Her Story
About Kayla
I currently work in the Tobacco and Consumer Packaged Goods space for Philip Morris International U.S. in a sales analytics role. My primary focus is supporting key account managers by developing data-driven strategies based on sales performance.
My work centers on analyzing overall business performance and identifying actionable insights, including which products are performing best, which pricing strategies and promotions are most effective, and how shoppers are engaging across brands. I also evaluate consumer behavior to understand brand switching patterns—specifically what alternatives consumers choose when they discontinue purchasing a particular brand within the same category.
Overall, my role combines business performance analytics with shopper insights to support strategic decision-making across the organization. I have been with Philip Morris International U.S. for one year.
Prior to joining PMI, I worked at the corporate office of 7-Eleven, where I held roles in both merchandising and analytics.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would describe my career path as one shaped by trial, error, and a willingness to take risks. Early in my career, I worked in buying, which I ultimately found to be a poor fit due to the high-pressure nature of the role and my lack of interest in product assortment curation.
Making the decision to step away from that path and effectively start over was a significant turning point for me. It required stepping outside of my comfort zone and re-evaluating my long-term goals. To broaden my skill set beyond merchandising, I pursued a master’s degree, which helped me transition into a more analytical and strategy-focused career path.
That decision proved pivotal in shaping where I am today. It allowed me to move into roles where I can develop and share data-driven insights across the organization. From 2018 to now, I’ve gradually refined my focus and discovered that I am most energized by problem-solving—particularly understanding why certain outcomes occur and how those insights can be used to improve business performance and drive growth.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I’d offer two main pieces of advice.
First, get involved beyond your immediate role and actively seek out cross-functional exposure. Take the time to connect with people across different teams and outside your organization. This helps you become more well-rounded, deepen your understanding of how the business operates end-to-end, and clarify what areas you are most drawn to. It also builds a strong network of people you can learn from and rely on in different situations.
Second, lead with confidence and don’t be afraid to speak up in any room you’re in. In early career roles especially, it can feel like your title determines whether your voice carries weight, but that’s not the case. Your perspective matters, regardless of your level. Even if your ideas aren’t fully formed or end up being challenged, speaking up can spark new thinking, influence decisions, or contribute to better outcomes. And if an idea isn’t adopted, that’s okay too—it’s part of learning and growing. The important thing is to make sure your voice is part of the conversation.
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