Her Story
About Samantha
Samantha Kennedy is a seasoned marketing and communications executive with more than 25 years of experience in B2B technology, including more than seven years focused on the semiconductor sector. Her expertise spans product marketing, strategic marketing, executive communications, people management, competitive intelligence, go-to-market strategy, and program execution. Most recently, Kennedy served as Head of Project Office for the President of the Americas at Infineon Technologies, where she functioned as a trusted strategic advisor and Chief of Staff-style partner to senior leadership. Following the elimination of her position in June as part of organizational changes within Infineon’s Americas region, she is currently exploring her next professional opportunity. Throughout her career, Kennedy has demonstrated a talent for building new functions, developing strategic initiatives, and translating complex technical concepts into compelling narratives for customers, executives, and industry audiences. Before her leadership role at Infineon, she served as Head of Digital Marketing and Marketing Communications for the company’s Power & Sensor Systems business, leading regional marketing strategy, product communications, content development, and integrated campaigns. Her earlier career includes nearly 14 years with Jabil, where she progressed through roles in business development, competitive intelligence, technical marketing, and marketing communications. She also served as Head of Marketing for a new business unit at Wipro and has worked as an independent marketing consultant supporting technology companies with go-to-market strategy, content, and sales enablement. Kennedy earned a Bachelor of Arts in British and American Literature from the University of South Florida in 1999 and holds a certification in Competitive Intelligence from the Academy of Competitive Intelligence. She also completed the first and second levels of leadership certification at Infineon Technologies. She attributes her professional success to resilience, curiosity, and adaptability, qualities that have enabled her to transition from supportive roles into business development, marketing, communications, and executive leadership. Beyond her professional career, Kennedy is committed to giving back through philanthropic involvement, including serving as a domestic violence advocate with Community Solutions and supporting childhood cancer research .
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Samantha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of resilience, curiosity, and adaptability. I have never been afraid to step into a new role or take on a challenge before I fully knew how to navigate it. My career has evolved from supportive roles into business development, marketing, communications, and ultimately executive leadership, with each experience providing opportunities to learn, grow, and take on greater responsibility. I have embraced being uncomfortable because it has pushed me to develop new skills, think differently, and adapt quickly. Through both personal and professional adversity, resilience has remained a constant, helping me persevere, learn from challenges, and continue moving forward with purpose.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The biggest career advise I received was that you don't have to know everything before you say yes to an opportunity. Some of the biggest opportunities in my career came when someone trusted me to take on something I had never done before, and all I had to say was, “I’ll figure it out.” I’ve learned that industries and functions can be learned, but qualities such as curiosity, sound judgment, a strong work ethic, and the ability to bring people together are much harder to teach. I also believe it is important not to confuse inexperience with being incapable. Being willing to learn, ask questions, take on challenges, and grow into new responsibilities can open doors that waiting until you feel completely prepared never will.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is not to wait until you feel completely ready. Women can sometimes feel they need to check every box before pursuing an opportunity, but it is important to trust your ability to learn, adapt, and grow along the way. Build meaningful relationships throughout your career with mentors, sponsors, and allies who will advocate for you and mention your name when you are not in the room. Most importantly, do not minimize yourself or make yourself smaller to make others comfortable. You can be collaborative, kind, and empathetic while still being ambitious, confident, and clear about what you want to achieve.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is the biggest opportunity, transforming every part of technology and business. The challenge is how organizations translate that technology into something customers and employees understand and trust. Products can be built fast, but the competitive challenge is explaining why the technology matters, creating trust, and connecting innovation to real human or business problems. My marketing, communication, and leadership skills are very important here.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, empathy, loyalty, and resilience. Integrity comes first - doing the right thing even when difficult or inconvenient reveals character. Empathy means recognizing people carry unseen burdens and leading by communicating and valuing them. Loyalty means believing in people, showing up for colleagues and loved ones, giving credit, advocating, and being someone others can count on. Resilience means going through difficult moments without letting them define you.
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