Jennifer Brucculeri

I attribute my success to my ambition and to the example I was fortunate to witness growing up. My mother was a working professional, and I vividly remember watching her get on the train each day—showing up with consistency, determination, and grace. Even through various setbacks and life’s challenges, she stood strong. Her independence, work ethic, and resilience were unwavering, and she never allowed obstacles to define her.

As a child, I was inspired not only by what she did, but by who she was. I dreamed of one day carrying a briefcase and wearing heels, but more importantly, I learned what it meant to be strong and self-sufficient while remaining grounded in traditional values and family. She raised me to believe that independence and ambition could coexist with compassion, loyalty, and connection.

Those lessons became the foundation of how I navigate my career and my life. When challenges arise, I draw on the strength she instilled in me—the confidence to persevere, the discipline to work hard, and the belief that setbacks are not stopping points, but opportunities to grow. Her example shaped the leader I am today and continues to guide how I show up for my family, my teams, and myself

When I think about the best career advice I’ve received, it comes from three different mentors, each of whom shaped how I lead in meaningful ways.

One of my earliest mentors once told me to “get ready to have multiple personalities.” At the time, I laughed—but what he truly meant was the importance of adaptability. Strong leaders must be able to connect with people at different levels, adjust their communication styles, and meet others where they are. That advice taught me that leadership isn’t one-dimensional; it requires emotional intelligence, flexibility, and the ability to build trust across diverse teams.

Another piece of advice came from a remarkable female mentor who led me for many years. In a moment when things hadn’t gone as planned and emotions were close to the surface, she leaned in and reminded me that setbacks don’t define us—our response does. Her message was simple yet powerful: take the moment, learn from it, and come back stronger. That lesson reinforced the importance of resilience, composure, and accountability, especially when others are watching.

The third came from another female mentor who encouraged me to fully embrace who I am and never view my background as a limitation. As a native New Yorker, I bring grit, directness, and the ability to pivot quickly in complex environments. Rather than softening those traits, she taught me to channel them with intention. That advice helped me lead with confidence and agility, and to take on challenges head-on without losing authenticity.

Together, these lessons taught me that effective leadership is built on adaptability, resilience, and self-awareness—and that embracing who you are is often your greatest strength

My advice to young women entering any industry—and the same advice I give my children—is to dream big, never give up, and never underestimate the power of hard work. Opportunities may not always come easily, but staying focused, believing in yourself, and consistently giving your best will set you apart.

For women entering healthcare and science-driven fields, know that your perspective matters. Science, innovation, and patient care are stronger when women are at the table—asking questions, leading with curiosity, and pushing boundaries. Don’t shrink yourself or wait to be invited into the room. Your ambition, resilience, and dedication are not weaknesses; they are your greatest assets.

Seek out mentors, advocate for yourself, and stay committed to continuous learning. The path won’t always be linear, but if you remain persistent and grounded in your purpose, you can shape a career that is both impactful and fulfilling—on your own terms.

The values most important to me—in both my work and my personal life—are integrity, resilience, accountability, and family. I also deeply believe that women can have it all, but I think it’s equally important to be honest about what that truly means.

Balancing a high-pressure career with family is challenging, and acknowledging those challenges—rather than minimizing them—is how we better support the generations coming behind us. By being open about the realities, we create space for learning, growth, and shared support instead of unrealistic expectations.

I was fortunate to have a mentor for many years who was a strong working mother herself. She helped me believe, especially during my early years as a young mom, that ambition and family do not have to be competing forces. That example shaped how I lead and how I live.

At my core, I’m an operator—whether I’m running a business or running a household. I value structure, ownership, and follow-through, and I approach both work and home with the same mindset: clarity, intention, and care. Those values guide how I show up as a leader, a mother, and a role model, and they reinforce my belief that success is not about choosing one path—but building a life where purpose, family, and ambition can coexist.