Erica Lee

I attribute my success to my community. I have been fortunate to have mentors who have consistently advocated for me, challenged me, and encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

The best career advice I’ve received is that growth does not come from comfort. Early on, I was challenged to intentionally seek opportunities that stretched me, roles, projects, and conversations that pushed me beyond what felt familiar. That mindset has shaped how I approach both challenges and leadership: leaning into discomfort as a signal that there is something to learn.

Equally impactful was the guidance to build meaningful connections and treat every interaction with respect. Regardless of title or role, the way you show up for people matters. Strong relationships are not only foundational to collaboration, but they also create opportunities, advocacy, and trust over time.

Finally, I’ve carried forward the principle of thinking ahead. Effective leaders don’t operate solely in the present—they anticipate, plan, and position their teams for what’s next. Learning to think several steps ahead has helped me make more strategic decisions and drive sustainable outcomes.

Together, these lessons have reinforced a simple but powerful approach: stay curious, lead with respect, and always be willing to step beyond what is comfortable in order to grow.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success in this industry is not achieved in isolation. In a male-dominated environment, there will be moments where you are not in every room or conversation and in those moments, having people who will advocate for you is critical.

But advocacy alone isn’t enough. Growth requires surrounding yourself with mentors and trusted advisors who will challenge your thinking, offer honest feedback, and hold you accountable. Those perspectives help you see around corners and navigate complexity with greater clarity.

At the same time, trusting your own voice is important. Your perspective has value, even in spaces where it may not always be immediately recognized. When you combine self-confidence with strong advocacy and honest feedback, you position yourself not just to succeed, but to lead.

One of the most significant opportunities in my field is the integration of artificial intelligence to transform how we operate and deliver value. AI is enabling more proactive decision-making, improving how we measure performance, and creating more efficient, data-driven ways of working.

Organizations that embrace these capabilities thoughtfully will be better positioned to anticipate customer needs, optimize outcomes, and drive meaningful impact. The challenge and opportunity lies in balancing innovation with practical application to ensure these advancements translate into real, measurable results.

My personal and professional brand is centered on integrity. For me, integrity is rooted in authenticity, staying true to who I am and ensuring that my actions align with my values.

I believe people recognize when someone is genuinely committed and fully engaged, which is why I place a strong emphasis on consistency, honesty, and accountability in everything I do. Ultimately, it’s about showing up as the best version of myself, leading with purpose, and building trust through both actions and intention.