Clarissa Lee

I attribute my growth and success to a blend of family foundations and phenomenal professional mentorship. My father taught me the importance of discipline and that 'being on time' is more than a habit—it’s an act of appreciation for others. This respect for people carries through to my relationship with my husband, my siblings and my mother, whose care for our family set the bar for how I support those around me. My younger brother, in particular, reminds me to lead with a genuine heart. Throughout my career at JLL and Twilio, I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who model servant leadership. Their wisdom and kindness have been my North Star, showing me that the most successful professionals are those who prioritize the growth and well-being of their teams.

The more I help out, the more successful I become. But I measure success in what it has done for the people around me. That is the real accolade. - Adam Grant

Focus on what brings you joy and leverages your strengths. The professional world can be noisy, and while your path may not be traditional, it should always be authentically yours. Ask yourself: 'How do I want to spend my time?' When you align your career with your values and lead with curiosity, humility, and empathy, you create a journey that is as rewarding as it is successful.

In the rapidly evolving AI era, the greatest challenge for any professional is the sheer pace of change. I view this not as a threat, but as a significant opportunity to treat AI as a thought partner. By leveraging AI to automate mundane, tedious tasks and streamline workflows, we can unlock greater productivity. This shift allows me to focus on what truly matters: high-level strategy and driving core business value.