Customer Success
Celebrating inspirational women breaking barriers in CX: Advice to younger self
By Amy Payne
0 min read
On International Women’s Day, we honor and celebrate the incredible women in tech who are breaking barriers, leading with innovation, and making a lasting impact in the customer experience and contact center space. At the heart of every successful organization are leaders who inspire, advocate, and uplift. In this post, we’re spotlighting the advice a group of remarkable women from our network would give their younger selves.
From learning to advocate for themselves, embracing imperfection, setting boundaries, and believing in their potential their advice speaks to the importance of confidence, self-growth, and balance—reminding us that success is shaped not just by hard work, but by trusting ourselves and pursuing our goals with intention.
Their insights offer valuable encouragement not only to the next generation of women in tech but to everyone striving for personal and professional growth. Let their voices inspire us to take up space, believe in our potential, and continue blazing new trails in our career path.
Here’s the advice they wish they could give their younger selves, offering inspiration for anyone on their professional journey!
"If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to be my own advocate. Early in my career, I assumed that hard work alone would open doors, but I’ve learned that speaking up for myself—whether it’s for growth opportunities, development, or a seat at the table—is just as important. No one understands my aspirations better than I do, so it’s up to me to voice them. Confidence, self-advocacy, and actively seeking opportunities make all the difference in shaping a fulfilling career."
Mayra Guillotte Director of customer experience, Reserv
"Have some boundaries, girl. People will respect you more."
Kristin Galan Manager, support experience & operations, BCLC
"I would tell my younger self to stop waiting for permission to take up space. Confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything—it comes from trusting that you can figure things out. Speak up, take risks, and don’t underestimate your ability to adapt and grow. The opportunities you want won’t always be handed to you, so advocate for yourself the way you advocate for others. And most importantly—don't be afraid to fail, just make sure you learn from it."
Crystal Pittman Senior manager of customer service, HumanN
"If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be: You can learn ANYTHING! There are countless resources available to teach you everything you need to know. Also, be earnest in your optimism and excitement. Not everyone will share those feelings, but it's not wrong to feel them fully. Embrace your enthusiasm and let it guide you."
Amber Scott Vice president customer experience, Serta Simmons Bedding
"Believe in yourself. You can do a lot more then you think you can!"
Kristin Davis Business process manager, The Pasha Group
"Never back down or believe a task is too daunting or a challenge too difficult to overcome."
Nathalie Euribe CCaaS product owner, BankUnited
"Not everything is life or death. That meeting you’re stressing about in three days? It’ll come and go. The work you’re tempted to take home with you? It’ll still be there tomorrow. Looking even further back; that essay you have to submit in a week? You’ll manage to do it. The quiz you got a 70% on? You’ll do better next time. It’s just a job; it’s important, but it’s not your whole life. If you don’t prioritize a healthy work-life balance, you’ll burn out, and when that happens, you won’t succeed at work or in your personal life. Give your best effort during work hours, but don’t let it consume you. Success isn’t about running yourself into the ground—it’s about working smart, setting boundaries, and making sure you have enough energy to bring your best self to both work and life. I am still trying to live by this, it’s a work in progress for sure!"
Madalena Brederode Group contact centre manager, Activate Learning
"It would be to believe in myself and not base my success on the feelings of others. Real success is setting a goal and achieving it. Success is different for everyone and that's ok."
Kathleen Genier Assistant vice president growth and legacy call center & projects, Nassau Financial
"Use your voice - God gifted you with amazing gifts and talents that are unique to you, share them with the world."
Beth Search IT director, Kettering Health
"Don't worry so much, do not strive for perfection, work towards goals but always be mindful of the team who are delivering them and the end users, treat everyone as I'd like to be treated myself."
Clare Sampson Head of operations, WPA
"Don't sweat the small stuff—most things are small, even if they don't seem that way in the moment."
Jess Vander Zanden Vice president operations, Network Health WI
"Every up and down exists as a learning opportunity. Sometimes the road ahead is not a straight climb up - it's more like a hike through the woods. Sometimes you are making your way up the hill, and other times you're trudging through the mud. In the end, the view you worked for will be worth it and the path that got you there will have shaped you in ways that mattered."
Jenn Yeh Director of generated sales & IT, Sunshine Admin
"You won't have your tomorrow if you keep doing what you did yesterday, today!"
Felicity (Flic) Winter Head of customer experience, Zeronet
"If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be: invest in bitcoin and give it a minute then sell, sell sell! Kidding. Slow down and trust the process. Early in my career, I was all about quick results and rapid advancement, but over time, I realized that real success is more about steady progress, building strong relationships, and navigating challenges with a little more grace and a lot less panic. The measure of success is personal and at the end of the day as long as my family has my back it's all worth it in the end."
Melissa Chiasson Senior solutions delivery analyst, Avadian Credit Union
"Be your authentic self because that's enough. You don't have to know everything about everything. There is a reason why different roles exist. Focus on your strengths and the things you are good at doing, let the rest come naturally. It's OK to admit when you don't know something and you need help. Ask for help/support. Give help/support to others."
Kathy Krucek Vice president of product, Talkdesk
