Rebecca Murray

I attribute my success to confidence, curiosity, and a disciplined commitment to learning—traits that shape how I lead in complex, fast-moving environments. Entering the technology and data space without a traditional background required me to build credibility through substance: asking precise questions, listening carefully to customers and colleagues, and building technical fluency quickly enough to make sound decisions. That approach fostered a leadership style grounded in clarity and trust, especially in situations where answers were incomplete and stakes were high.

My early foundation in customer support deeply informed how I lead teams and programs. Working closest to users reinforced the importance of empathy, accountability, and clear ownership—principles I carried forward as my scope expanded. I learned that effective leadership isn’t about control or visibility, but about designing systems that help people do their best work consistently, even as scale and complexity increase.

As I moved into enterprise onboarding, activation, and partner enablement, I applied these lessons by treating programs like products: defining success clearly, removing friction through data and applied AI, and empowering teams to operate independently without sacrificing quality. The result has been durable programs that earn trust, accelerate time-to-value, and hold up under real-world pressure—reflecting a leadership philosophy focused on judgment, sustainability, and long-term impact rather than short-term wins.

The most valuable career advice I have received is to maintain curiosity, inquire freely without hesitation, and never presume that possessing complete knowledge is a prerequisite for success. Growth does not originate solely from having all solutions at the outset; rather, it emanates from learning dynamically, observing attentively, and embracing opportunities even when the circumstances are unfamiliar or unsettling. Curiosity fosters momentum, and posing appropriate questions—particularly in the early stages—often outweighs the rush to act with superficial certainty.

Equally significant is the reminder to always remember your core identity and the achievements you have already accomplished. In environments characterized by rapid change, it is easy to become solely focused on impending tasks, existing shortcomings, or unverified claims. However, enduring confidence is rooted in recalling the systems you have established, the problems you have resolved, and the trust you have cultivated over time. Progress necessitates humility and a willingness to learn, but also demands perspective. You are capable of growth, stretch, and evolution without losing sight of your competencies or undervaluing your accomplishments. Maintaining this balance enables you to confront new challenges with both clarity and conviction.

Here is the advice I wish I had received earlier: be courageous enough to engage in discussions beyond your current level of expertise, and do not hesitate to seek mentors or consider advancing levels when appropriate. These moments—when you are willing to ask questions, listen attentively, and share ideas—can subtly influence the trajectory of your career.

I began my tenure at dbt Labs as a coordinator, primarily focusing on scheduling and ensuring smooth workflow. My growth was not driven by feigning greater knowledge than I possessed, but by cultivating deep curiosity. I paid attention, absorbed information from all sources, and learned quickly enough to earn the trust of my technical colleagues. Curiosity, consistency, and follow-through establish credibility more rapidly than titles ever can.

However, the most significant transformation came through mentorship. At my company's inaugural offsite, I met Allison, who later became my mentor. She posed a simple yet impactful question: “What can I do to support your role? Is there anything you wish to pursue within it?” I did not wait until I felt entirely prepared. Instead, I shared an idea: we need to assume full responsibility for the services sold from inception to completion. Within six months, this idea was under serious discussion, and six months later, it was implemented. This experience demonstrated that growth is significantly accelerated when one is receptive to listening and willing to articulate ideas.

It is important to recognize that you will not always be the most technically proficient individual in the room, and that is acceptable. Mentors do not anticipate perfection; they seek curiosity, sound judgment, and a capacity to learn. Your unique perspective—particularly if derived from customer-facing or operational roles—contributes fundamentally. Engage in questioning, seek counsel, and communicate respectfully. With appropriate mentorship and the confidence to participate actively, your voice can influence systemic development and facilitate opportunities that may not yet be apparent.

One of the most significant challenges in my field currently is the discrepancy between experimentation and production. Many organizations are progressing rapidly in piloting AI and modern data platforms; however, considerably fewer possess the capabilities to operationalize these technologies in a manner that is sustainable, secure, and genuinely beneficial for the individuals expected to work with them daily. The technological advancements are outpacing the development of systems, incentives, and decision-making frameworks necessary to support them.

Simultaneously, this gap also presents the greatest opportunity. Teams that invest in well-defined operational models—characterized by clear ownership, thoughtful enablement, feedback mechanisms, and success metrics—are achieving tangible returns. The opportunity extends beyond merely deploying AI; it involves designing environments where humans and AI collaborate effectively: where automation alleviates friction rather than introduces complexity, and where trust, clarity, and judgment are regarded as fundamental components of the system.

Another significant challenge is the tendency to perceive adoption as a single event rather than a continuous process. AI and data platforms necessitate ongoing learning, iteration, and adaptation as both the technology and the organization evolve. Success is typically achieved by organizations that treat adoption as a product—something that must be carefully designed, measured, and continually refined.

Ultimately, the industry is at a pivotal juncture. The greatest advantage belongs to those teams capable of moving beyond the novelty factor and emphasizing sustainability: constructing systems that scale responsibly, empower personnel, and remain resilient under real-world conditions. This is where the most meaningful work is currently being conducted—and where the most substantial impact can be realized.

The principles of utmost importance to me, both in my professional and personal life, encompass integrity, resilience, curiosity, and a genuine care for individuals. Integrity influences my decision-making processes—ensuring honesty regarding trade-offs, fulfilling commitments, and establishing systems capable of withstanding real-world pressures, rather than solely ideal scenarios. I am deeply committed to engaging in work that I can defend with confidence, especially when the outcomes impact others’ time, trust, and stability.

Resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning are fundamental in navigating change. Managing career advancement, pursuing further education, and fulfilling the responsibilities of single parenthood—particularly amidst the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic—have strengthened my resolve, stability, and strategic long-term planning. These experiences inform my approach to program design and team leadership, with an emphasis on sustainability over immediate gains.

Curiosity remains an integral aspect of my leadership style. In rapidly evolving technical environments, curiosity facilitates insightful questioning, attentive listening, and thoughtful adaptation. It enables me to stay grounded and foster collaboration, recognizing that meaningful progress often hinges equally on understanding people and systems as it does on technological advancements.

Furthermore, I highly value engagement in creative and restorative activities outside of professional obligations. Reading, managing a hand-embroidery enterprise, and other creative endeavors offer essential balance and perspective, supporting my focus, mindfulness, and effectiveness in fulfilling both my professional and personal duties. These pursuits reinforce clarity and resilience, empowering me to deliver sustained energy and purposeful intent to my work.