Workhuman Career Growth & Development

Describe your career journey so far. What skills and experiences have you acquired along the way that have helped you get to where you are now?
I’ve always been fascinated by what drives people and how organizations build lasting relationships with their clients. That curiosity led me to software-as-a-service and service-based businesses over 20 years ago, where I discovered my passion for helping companies deliver exceptional client experiences through strong strategic partnerships. Over time, I’ve learned that grit, curiosity and collaboration are the skills that make the biggest difference. Grit keeps me focused through challenges; curiosity pushes me to explore new ideas and uncover opportunities others might miss; and collaboration ensures we build something stronger together.

I’ve also learned the importance of balancing drive with groundedness. I lead with urgency and high expectations, but also with trust, kindness and transparency. Over time, I’ve learned that extending trust early creates the foundation for others to lead with confidence. Especially in fast-changing, high-stakes environments, I’ve found success in leading with authenticity and care. Leadership, to me, is equal parts grit and grace — the determination to deliver and the humanity to bring others along.

What support did you receive from individuals and/or resources that helped you step into a leadership role?
I’ve been fortunate to work with many great leaders throughout my career, including some truly inspiring women. At every stage and still today, I make it a priority to seek out leaders I admire at all levels of the organization. I ask about their thought process, how they approach challenges and what advice they’d give in tough moments. Those conversations have been invaluable, offering perspective, confidence and new ways of thinking that have shaped how I lead.

I’ve also learned by observing how others handle difficult situations, celebrate wins and make people feel seen. I carry those lessons forward and adapt them to my own leadership style. Leadership will always bring unexpected moments, but drawing on your experiences and the guidance of others helps you make the best decisions in the moment. And when things don’t go as planned, trust yourself to adapt, learn and keep moving forward.

How do you encourage other women on your team to become leaders themselves? Are there any stories you can share that showcase how you’ve done this?
I encourage women on my team to step into leadership by creating space for them to stretch, take risks and own their ideas. I have honest conversations about career goals, share my own experiences including the challenges and advocate for them when opportunities arise.

One example is a high-potential team member who hesitated to lead a cross-functional initiative outside her comfort zone. We broke the project into manageable pieces; I coached her through stakeholder conversations and gave her autonomy to make key decisions. She delivered an outstanding outcome and gained the confidence to pursue bigger opportunities. Watching someone grow into their full potential is incredibly rewarding.

For me, true leadership is rooted in relationships — with clients, colleagues and teams. It’s about fostering a culture of trust, curiosity and shared success. Challenges are inevitable, but they create space to learn, adapt and grow. My hope is that by modeling curiosity, grit and empowerment, I can inspire the next generation of women leaders to step confidently into their potential, knowing they have the support and resilience to thrive.