Geri Carl

I attribute my success to a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for growth. I was raised by a single mom, and from an early age, I understood the value of hard work and not taking opportunities for granted. I’ve never been someone who feels comfortable staying complacent—I’m always looking for ways to learn, improve, and push myself further.

Continuous learning has played a big role in my journey. I actively seek out opportunities to stay current, whether through courses or keeping up with emerging trends like AI. Just as important, though, has been my ability to build genuine relationships. I don’t approach my work with a “sales” mindset—instead, I focus on being trustworthy, approachable, and truly invested in my clients’ success. Over time, that trust becomes the foundation for everything else, including growth.

The best career advice I’ve received is to consistently document the moments when you go above and beyond your role. It’s easy to overlook your own growth in the day to day, but keeping track of those contributions creates a clear and tangible record of your impact over time.

When it comes time to advocate for yourself, whether for a promotion or a new opportunity, you are not relying on memory or general statements. You can confidently point to specific examples that demonstrate how you have operated beyond your current role and added value to the organization. While it does not guarantee an outcome, it makes your case significantly stronger.

This approach has been incredibly effective for me, and I have since shared it with colleagues. At my current company, it has evolved into a more formalized framework that helps team members, especially those early in their careers, track their growth and advocate for themselves with clarity and confidence.

My advice would be to not be afraid to speak up and share your perspective. Early in my career, I often found myself as the only woman in the room, and I tended to hold back, observe, and second-guess whether I should contribute. Over time, I realized that my voice, ideas, and instincts were just as valuable as anyone else’s.

Now, I’m confident in speaking up, offering my point of view, and constructively challenging ideas when needed. While that confidence does grow with experience, I encourage young women to start building that muscle early. Your perspective matters, and you don’t need to wait for permission to contribute.

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is the rapid evolution of AI. The pace of change is constant, and staying current is no longer optional. If you are not actively learning, experimenting, and finding ways to integrate AI into your work, it is easy to fall behind.

At the same time, this shift presents an incredible opportunity. Many organizations are still figuring out how to adapt, and there is a real demand for people who can help bridge that gap. It is also interesting to see how quickly the next generation is entering the workforce with exposure to AI already built into their education. Ultimately, success in this space comes down to curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to continuously evolve alongside the technology.

Work-life balance is one of the most important values to me. I take pride in working hard and delivering at a high level, but I am equally intentional about protecting my time and energy. I believe success should be sustainable, not something that comes at the expense of your well-being.

As a mother to a three-year-old daughter, this perspective has become even more important. I want to show up fully, both professionally and personally, and that requires being mindful of how I manage my time and mental capacity. For me, it is about creating a balance that allows me to be present, effective, and fulfilled in all areas of my life.