Galina Jelez
Galina Jelez is a fractional leader and advisory partner based in San Jose, California, with over 10 years of experience in high-tech, consulting, and program management. As the founder of Jelez Strategic Advisory, she partners with organizations to solve complex execution challenges, improve cross-functional alignment, and strengthen delivery across high-stakes initiatives. Her work focuses on bringing clarity to ambiguity, helping leadership teams define priorities, and enabling smoother execution across business, product, engineering, and operations functions. Throughout her career, she has held roles spanning consulting, business analysis, Scrum Master responsibilities, and project management in major technology environments, including a long tenure at Apple. She is known for her ability to “unblock” teams - identifying barriers, aligning stakeholders, and breaking down large initiatives into manageable, actionable steps. Her experience also includes customer success, cloud onboarding processes, and Agile transformation work, where she has consistently supported teams in improving efficiency and collaboration. Galina holds an MBA in Product & Technology Management from the University of California, Davis, along with dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University. She is also a Certified ScrumMaster and trained in engagement management. Her professional philosophy centers on honesty, empathy, and trust as the foundation for effective teamwork, and she is deeply motivated by helping individuals and teams recognize their strengths and achieve meaningful success in their work.
• Certified Yoga Instructor
• Certified ScrumMaster
• Foundations of Programming: Fundamentals
• University of California, Davis - MBA
• Georgia State University
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my determination, curiosity, and belief in taking ownership of my own career and opportunities. I’ve learned that success requires creating opportunities rather than waiting for them, so I continually push myself to learn, adapt, and grow through challenges. Difficult experiences have strengthened my resolve to prove to myself that I can achieve more, develop new skills, and use my growth to contribute positively and help others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is not to be afraid to speak up and not to wait for the “right moment” to share my thoughts. As an immigrant, I initially held back due to concerns about my accent and whether I would be understood, but I learned that my voice matters regardless. In the high-tech industry, especially as a woman in male-dominated spaces, I’ve learned to speak with confidence and not wait for others to make space for me. Sometimes, it’s necessary to be more assertive so your presence and ideas are recognized.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to never wait for permission to speak, lead, or take initiative. If you have an idea or see an opportunity that you believe will add value to both yourself and the organization, pursue it with confidence. Don’t wait for the “perfect timing” or for someone else to validate your voice. Trust your judgment, act when you see the right moment, and take ownership of your career and success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In high-tech and project management consulting, one of the biggest challenges is keeping up with the constant influx of new tools, trends, and methodologies in the industry. While there is always excitement around emerging technologies and buzzwords, it can also create noise and uncertainty in how to apply them effectively. I see a strong opportunity in bringing discipline and clarity to this environment—helping teams adapt to change in a structured, practical way. My focus is on cutting through the noise, translating complexity into simplicity, and guiding people and teams through change while staying flexible and outcome-driven.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and empathy are the values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life. I lead with honesty and strive to practice empathy toward others as well as myself. I believe that trust, strong relationships, and meaningful collaboration all begin with these principles. In my experience, they have been the foundation of my growth and have played a key role in helping me get to where I am today.
Locations
Jelez Strategic Advisory
San Jose, CA 95126