Lori Mayer

I’ve always believed that progress matters more than perfection. Early in my career, that looked like figuring things out as I went and trusting that I’d grow into every opportunity I stepped into and I did. What’s always set me apart is my drive. That inner push to keep going, to figure it out, to not quit when things get hard. You can build skills, but that kind of resilience is something you carry with you. I also lead with empathy, and that’s been one of my biggest strengths in sales. People don’t just want to be sold to, they want to feel understood. Especially today, when most buyers have already done their research before they ever talk to you, what really matters is how you show up. Connection, trust, and authenticity are what close deals.

My path hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve navigated depression, anxiety, and ADHD, and I’m proud to be part of the LGBTQ community. Those experiences have shaped how I lead and how I connect with more awareness, more compassion, and a deeper understanding of what people carry with them every day. As a single mom who bought my own home in San Diego without a built-in support system, I’ve had to build everything with intention. There’s pressure in that, but also purpose. It’s taught me to keep moving forward, no matter what. I’ve never needed to be the smartest person in the room. but I do know how to read a room, connect with people, and create trust quickly. I lean into those strengths. I’m comfortable having real conversations, even the hard ones, because that’s where progress actually happens.

A big part of my growth has also come from asking for help. Seeking out feedback, finding sponsors in rooms I wasn’t in yet, and being willing to say “I don’t know.....yet.” Ego can slow people down, but curiosity and humility open doors.At the core of it all, I trust that I’ll figure it out. I surround myself with the right people, I ask the right questions, and I keep going.

The best advice I’ve received is to show up fully, even when I don’t feel ready, and to treat rejection as training rather than a reflection of my worth. Real growth comes from action, not waiting for permission or perfect conditions.

Stretch yourself. Get comfortable being uncomfortable, that’s where the growth happens. Find your sponsors and champions, both inside and outside the room. And when you walk in, act like you belong there, because you do. The reality is, for many women, you’re often one of the only ones in the room. You may not see someone who looks like you, and sometimes people will misread your role, they’ll assume you’re there to take notes, not lead the conversation. That’s when you show them otherwise. You don’t shrink, you own your space. Take the seat at the table that reflects your role. Sit at the head, sit at the end.....sit where decisions are made.

And keep your sense of humor. There’s a balance in navigating those moments, and sometimes a little humor goes a long way in shifting the dynamic while still holding your ground.

One of the biggest challenges I see right now is pay parity and opportunity parity, especially for women and people of color. Progress has been made, but it’s not consistent, and in many cases, it still depends on who’s in the room making decisions. At the same time, the last five years in tech have been anything but steady. Between economic shifts, company restructures, and rapid changes in leadership priorities, there’s been a lot of uncertainty. We’ve seen waves of layoffs, followed by companies realizing they cut too deep and needing to rebuild just as quickly.

Then there’s AI. There’s a lot of fear around it. this idea that it’s going to replace everyone. And while there’s some truth that roles will change, we’re also seeing real-time examples of companies overcorrecting, trying to automate too much, too fast, and then having to bring people back in because the human element still matters.

What concerns me most isn’t just the technology itself, it’s how it’s being built and who’s shaping it. If we’re not intentional, we risk creating systems that don’t reflect or support everyone. With less emphasis on DEI in some spaces right now, it raises an important question: are the people building the future thinking about all of us? That’s where accountability matters, policy, governance, and shared responsibility. No single person or company should have unchecked control over something this impactful.

At the same time, I’m optimistic. AI has the potential to level the playing field in ways we haven’t seen before, while also accelerating entire industries. We’re in the middle of another major shift, what many call Industry 4.0 and history shows us this isn’t new. Jobs don’t just disappear; they evolve. We’re already seeing that with the rise of data centers and infrastructure there’s growing demand for skilled trades and new types of roles. The work is changing, not going away. It’s moving from one place to another. The opportunity and the responsibility is making sure people are prepared, included, and considered in what comes next.

Integrity is at the core of everything I do. To me, it’s not just one thing, it’s honesty, trust, transparency, and a deep sense of accountability in how I show up every day. I also lead with gratitude and an abundance mindset. I believe there’s always more opportunity, more growth, and more success to go around and that perspective shapes how I work with others and how I lead.

Empathy is essential. It’s what allows you to truly understand people whether you’re leading a team or contributing to one. It creates better communication, stronger relationships, and ultimately better outcomes. And just as important is authenticity. I believe in showing up as you are. When people feel that, it builds trust quickly and creates an environment where others feel comfortable doing the same. For me, these aren’t just values, they’re how I make decisions, build relationships, and lead.