Every day is a little different, which is something I really enjoy. Much of my time is spent collaborating with my team to analyze data, evaluate the customer and support experience, and test new strategies to improve how we deliver knowledge and support.
I also spend time meeting with stakeholders and partners from across the company. Those conversations are important because they help ensure the work we’re doing aligns with ABBYY’s broader business goals and strategy. Ultimately, my focus is on continuously improving how customers find answers and how our teams are equipped to support them.
If you could go back in time to your first day entering the professional world, what advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to be brave. Don’t be afraid to jump at opportunities, to take on new challenges, or learn something new. Volunteer for special projects, raise your hand when something interesting comes up, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
I would also encourage myself to seek out mentors—people who are willing to share their experience. Having someone you can learn from, ask questions of, and gain perspective from can make a huge difference early in your career.
Most importantly, I would remind myself not to wait for opportunities to come to me. Go seek out what you want. And if you’re not exactly sure what that is yet, that’s okay. Try new things and explore different paths. Those experiences are often what help you discover what you truly enjoy and where you can make the biggest impact.
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What advice would you give to other women aspiring to succeed in a leadership role?
My advice is to watch, listen, and learn. Think about the people who have influenced you throughout your life—not just at work, but also teachers, coaches, family members, or others who helped shape how you think and grow. Reflect on what you appreciated about their leadership styles. What motivated you? What helped you learn and develop?
Use those experiences to begin shaping your own leadership style. Leadership doesn’t have to look one specific way, and often the most effective leaders draw from many different influences.
It’s also important to seek feedback and be open to making adjustments along the way. No one gets it right all the time, and growth as a leader comes from being willing to listen, reflect, and learn from others. Being open to feedback helps you continue evolving and becoming a stronger leader over time.
What’s a personal strength or quality you’re most proud of, and how has it helped you succeed?
One quality I’m proud of is my positive mindset. That doesn’t mean I never feel frustrated, worried, or discouraged, because those moments happen to everyone. But I’ve learned how to regroup, refocus, and think about what actions I can take to move forward.
A good example of this came after a long tenure at a previous company when I was impacted by downsizing – on my birthday, of all days. It was definitely a tough moment, and I took the time I needed to process those emotions. But once I did, I made a plan. While searching for my next role, I also wanted to stay energized, keep learning, and try something new.
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I decided to take my years of leadership experience and write a leadership book. It’s designed as more of a guided journal across multiple topics, encouraging readers to reflect and create action plans for their own development. Around the same time, I also acted on feedback I’d received over the years about my presentation and speaking skills and decided to explore voiceover work.
That meant learning an entirely new set of skills, from recording equipment and sound mixers to editing software. I even built a small recording booth in a closet at my house! I ended up recording several audiobooks, including my own, which kept me productive and motivated during that transition.
Eventually, that journey led me to my role at ABBYY, and I couldn’t be happier to be here! That experience reinforced something I strongly believe: maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on what you can control helps you move forward and often opens the door to new opportunities.
In your view, how is the landscape changing for women in tech and AI, and what excites you most about these changes?
The landscape in tech and AI is continuing to evolve, and it’s encouraging to see more doors opening for women. One of the most exciting changes is the increasing number of women stepping into key strategic and leadership roles across the industry. Seeing more women represented at those levels not only brings diverse perspectives to innovation but also creates visible role models for the next generation.
I’m also really encouraged by the growing focus on engaging girls in STEM at younger ages. Early exposure can make a huge difference in helping young women see themselves in these fields. For example, my daughter is finishing up elementary school and has already had opportunities to attend a Starbase camp and participate in regular STEM programs at school. Experiences like that spark curiosity and build confidence early on.
The more encouragement, visibility, and hands-on opportunities young women have, the more we’ll continue to grow the pipeline of women entering technology and AI in the future. Watching that momentum build is incredibly exciting, and it gives me a lot of optimism about where the industry is headed.
What’s something you’re passionate about outside of work that helps you recharge or stay inspired?
Outside of work, I’m a proud dance mom and love watching my daughter perform. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how dance has helped build her confidence. She can walk out on stage in front of hundreds of people and perform without fear, which is incredible to see. I grew up participating in various performing arts myself, so I know how powerful those experiences can be. They help build confidence, poise, and teach the value of hard work, discipline, and collaborating as part of a team.
I also enjoy staying involved in my community. I volunteer at my daughter’s school and help organize different events throughout the year. It’s a great way to stay connected and use my skills in a way that helps others.
And whenever I can, I love spending time outdoors. Whether it’s swimming, gardening, or taking long walks, being outside and enjoying fresh air and sunshine helps me recharge and stay energized.
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Please share a fun fact about yourself.
A fun fact about me is that I grew up dancing and baton twirling. In high school, I started cheerleading and had the opportunity to compete at the ESPN-televised national championships. I continued cheering in college at the University of Missouri as well.
Those experiences gave me so much more than just great memories. Performing and competing helped transform me from a shy kid into someone who is comfortable in front of large audiences. It taught me confidence, teamwork, and how to stay focused under pressure, skills that have continued to benefit me throughout my life and career.
Meet our team at ABBYY Ascend
This immersive in person event, “Turning Complexity into Clarity”, will navigate attendees from AI experimentation to delivering measurable results. You can expect to learn how purpose-built AI transforms business-critical documents into actionable insights that drive operational efficiency, enhance workforce productivity, and elevate customer experiences.
Meet us in Nashville on April 16, or in Brussels on May 6. ABBYY Ascend will be coming to Bengaluru in Summer and Singapore this Fall.
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