Dominique Herring, MBA, CSM

I attribute my success to a combination of perseverance, intentional leadership, and an unwavering commitment to people. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that success is not defined by title alone, but by the ability to create meaningful impact, develop others, and lead with both strength and authenticity.

My career has required strategic thinking, resilience, and a deep commitment to excellence, but what has remained constant is my belief that leadership is ultimately about service. Whether I am driving market execution, coaching leaders, or navigating complex business priorities, I strive to lead in a way that empowers others and creates lasting value beyond immediate results.

One of the most meaningful recognitions in my journey has been being named a 2024 Top Women in Convenience honoree for mentorship and cross-organizational impact. That honor affirmed something I’ve always believed: true success is not only about what you accomplish, but about how you help others grow, rise, and thrive along the way.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to never dim my voice in rooms I’ve earned the right to be in. That guidance shaped the way I think about leadership, because it reminded me that influence is not only about what you accomplish, but also about the perspective, confidence, and authenticity you bring to the table.

Over time, I’ve come to see that the strongest leaders are the ones who balance high performance with a genuine investment in people. Results matter, but so does the ability to develop others, create opportunity, and lead with both empathy and accountability. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape the kind of leader I strive to be.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to be intentional about owning your path from the very beginning. Don’t wait for permission to grow, speak up, or pursue opportunities that stretch you. Be willing to raise your hand for challenges, stay curious, and build a strong foundation by truly understanding both the business and the people behind it. Confidence grows through experience, and some of the most defining moments in your career will come from being willing to step forward before you feel completely ready.

I would also encourage them to seek out mentors, remain open to learning, and never underestimate the value of relationships. This industry moves through performance, but it is sustained through trust, credibility, and the ability to work well with others. The women who create lasting impact are often the ones who combine competence with character.

Most importantly, remember that leadership is not only about advancing yourself—it is also about how you empower others along the way. When you invest in people, lead with integrity, and stay committed to growth, you build a career that is not only successful, but meaningful.

One of the biggest challenges in the field right now is the pace of change. Consumer expectations are evolving quickly, competition is increasingly complex, and organizations are being asked to move with greater agility while still delivering consistent results. In many industries, leaders are navigating shifting market dynamics, changing preferences, operational pressure, and the need to make smart decisions in environments that rarely stand still for long.

At the same time, I believe this creates a powerful opportunity for leaders who can combine strategic thinking with adaptability. The ability to translate complexity into clarity, stay close to the customer, and help teams remain focused amid change has become more valuable than ever. Organizations need leaders who can not only drive performance, but also create alignment, build trust, and guide people through transformation in a way that feels both steady and forward-looking.

I also believe one of the greatest opportunities right now is talent development. In periods of rapid change, investing in people becomes even more important. Developing confident, capable leaders at every level is what allows businesses to remain resilient, innovative, and prepared for what comes next.

The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, excellence, growth, and service. Integrity is foundational because it shapes how I lead, how I make decisions, and how I show up for others. I believe in being trustworthy, following through on what I say, and leading in a way that is grounded in character. Excellence is also deeply important to me—not perfection, but a commitment to doing meaningful work with intention, discipline, and care.

Growth is another value that has guided me throughout every season of my life and career. I believe we are always evolving, and I value environments that challenge people to learn, expand, and become more of who they are capable of being. That belief influences how I lead teams, how I approach new opportunities, and how I continue to develop myself.

Above all, I value service. Whether at work, at home, or in the community, I believe that leadership is ultimately about contributing in a way that makes a difference in the lives of others. Success is meaningful, but it becomes even more powerful when it is connected to purpose, impact, and the ability to lift others along the way.