Jennifer Dunlap Markson

I attribute my success largely to my strong work ethic, which was instilled in me by my father and shaped by growing up around a family business. Being exposed to the inner workings of a business at an early age gave me a unique understanding of how different pieces come together behind the scenes. I have always been willing to put in the effort required to achieve results, and I believe that dedication has been a key factor in my professional growth. In today’s fast-paced world, there is often an expectation of immediate success, but I firmly believe that meaningful accomplishments come from consistent hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to do the work necessary to reach your goals.

One of the most impactful pieces of career advice I received came from a vice president at Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC), where I worked earlier in my career. He told me that I was “too nice,” which initially surprised me because I viewed being accommodating and cooperative as positive qualities. However, his feedback helped me recognize the importance of setting boundaries and understanding the scope of my responsibilities. While I still value collaboration and maintaining positive relationships, I learned that I do not need to take on every request simply to please others. That advice encouraged me to become more thoughtful about prioritizing my work and advocating for my time and expertise.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to begin by understanding their own interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Having clarity about the direction you want to pursue makes it easier to identify opportunities and build meaningful professional connections. Networking remains incredibly important, and today there are more ways than ever to connect with individuals, organizations, and communities that align with your aspirations. By investing time in self-awareness and building relationships with the right people, you can position yourself to make informed decisions and establish a strong foundation for your career.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is the speed at which information and content are created and distributed. Technology has made it possible to publish and communicate instantly, but that convenience can sometimes come at the expense of thoughtful strategy, quality control, and attention to detail. I often see content being shared without sufficient review, resulting in avoidable errors and missed opportunities to communicate effectively. At the same time, the digital landscape presents tremendous opportunities. There are more tools, platforms, and channels available than ever before to reach target audiences, engage customers, and build communities. For those willing to invest time in research, strategy, and understanding their audience, there is significant potential to achieve meaningful results.

Honesty is the value I consider most important in both my professional and personal life. I believe trust is built through transparency, open communication, and ensuring that all relevant information is shared clearly and accurately. I value environments where expectations are straightforward and where people can rely on one another to be truthful and accountable. Maintaining honesty in relationships and decision-making creates a strong foundation for collaboration, mutual respect, and long-term success.