Mackenzie Yohn Cisson

For me, success is defined by fulfillment, and I’ve been fortunate that every pivot in my career has brought that. If I had to pin down the drivers behind my career roadmap, it would be two things: the rejection of complacency and a commitment to curiosity.

I’ve always been wary of the 'autopilot' phase of a role. It’s not that I feel the need to move at 100 mph every day, but I understand my own professional strengths and weaknesses: if I become complacent, I’m no longer giving my best effort. To avoid just 'going through the motions,' I try to intentionally seek out roles and categories—like the new world of robotic lawn care—that require growth.

In an industry as ever-changing as retail technology, you can never truly reach a 'threshold' of knowledge. The moment you think you’ve mastered a category is the moment the consumer shifts. Whether it’s how they use social media or how they research in what finally triggers a conversion, the path to purchase is constantly evolving. Staying curious and embracing that evolution is the only way to remain relevant. Ultimately, success comes down to staying adaptable enough to meet the customer where they are today, not where they have been.

One of the most impactful pieces of advice I’ve encountered came from Margi Vagell, the EVP of Supply Chain at Lowe’s. In various forums, she frequently shared a simple mantra: 'Don't be afraid to say yes.''

This has deeply resonated with me because, as women, we often fall into the trap of doubting our capabilities if our resumes don't perfectly align with a job description. However, I’ve found that true professional evolution happens in what can be an uncomfortable gap between your current skillset and the requirements of a new role. By saying yes to daunting opportunities, you aren't just taking a risk—you are intentionally building versatility and resilience. Those gaps are where the most significant growth can be found!

If I could give one piece of advice to young women entering this field, or really any field, it's that relationships matter more than any project ever will. We often focus so much on the 'what'—revenue, KPIs, and deliverables—that we forget the 'how.' I attribute my move to Segway Navimow to a successful working relationship rooted in trust and mutual respect with a cross-functional partner. I may not have known the robotics world inside and out at the start, but the confidence my partners had in my transferable skills and my character was what opened the door.

Lead with empathy, be intentional with how you treat others, and opportunities will follow.

In the robotics industry, our greatest challenge and our most significant opportunity are one and the same - consumer unfamiliarity. We are operating in a category that is still brand new to the majority of U.S. households. The hurdle isn't just selling a product; it’s making sophisticated technology accessible within a traditional big-box retail environment.

My focus is on bridging the gap between 'complex tech' and 'tangible benefit.' We have to move the conversation away from software and sensors and toward the lifestyle value—giving time back to the homeowner. Success in this field requires us to breakdown the technology and create an omni-channel experience that makes this category feel like a household essential. We aren't just selling a mower; we are educating a market and building the foundation for the future of outdoor power equipment.

The values I prioritize in both my work and personal life are authenticity and humor. I’ve never believed in maintaining a complete separation between my 'professional persona' and my 'real self.' Especially as a working mom, I think it’s vital to embrace the magic chaos of the two combined.

I’ve found that being candid with my team—whether it’s laughing about a particularly hectic morning with my kids or being open about a challenge—builds a foundation of trust. It creates a culture where people feel safe bringing their whole selves to the table, and in my experience, people do their best work when they don't have to hide who they are or what's going on in their daily lives. Conversely, I want my kids to see that while I am passionate about my career, I don't take myself too seriously. By modeling that balance of ambition and levity, I hope to show them that success isn't about perfection or the highest title—it's about showing up authentically in every environment.