Briana McDougall

I attribute my success to tenacity, creativity, and a willingness to keep going when challenges arise. I try to think beyond the obvious solution and approach problems from different angles, which often leads to ideas that others may not initially consider. My teammates frequently come to me to brainstorm because they value my ability to think creatively and find new approaches. I believe persistence combined with creative problem-solving has been a major part of my success.

The best career advice I have received is to understand the culture and environment you are working in without losing the qualities that make you unique. It is important to adapt to the organization around you while remaining authentic to who you are. I believe understanding your surroundings can help you navigate your career effectively without compromising your individuality or values.

I encourage young women to find a mentor who can help them navigate the many nuances and questions that come with building a career. Use the tools, resources, and professional communities available to you, and be intentional about building relationships throughout your career. In technology, strong networks can be especially valuable for creating opportunities and countering the barriers that have historically existed in male-dominated environments. Most importantly, stay curious, ask questions, and continue learning from the people around you.

One of the biggest challenges is awareness—helping customers understand what resources are available to them and how they can get the most value from the products and services they already have. People may assume that accessing support or community resources will require additional costs, so part of my role is helping make those opportunities visible and accessible. There is also a significant opportunity to strengthen customer communities so people can learn from one another, connect with experts, and maximize the value of their technology investments. Successful community programs can build stronger relationships while helping customers feel more confident and supported.

Integrity is one of the most important values I bring to both my work and personal life. I believe in doing the right thing in a way that serves the needs of the business while also considering what is genuinely best for customers and the people affected by our decisions. I try to do things the right way from the beginning and think about whether my choices will create a positive and lasting impact. I also think about the world we are creating for our children and want my actions to contribute to something better for the next generation.