Kathryn Berlekamp, MSPA

I attribute my success to a steady evolution of curiosity, discipline, and a deep commitment to understanding how products succeed in the market. Over the past 15 years in B2B marketing, primarily within SaaS and more recently in procurement and supply chain technology, I have focused on connecting customer insight to go to market strategy, translating real world feedback from customers, analysts, and industry influencers into positioning, messaging, and product improvement. I have built and scaled programs from the ground up, including voice of customer, win loss intelligence, and competitive intelligence functions, designed to uncover why deals are won or lost and what customers truly value. My approach is grounded in continuous external engagement rather than internal assumptions, ensuring strategy reflects market reality. This perspective, combined with ongoing learning and resilience through personal and professional milestones, has shaped my ability to deliver clarity, authenticity, and impact in every organization I support.

My advice to young women entering this industry is that success is built as much on listening as it is on execution. Listen closely to customers, analysts, market signals, and internal teams, because that is where the most valuable insight comes from and where strong strategy is truly shaped. I also encourage women in program and project management roles to recognize that impact is not defined by title, and that it is entirely possible to operate at a strategic, executive level through the quality and influence of your work long before you are formally in those roles. Visibility and support matter, so building strong networks with other women and actively advocating for one another is essential to expanding opportunity and recognition across the field. I also believe in embracing continuous learning, even during challenging or transitional moments in life, as those experiences often deepen perspective and creativity. For me, staying curious, seeking diverse conversations, and leaning on my network when I need new perspectives has been key to staying grounded, adaptable, and effective in a constantly evolving industry.

The most important values in my work center around listening - listening to customers, to analysts, to market signals, and to the teams trying to build something better. I believe the strongest marketing strategies are built from real voices, not assumptions, and I try really hard to remain objective rather than being a cheerleader. I don't take the angle that my company is the standard or that we're the best - it's more about differentiating and understanding whether we actually fit the needs of that customer. I value bringing authenticity and clarity into how we show up in the market. Volunteering is huge for me - it needs to be a consistent part of my life in order to balance being so analytical and data-driven. It helps me step out and look at the bigger picture. I'm a lifelong learner, and I believe everybody should be. I even tackle challenges during difficult times - like when I started my Carnegie Mellon program just 12 weeks postpartum - because your mind is more open and receptive during vulnerable times. When I'm stuck, I call somebody in my network, because the more conversation I have with people outside of what I do, the more open I am to different perspectives. What drives me in wanting this recognition is the ability to expand my network and meet other women who might be in similar situations, facing similar challenges. I want to share my story and connect with others who can relate, especially women in program and project management who are doing executive-level work but aren't yet at that title level. I want us to band together and talk about breaking barriers together.