Emily Jackson

I attribute my success first and foremost to God, who is the foundation of everything I do. My faith guides my decisions, strengthens me during challenges, and keeps me grounded in purpose. It provides clarity, resilience, and the confidence to move forward even when the path is uncertain.

I am also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my family. Their encouragement, belief in my abilities, and constant presence have been instrumental in my journey. Having a strong support system has allowed me to take risks, pursue growth opportunities, and remain focused during demanding seasons.

Beyond faith and family, my success is rooted in perseverance. I have made a conscious commitment to never give up, regardless of the adversity I face. Challenges and obstacles are inevitable, but I approach them with determination and a forward-focused mindset. I believe in pushing through, learning from every experience, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

The best career advice I have ever received is to intentionally lean into my network. I have learned that even when it may feel like I do not have one, that simply is not true. Everyone has a network—whether it consists of colleagues, mentors, classmates, friends, or professional acquaintances—and those connections can provide invaluable guidance, insight into personal strengths, and direction for the next steps in a career journey.

I have found that this is especially true among women, who often have a natural inclination to support, mentor, and uplift one another. Being willing to ask questions, seek advice, and engage in meaningful conversations has opened doors and provided clarity at pivotal moments in my career.

What I now understand is that my network has always been there. The key is recognizing it, nurturing those relationships, and being open to the support and wisdom that others are willing to share. No one advances alone, and leaning into community can make all the difference.

I appreciate this question because many industries, including technology, continue to be male-dominated. My advice to young women entering the field is to be confident in the value you bring and to recognize that you are not alone. Women have a powerful way of supporting and uplifting one another. Even if there is only one other woman in your organization or chosen field, there is potential for connection, mentorship, and encouragement. Seek out those relationships and nurture them.

I also encourage young women not to wait for permission to belong. If there is not an obvious seat at the table, pull up a chair and take your place. Do not wait for an invitation to contribute your voice, ideas, or leadership. Your perspective is needed, and your presence matters.

Finally, be intentional about building your network. The support, collaboration, and shared experiences of other women in your industry will be invaluable throughout your career. Lean into those connections, invest in them, and allow them to strengthen your confidence and expand your opportunities.

One of the biggest challenges we are currently navigating in my field is the continued uncertainty surrounding tariffs and pricing. Fluctuations in costs and supply chain availability directly impact how we operate, from product access to overall strategic planning. The unpredictability requires us to be proactive, financially disciplined, and prepared to pivot quickly as market conditions shift.

At the same time, artificial intelligence presents both a significant opportunity and a notable challenge. AI is transforming how we conduct business at a rapid pace, streamlining processes while also requiring us to rethink traditional workflows. The speed at which these technologies evolve means we must remain agile, continuously learning and adapting to stay competitive.

Ultimately, the common thread across these challenges is adaptability. Whether responding to economic pressures or technological advancements, success in this environment requires flexibility, strategic foresight, and a willingness to evolve alongside the industry.

In both my professional and personal life, I place a high value on collaboration and being part of a supportive community. I believe a collaborative culture is essential to success, and it is something I intentionally foster within my teams and among my colleagues. While some may not immediately associate collaboration with corporate environments, I firmly believe it should be foundational. Strong communication is a critical component of that collaboration, and I strive to ensure clarity, openness, and mutual respect in every professional interaction.

Equally important to me is maintaining meaningful relationships in my personal life. I value my family deeply and prioritize being present and supportive within those relationships.

My faith and involvement in my church community are also central to who I am. That spiritual foundation grounds me, guides my decisions, and gives purpose to both my work and personal endeavors. It is the anchor that brings balance and meaning to everything I do.