Kelly Champagne

I attribute my success to being willing to learn, embrace new opportunities, and step outside of my comfort zone. Throughout my career, I've looked for opportunities to take on new responsibilities, develop new skills, and understand different sides of the business.

I started by supporting C-level sales leaders, which gave me valuable insight into leadership, customer relationships, and the complexities of a sales organization. From there, I moved into sales operations, where I gained a broader understanding of processes, data, strategy, and how different functions work together. Eventually, I took another step outside my comfort zone and transitioned into a sales representative role, putting many of those skills and experiences into practice.

Each step taught me something different and helped shape the professional I am today. I’ve learned that success isn't necessarily about having a perfectly defined career path. It’s about being open to opportunities, asking questions, learning from the people around you, and having the confidence to take the next step—even when you don't have everything figured out.

I also attribute my success to the relationships I've built throughout my career. Mentors, colleagues, leaders, and customers have all played a role in helping me grow. Their guidance, encouragement, and willingness to share their experiences have reinforced my belief that we are often more successful when we learn from and support one another.

Ultimately, my success has come from staying curious, being adaptable, and never being afraid to learn something new. Every role and every challenge has added another layer to my experience and given me the confidence to take on whatever comes next.

The best career advice I ever received came from Laura Vaughan, who was Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Kronos. Laura recognized potential in me that I wasn't yet fully confident in seeing in myself. She encouraged me to pursue a role in sales operations and gave me the confidence to take that next step in my career.

At the time, moving into sales operations felt like a significant change and an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone. Laura's belief in my abilities helped me realize that sometimes other people can see our potential before we see it ourselves. Taking that opportunity ultimately broadened my experience, strengthened my understanding of the business, and opened doors to new career possibilities.

That experience taught me an important lesson: don't be afraid to raise your hand for an opportunity, even if you don't feel completely ready. You don't have to have every skill or every answer before taking the next step. Sometimes growth happens because someone believes in you, and you have to be willing to believe in yourself enough to try.

Laura's encouragement has stayed with me throughout my career. It also shaped the way I think about supporting others. I've learned how powerful it can be to recognize someone's potential, encourage them to take a chance on themselves, and give them the confidence to pursue an opportunity they may not have considered.

The advice I received from Laura wasn't just about taking a particular job—it was about recognizing my potential and having the courage to act on it. That is a lesson I continue to carry with me today and one I hope to pass on to others.

My advice to young women entering the technology and cybersecurity industry is to believe in your abilities, stay curious, and never be afraid to use your voice. Technology can be a fast-paced and sometimes intimidating industry, but there is tremendous opportunity for women who are willing to learn, take on challenges, and bring their unique perspectives to the table.

I also encourage women to support one another. We don't have to compete with each other to be successful. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from women who advocate for one another, share knowledge, make connections, and are willing to open doors for others. If you see another woman doing something well, tell her. If you see an opportunity that might be a good fit for someone, share it. Those small acts of encouragement can have a lasting impact.

Most importantly, don't wait until you feel completely ready to step forward. Take the opportunity, ask the question, volunteer for the project, and be willing to learn along the way. Your voice and perspective have value, even when you are still building your expertise.

I would encourage young women to find mentors and sponsors, build relationships across their organizations, and learn from people with different experiences and perspectives. At the same time, remember that you can be a mentor to someone else, regardless of where you are in your career.

Ultimately, leadership doesn't always come from a title. It comes from confidence, integrity, curiosity, and the willingness to help others succeed. My hope is that more women will recognize their potential, use their voices, and create space for the women coming behind them to lead with confidence and purpose.

The biggest opportunity in my field right now is the pace of change. Technology, cybersecurity, and the way businesses engage with their customers are constantly evolving, creating new opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow. For me, that means continuing to build my skills, stay curious about emerging technologies such as AI, and look for ways to apply new tools and ideas to improve both customer experiences and business outcomes.

I also see an opportunity to continue taking on new challenges and expanding my role. My career has been shaped by being willing to learn something new, step outside my comfort zone, and take on responsibilities that have helped me grow. I want to continue that mindset by pursuing opportunities that allow me to advance in my field while bringing the experience I've gained across sales, operations, and customer relationships to the table.

At the same time, the pace of change can be a challenge. It requires professionals to be adaptable and committed to continuous learning. I believe those who embrace change rather than resist it will be best positioned to succeed.

For me, the opportunity is not simply about moving into the next position or achieving the next title. It's about continuing to grow as a professional, expanding my expertise, embracing new challenges, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to an industry that is constantly evolving.

The values that are most important to me, both personally and professionally, are relationships, collaboration, authenticity, and staying connected with the people around me. I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of both personal fulfillment and professional success. I value being someone others can trust, working collaboratively toward a common goal, and making time for the people who matter most.

Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, cooking, and traveling—especially experiences that allow me to immerse myself in new places, cultures, and perspectives. These things remind me to slow down, stay curious, and appreciate the experiences that make life meaningful.

Losing my mother in February 2025 has also given me a deeper perspective on how I want to live my life. I miss her every day, and I still want to make her proud—not only through what I accomplish professionally, but through the person I am and the way I live my life. Her loss has reminded me not to take time or opportunities for granted.

I want to live life to the fullest, remain open to change, and have the courage to embrace what comes next, even when it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable. For me, that means continuing to grow, taking chances, nurturing meaningful relationships, and making the most of the opportunities in front of me.

Ultimately, I want to build a life and career that reflect the values both my parents instilled in me—working hard, caring about others, staying true to myself, and never being afraid to grow or change. If I can continue to make them both proud while living a life that is meaningful, connected, and full of purpose, that is success to me.