Susanna Briggs

I know you asked "what," but I would be remiss if I didn't mention "who." I’ve been fortunate to work alongside exceptional leaders throughout my career who have truly inspired me. At the top of that list are the original founders of my current company, Ken and Mark Heymann, followed closely by our current CEO, John Lockyer. Each of them has imparted lessons that continue to shape how I lead, think, and show up professionally. In past roles, I had leaders and mentors who I learned a great deal from, such as Ken Broom, Michael Phelps (not the swimmer), and Nancy Peel. They may not even realize that they inspired me along the way; however,I admired their leadership style, and their guidance influenced my growth.

Ultimately, however, my work ethic and values come from my parents. My father was a respected and brilliant 30-year Army veteran and Department of Defense civilian, and my resilient mother was the steady force who held everything together—always emphasizing kindness, responsibility, and always doing the right thing.

I attribute my accomplishments to perseverance and resilience. I’ve never allowed the word “no” to deter me; instead, I view it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen areas for improvement. I don’t view it as 'constructive criticism', but rather as 'developmental feedback'. Treating others with kindness and respect, combined with consistent hard work, integrity, and dedication, has been the foundation of any success I’ve achieved.

Advice that stands out and stays at the forefront is "less is more," particularly in communication. Throughout my career, I have heard a similar message from various leaders. What can I say? I think details matter. However, I learned that clarity often comes from restraint. While it’s tempting to share every detail (still working on that daily), concise bullet points and focused messaging are often far more effective. Making a conscious effort to prioritize quality over quantity has helped me drive greater impact and maintain clarity in everything I do.

My advice to young women entering this industry would be to remind them that they 'belong in the room' and not to apologize for asking questions or making statements. Women tend to apologize more in business settings, using 'sorry' to soften the message or avoid appearing aggressive. It is often a habitual, subconscious, or polite way to navigate male-dominated environments, soften requests, or show empathy. Just say, I have a question, vs Sorry, I have a question. It's a hard habit to break, and I still catch myself doing it. Besides that, other 'advice' I would give would be to

manage your time effectively, set boundaries, communicate clearly and confidently, and always lead with kindness. These principles will help you navigate challenges, build strong relationships, and succeed in your career.

On the challenge side, rapid technological change and evolving client expectations mean we must constantly adapt. Clients expect tools that are intuitive, flexible, and capable of solving complex operational problems in real time. At the same time, adopting and integrating new technology across teams requires patience, clear communication, and thoughtful change management—especially in organizations with legacy systems or established ways of working. Thankfully, my company has the tools and data insight that drive smarter strategies and stronger results. Ultimately, the opportunity lies in bridging the best of both worlds: innovative technology that empowers teams, and in a world of AI, human-centered support that helps people use it with confidence and clarity.

The values that matter most to me—both professionally and personally—are integrity, empathy, accountability, and service.

Integrity is foundational. I believe in doing the right thing even when it’s difficult or inconvenient, communicating honestly, and following through on commitments. Trust is built over time, and I work intentionally to honor it in every relationship.

Empathy guides how I lead and collaborate. Whether working with clients, colleagues, or within my community, I strive to understand perspectives beyond my own. Listening first and responding with care leads to stronger outcomes and more meaningful connections.

Accountability is equally important to me. I take ownership of my work, my decisions, and their impact on others. I value clarity, reliability, and continuous learning—especially when things don’t go as planned.

Service—helping others succeed—is what motivates me. Whether supporting a client through change, helping teammates, or giving back through community involvement, I believe meaningful work and a meaningful life are rooted in contributing something positive beyond ourselves. We don’t succeed alone; everyone—from intern to CEO—benefits from the support of others.

These values keep me grounded, intentional, and aligned, no matter the setting.