Victoria DeMatteo

I've always been willing to raise my hand for challenges that felt slightly beyond my comfort zone. Some of the biggest growth moments in my career came from saying yes before I had everything figured out.

I've also learned that success isn't about having all the answers. It's about staying curious, listening well, and being open to changing your mind when new information emerges. The people I've worked with over the years have shaped me just as much as any title or accomplishment.

A quote from Steve Jobs has stayed with me throughout my career: "You've got to start with the customer experience and work backwards to the technology." It's surprisingly easy to focus on what's new, what's possible, or what's getting attention in the market. That quote is a reminder to start somewhere else entirely. If you truly understand what customers are trying to accomplish, the right strategy becomes much clearer. I've found that the best marketing, products, and business decisions usually come from that mindset.

Don't wait until you're completely ready. Many talented women hold themselves back because they think they need more experience, another credential, or greater confidence before pursuing an opportunity. In reality, confidence is often the result of taking the leap, not the prerequisite. I'd also encourage young women to build relationships early. Skills matter, but careers are shaped by the people who challenge you, support you, and open doors you didn't know existed.

We're in the middle of a major shift driven by AI, and it's changing nearly every aspect of how companies engage customers and bring products to market. What's exciting is that we're able to move faster and learn more than ever before. What's challenging is making sure we don't lose sight of the people we're serving. Technology can amplify great ideas, but it can't replace genuine customer understanding. The organizations that get that balance right have a tremendous opportunity ahead of them.

Authenticity matters a great deal to me. I've always believed people do their best work when they can show up as themselves, speak honestly, and know they're being heard. I also value integrity. Trust takes a long time to build and only a moment to lose. Whether I'm working with customers, colleagues, friends, or family, I try to approach every interaction with respect and the assumption that there's always something to learn from the other person.