Her Story
About Kelley
Kelley Markoff began her career in the software industry in 2014. She describes her work as centered on solving puzzles and problems for customers, partners, and internal teams by organizing business solution processes and ensuring fair treatment across stakeholders. Over more than a decade, Markoff faced challenges in a male-dominated environment with limited female leadership, confronting senior leaders when promotions went to others and learning to assert herself effectively. This persistence led to three promotions in the past two years. She attributes her success to grit, tenacity, and demanding recognition. Markoff prioritizes companies with aligned moral values, integrity, authenticity, and empathy, and she actively mentors newer team members while advising her daughter's high school friends to pursue opportunities without self-doubt. She encourages young women entering tech to be outrageous in asking for what they want, learn from leadership resources, start at the bottom solving problems, and view failures as steps forward.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelley
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from grit, tenacity, and persistence over a decade of pushing forward despite challenges. I confronted senior leadership when others were promoted ahead of me and learned to be assertive, which was once seen as difficult but is now valued in leaders. Being promoted three times in the past two years after years of struggle shows that finally recognizing and demanding what I deserve has paid off.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to believe in yourself and be outrageous. Go ask for what you want without doubting yourself. Read or listen to leadership books to learn how to present yourself. You don't need a degree; start at the bottom, solve problems, and work on yourself. Be willing to fail and take every failure as a step toward the life you want. Just go out there and say you deserve everything you want and you're going to get it.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Moral values and alignment with company values are crucial. I won't work somewhere just for money or career path if values don't match. Look for companies where senior leadership wants to help and uplift people, offering real mentorship and advocacy. Integrity, authenticity, and empathy for customers and partners are key.
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