An Unconventional Path Back - and Ahead - Through UVA SCPS
Voices of Leadership: Engage. Learn. Give Back.
About the Session:
Scott Montgomery didn’t follow a traditional path—and he didn’t have a clear map to begin with.
Growing up navigating uncertainty, his journey was shaped by exploration, missteps, and moments that could have easily stalled him out. Early lessons in responsibility, missed opportunities that forced reflection, and career pivots that required starting over all became part of a larger story—one centered on growth, resilience, and redefining success on his own terms.
Years later, that same mindset led him back to complete his degree through the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (UVA SCPS)—a decision that didn’t just finish what he started, but strengthened his confidence, expanded his perspective, and reinforced the value of investing in himself.
Joined by SCPS professor Mark Erath, Scott reflects on the real moments behind the progress—the setbacks that tested him, the pivots that reshaped his direction, and the decisions that ultimately moved him forward. Together, they explore the power of lifelong learning, the tangible impact of completing the degree, and what it really means to keep going. Because the long way forward isn’t a detour… it’s often the path that matters most.
Scott Montgomery Bio:
Scott Montgomery was not set up for success. Growing up with little structure and having a reputation as a troublemaker in his teens, the prospects of his moving ahead were limited. His life began to shift when he started working at a local grocery store at sixteen. As he developed new habits and skills, guided by managers and mentors who recognized his potential, he built an unconventional path to significant corporate opportunities. Scott Montgomery is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the delivery, consulting services and sales teams for Worldgate, LLC. He is greatly focused on nurturing client relationships and strategic alliances. Scott’s leadership approach starts with employee well-being, growth and fostering a learner mindset. He co-authored “Success Mindsets” which reached #1 on the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Amazon best sellers lists, and published “How Did You Get Here, lessons of unconventional success” in 2022 and its companion guide “How You Go There” in 2025. Scott received his Bachelor’s degree from UVA in May 2023.
Mark Erath Bio:
Drawing on an over 45-year career, Mark Erath shares practical knowledge and experiences with students. He served as a Health Industries Consulting Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Health Practice Strategist for SmithGroup Architects, Executive Vice President/CFO of Parkland Health and CFO of Geisinger Medical Center. A recipient of the Adele F. Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching, Erath serves as an Academic Advisor to Healthcare Management students, faculty advisor to UVA’s student-run Honor Committee and Honorary Faculty member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society for adult learners. He earned his BS degree in Accounting from LSU and his Healthcare Leadership MBA with honors from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.