Jennifer Johnston Canfield

I attribute my success to resilience and the commitment to keep getting back on my feet, even after difficult periods, rather than allowing setbacks or others to hold me down. I also credit my MBA experience, which strengthened my ability to navigate workplace dynamics, communicate effectively, and better understand often-unspoken organizational structures. Together, these experiences prepared me to build and sustain a successful career in male-dominated environments.

The best career advice I’ve received is that fear and nervousness are a natural part of meaningful growth. I’ve learned that if there isn’t any fear or discomfort, I may not be pushing myself far enough. Embracing discomfort rather than avoiding it has been one of the most valuable principles guiding my professional development.

I would advise young women entering my industry to actively seek out and cultivate strong mentors who can provide guidance, perspective, and support throughout their careers. It’s also important to genuinely believe that you belong in sales and growth leadership spaces, even when those environments may feel traditionally male-dominated. Taking full ownership of your work and ideas helps build credibility and confidence, while also ensuring your contributions are clearly recognized. Equally important is learning to identify and overcome self-limiting behaviors, so you can continue to grow into roles and opportunities that reflect your full potential.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is that sales, growth, and revenue leadership remain largely male-dominated at senior levels. Even today, many women—including myself—find that advancement can be uneven compared to male peers, and leadership roles such as Chief Growth Officer are still not as readily associated with women. I also see ongoing challenges in how women’s perspectives are received in leadership settings, where it can sometimes take more effort to be heard and taken seriously despite strong expertise and performance. Overall, it often feels like there are multiple “glass ceilings” rather than a single barrier to break through.

In my work and personal life, I am guided by a commitment to inspiring others to achieve great things, which is a core part of my leadership philosophy. I have been fortunate to learn from strong female educators, leaders, and mentors, and I strive to offer that same support and inspiration to others. Human rights is also a deeply held value for me, reflected in my long-standing involvement with Amnesty International. In addition, I believe it is essential for all of us to make an effort to understand how others live, think, and communicate, as this fosters stronger relationships, better communication, and greater empathy.