Michelle Hedger

I attribute much of my success to the guidance of three incredible mentors who have shaped different aspects of my personal and professional growth. Tom BRuns was an invaluable technology mentor, helping me strengthen my technical expertise and strategic thinking. I also have a leadership mentor who taught me how to navigate organizational dynamics, lead through uncertainty, and maintain composure in challenging situations. Finally, I am fortunate to have a mentor who exemplifies what it means to be a devoted spouse and parent, providing perspective and guidance that help me maintain balance between my career, family, and personal well-being. Together, these mentors have helped me become a more effective leader, technologist, and person.

As someone with a strong technical background, I naturally strive for perfection, but I've learned that waiting for a perfect solution can often slow down meaningful results. Success comes from delivering continuous, incremental value—making steady improvements, learning along the way, and building momentum over time. Perfection is rarely achievable, but consistent progress creates lasting impact.

My advice for women in getting into this industry is to find great mentors. Mentorship has been one of the most valuable investments in my career. Seek out people you trust—leaders whose values, integrity, and leadership style you admire and aspire to emulate. Learn from their experiences, ask questions, and be open to their guidance.

Just as importantly, believe in yourself and the unique perspective you bring to the table. There will be challenges along the way, but don't let anyone dim your light or make you question your worth. Stay confident, stay authentic, and continue showing up as your best self. The industry needs your voice, your ideas, and your leadership.

One of the biggest challenges in my role is that everyone believes their request is the highest priority. When everything is labeled as urgent, it becomes difficult to focus on the work that will deliver the greatest impact.

The key is partnering closely with stakeholders to align on priorities and business outcomes. I often remind teams that if everything is urgent, then nothing is truly urgent. By focusing on return on investment, strategic value, and organizational goals, we can make better decisions about where to invest our time and resources.

Successful prioritization isn't about saying no—it's about ensuring we're directing our efforts toward the initiatives that create the greatest value for the business.

Integrity is at the core of everything I do. It guides how I lead, make decisions, and build relationships both personally and professionally. My family is my greatest source of support and perspective, and my faith and church community play a central role in keeping me grounded and focused on what matters most.

I am also deeply committed to giving back. Whether through mentoring emerging leaders, serving in my local community, or participating in global mission work, I believe we all have a responsibility to invest in others and create opportunities for those around us to succeed. For me, success isn't just about what you achieve—it's about the positive impact you have on the lives of others along the way.