Samantha Yehl

To me, success is not a single milestone; it's the daily dedication to showing up with purpose, holding myself to high standards, and lifting up those around me.

I attribute my success to my family, community, and life experiences that have shaped who I am today. Because of them, I bring that foundation into my work:

• Authentic Connection: Injecting warmth, creativity, and genuine human connection into everything I build so people feel seen, heard, valued, and energized.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Plans evolve, and life brings plot twists, but staying adaptable turns unexpected hurdles into opportunities for growth.

Success is about keeping the ultimate goal in focus while building a culture where everyone thrives together.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible leaders whose wisdom shaped how I show up every day. Rather than a single piece of advice, my approach to leadership is holistic and built on a collection of lessons that continue to guide me:

• Navigating the journey: One leader taught me that "the leadership journey is between you and yourself, and it’s not going to be easy." It requires stamina because "it’s a marathon, not a sprint."
• Growth & Purposeful Passion: I was taught to "leave your emotions at the door" to make clear decisions, and while emotions themselves aren't bad, they are the root of our passion. The key is to lean into discomfort and learn to channel that passion purposefully, so it drives meaningful impact rather than overwhelming the outcome.
• Forward Momentum: A favorite reminder I carry with me is that "a rearview mirror is small for a reason." You shouldn't spend your time looking backward or trying to fix what’s already behind you; focus your energy on where you're heading.
• Leading with Empathy: Above all, I was reminded of the power of support: "I may not be able to stop the rain, but I can share some space under my umbrella."

These lessons remind me that true leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about staying resilient, focusing on the future, and always making room to support the people around you.

If I could sit down over coffee with a young woman starting out in this industry, here is what I would tell her:

1. Trust your voice and take full ownership early. Never wait for permission to lead. Step up, take end-to-end accountability for your projects, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. True confidence isn't built by staying safe; it’s forged by stepping into unfamiliar territory, figuring it out, and seeing it through to the end.

2. Your care and passion are your superpower; channel them. Early in your career, people might tell you to keep feelings out of the workplace. But having emotion simply means you care deeply about what you do, and that care fuels your passion. The key isn't to shut it down, but to harness and channel that energy into strategic action that drives real, lasting impact. This is your legacy, no one else's.

3. Run your own race and bring others along. Remember that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. You will hit plot twists and unexpected hurdles, but don't waste precious time staring into the rearview mirror wondering what you could have fixed. The past is the past. What's done is done. Keep your head up and eyes forward. Adapt gracefully, and as you climb, always hold the door open and share space under your umbrella for the women coming up next to you

Before she leaves, I'd remind her that she never has to do it all by herself. Lean on those around you, ask for help, and remember that you are supported. It's called a sisterhood and community for a reason!

The biggest challenge and opportunity in our field right now comes down to one truth: we are living in a world that no one has lived in before.

Between rapid technological shifts and supporting five different generations in the workforce at once, our greatest opportunity is in the art of translation—helping individuals find common ground, feel understood, and move forward together.

But doing this work comes with a delicate personal challenge. When your job revolves around caring for others, self-love, energy, and confidence can easily take a backseat. It is hard to stay resilient for an entire organization when you are human, too. I've learned that prioritizing my own well-being isn't selfish; it's essential. Only by taking care of myself can I keep showing up with empathy and strength for those who look to me for support and inspiration.

When I reflect on what guides me, both at work and at home, everything comes down to five core values:

• Authenticity & Warmth: Showing up as my true self in every space. Whether designing workplace experiences or nurturing personal relationships, I value bringing genuine human connection, empathy, and warmth so people feel seen, heard, and valued.
• Accountability & Purpose: Taking complete ownership of my choices, my work, and my path. Holding myself to high standards and following through on commitments creates trust and keeps my actions aligned with a clear purpose.
• Resilience & Growth: Viewing every plot twist as an opportunity to learn rather than looking backward. Life brings unexpected hurdles, but staying adaptable and focused on forward momentum helps me grow through every challenge.
• Community & Connection: Believing deeply that we are stronger together. Success isn't a solo journey; it’s about lifting others as you climb, sharing space under your umbrella, and leaning into the strength of sisterhood and support.
• Self-Care & Balance: Honoring my own limits and well-being. Caring for others requires caring for myself first; prioritizing personal alignment ensures I can show up for my family, my team, and my community with lasting energy and passion.

Living these values gives me a clear compass: it allows me to lead with strength, love with intention, and build a meaningful legacy.