also served in two operational roles: community manager at WeWork and director of operations at Coterie Company.

Coaching, directing, and managing sailing programs was her first career and true north. After a quick stint as a D.C. paralegal for Beveridge & Diamond, one of the largest U.S. environmental law firms, Overman worked at DC Sail, eventually becoming the executive director. She was the senior program director at Camp Sea Gull and Seafarer and managed the Siebel Sailors Program for US Sailing, advocating for inclusivity in the sport.

Overman attributes her success to the deep relationships she cultivated at Sewanee, born out of trust and respect, and to a liberal arts educational approach of “growing the whole person.” Caring for the individual first has been a guiding principle in her career and life and has given her an edge in the business world—guiding others through change and growth. Equally important, she says, “Sewanee taught me that having diverse interests and pursuing them with curiosity allows you to show up in an organization wearing multiple hats with a vast perspective of how different pieces of the puzzle come together for ultimate success.”

At Sewanee, Overman graduated Phi Beta Kappa and earned a B.A. in English literature and a minor in environmental studies. Leaning into her major, Overman was the editor of The Sewanee Purple, and she strengthened her leadership skills serving as vice president for community service of the Inter Sorority & Fraternity Council and captain of the swimming and diving team. Studying anthropology and coastal ecology in Tanzania sparked her interest in international development and eventually, led to a M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Sydney. 

Being on a sailboat with her family or growing organic vegetables in her backyard brings her joy and sustains her through the twists and turns of a career spanning multiple industries and continents. Join us to learn how Overman’s career illustrates the importance of embracing change and following your passions. 

This visit is cosponsored by the Department of Politics, the Department of English, and the Office of Civic Engagement. The Bryan Viewpoints Speaker Series is made possible by a generous gift from Peggy and J.F. Bryan IV, C’65.