Her Story
About Alexandra
I’m a hard worker — not in the cliché sense, but in the “if it needs to be done, I’ll figure it out” sense. I’ve always been someone who sees the gap, raises my hand, and steps in. You can train skill. You can’t train care — and I genuinely care about my work, my team, and the outcomes we’re responsible for.
Professionally, I lead Sales & Operations in a space that’s traditionally male-dominated and operationally complex. I’ve built my career by earning credibility — learning from the ground up, asking the right questions, and taking ownership early. At 33, I don’t necessarily fit the stereotypical mold of a corporate executive — and I don’t try to. I show up as myself: direct, accountable, and deeply invested.
One of the traits that most shapes how I lead is my ability to see beyond my own perspective. I don’t assume everyone views a situation the way I do. I actively try to understand the incentives, pressures, and viewpoints of the people across the table — whether that’s a supplier, a customer, a teammate, or an executive stakehol
der. That lens helps me negotiate better, lead more effectively, and make decisions that account for the full picture rather than just one angle. It’s something I believe sets me apart.
My path hasn’t been conventional. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts and specialized in ceramics — yes, my degree is in art. Creativity has always been part of how I think. Whether I’m solving operational challenges, structuring deals, or building teams, I approach problems with both structure and imagination. I like doing things differently. I like building things — systems, strategy, culture — the same way I once built forms out of clay.
Outside of work, new experiences energize me. I grew up in West Virginia, moved to South Carolina in 2018, road-tripped across the country in 2021, met my now fiancé on my first day in Arizona, and unexpectedly spent the next two and a half years there before returning to South Carolina in 2024. I love the outdoors, hiking, traveling somewhere new, cooking (I even competed in culinary competitions in high school), and spending time with my dogs.
I’m a pretty open book. I believe in working hard, doing things with intention, and building a life that’s as full personally as it is professionally. At the end of the day, I just care — about the work, about the people, and about doing things the right way.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alexandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of ownership, curiosity, and adaptability. I see what needs to be done and step in to make it happen — and if I don’t know how, I figure it out. I also make a point to understand people’s perspectives and priorities, which helps me lead effectively and build strong relationships. And having worked in diverse roles and environments, I’ve learned to adapt quickly and make decisions with both credibility and a broad perspective.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Some of the best career advice I’ve received isn’t a single tip, it’s really a combination of lessons that shape how I work and lead. First, I learned about the sunk cost fallacy — just because you’ve invested time or effort into something doesn’t mean it’s the right path. It’s okay to pivot and make changes if needed. I’ve also learned the importance of managing up — understanding the priorities, pressures, and leadership style of the people above you can open doors and help you make smarter decisions. Another lesson is that being busy doesn’t automatically mean being productive. You have to be intentional about the things you spend your time on and make sure they actually move the needle toward the results you’re seeking. Finally, I’ve found that if you focus on doing the right things consistently, the positive outcomes almost always follow, even if not immediately. For me, these lessons tie together: they’ve taught me to be thoughtful, strategic, and always consider different perspectives, which has been critical to my growth and leadership.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to own their expertise and trust themselves — don’t assume your voice isn’t valuable just because you’re new, younger, or a woman in a male-dominated space. Learn to be curious, ask questions, and figure things out; being a self-starter will set you apart. At the same time, focus on relationships — not just with peers, but with the people above you. Understanding their perspectives and priorities will help you navigate challenges and grow faster. Finally, be intentional about where you spend your time. Being busy doesn’t always mean being productive, so focus on the activities that truly move the needle and build credibility. Care about your work, care about the people you work with, and don’t be afraid to bring your own perspective — it’s your unique approach that can make the biggest impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is staying ahead of complexity while adapting to change. With AI and automation on the horizon, the key will be leveraging technology to enhance strategic impact rather than be replaced by it. Those who can combine operational expertise with forward-thinking tools will not only stay relevant — they’ll drive the most value.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, accountability, and care are the values that guide both my work and personal life. I believe in taking ownership of what I do and seeing it through to the best possible outcome, whether it’s a project, a team initiative, or a personal commitment. I also value intentionality — making sure the time and energy I invest are focused on the right things that drive results and meaning.
Collaboration and empathy are equally important. I try to understand other people’s perspectives, whether it’s a teammate, a client, or a partner, because seeing the full picture leads to better decisions and stronger relationships. Outside of work, curiosity and growth matter to me — exploring new experiences, traveling, and learning keep me energized and help me bring fresh ideas and creativity back into my work.
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