As International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 approaches, Siegel+Gale celebrates the incredible women in our extended network. Throughout March, we’ll spotlight inspiring women and share their unique journeys. Our goal is to draw attention to the women who have achieved success by their own definition and on their own terms. Learn more about IWD here.
Kristina Lawson
Managing Partner/Chief Executive, Hanson Bridgett
As a child, what did you dream of becoming?
As a kid, I always wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up (so that worked out). But, in my next life, I plan to be a makeup artist.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your career journey?
The most rewarding part of my career journey has been the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to know and work with. The relationships, collaborations and sense of community have been truly special. Working alongside others who are committed to making a difference has been inspiring and fulfilling. It’s the people that make the work meaningful.
Who has had the biggest impact on your professional success, and why?
There isn’t just one person—so many people along the way have encouraged, mentored and sponsored me, shaping my professional journey. From my YMCA Youth and Government leaders who sparked my passion for leadership as a high schooler, to my mentor Wilson Wendt, who taught me everything I know about practicing land use law, to Andrew Giacomini, my predecessor as managing partner, who led with wisdom and generosity—I have been incredibly fortunate to learn from and be supported by so many. Their guidance, belief in me and willingness to invest in my growth have made all the difference.
Meri Gulyan
Vice President of Marketing, TriNet
As a child, what did you dream of becoming?
I wanted to be a scientist—specifically one who created skincare formulas. I was obsessed with my microscope and spent hours mixing my mom’s creams and serums with kitchen ingredients, convinced I could concoct the perfect formula. It was my first experiment in blending science with creativity!
What’s been the most rewarding part of your career journey?
The most rewarding part of my career journey has been the “aha!” moments—the breakthroughs that come after the climb, the push forward and the relentless testing and learning. It’s in the tough times when everything is challenging, but you know you’re on the right path, that I’ve felt the most fulfillment. The process of taking great ideas, shaping them and finding ways to bring them to the world is what drives me. That constant cycle of experimentation, iteration and discovery makes it all worth it.
Who has had the biggest impact on your professional success, and why?
The biggest impact on my career starts with my mom. Her dedication to her craft showed me what it means to truly commit to something you love. But beyond that, it’s been the mentors I intentionally sought out—the ones I actually called and asked, “Hey, will you be my mentor?” These weren’t famous names but people who believed in me, pushed me and sometimes saw my potential more clearly than I did.
Penny Wise
Vice President – Global Public Policy and Communications, 3M
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, probably about kindergarten age, I told my mom that I didn’t want to be a secretary when I grew up; I wanted to have my own secretary. So, I knew I wanted to be a leader!
I wanted to be a lawyer (so says my senior year high school yearbook), but a fantastic university professor helped me find my path to an MBA and a marketing career.
What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your professional success?
I like to think I have made a difference and made a positive impact. I have hired great people and been able to watch them succeed. People reach out to me about how to be an authentic leader and for advice.
I have led projects that made a positive impact—whether it was helping set a new brand direction and tagline for 3M globally, rethinking how we accelerate and embed marketing in the company or leading 3M Canada during the pandemic, I know I have “done good.”
Not professionally, but perhaps most importantly, I have inspired and raised successful children.
If you could thank someone who’s helped you the most on your professional journey, who would it be (and why)?
I would like to thank Jim McSheffrey, President of 3M Canada in the mid-2000s. When he became President, I was still fairly junior at the company and had recently moved into corporate marketing and strategy. I remember his assistant Billie called me to say Jim wanted to meet me. And I thought, “He wants to meet with me?” From that and subsequent meetings came opportunities to take on stretch assignments, help shape the strategy of the subsidiary, engage with global senior leadership, join the operating committee and assume business leadership. This led to a move to the US head office, amazing career opportunities and an exciting growth path. Jim was a champion, whether he considered himself one or not. He lifted me up, challenged me and gave me opportunities that others would not have. He gave me the chance to shine and accelerate my career. I will be forever grateful.
But I must add a runner-up! I worked for a 3M Global CMO in the 20-teens, who taught me how to build and respect a high-performing team, lead, influence and be an authentic leader. Working for him was amazing. Thanks, Don Branch!
Megan Pitts
Senior Director – Corporate Brand & Creative Services, Bristol Myers Squibb
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I asked my older sister to confirm that I’ve wanted to be a “businesswoman and leader” as far as I can remember. In fact, I wrote in my high school yearbook that I wanted to land on the cover of Black Enterprise. I think leading and inspiring teams, as well as driving tangible outcomes and solving problems, have always been my thing.
What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your professional success?
Contributing to the journeys of others and watching them soar. I love nurturing culture, developing talent and unlocking the brilliance of people around me.
If you could thank someone that’s helped you the most on your professional journey, who would it be (and why)?
My husband and kids. They have encouraged me to be unapologetically authentic and embrace the uniqueness of Megan. I want my daughters to see me comfortable in my skin, which has made me more confident, empathetic and creative at work.
Kristina Yarrington
Chief Marketing Officer, Adswerve
As a child, what did you dream of becoming?
I wanted to be a journalist—part Woodward & Bernstein, part Lois Lane. A college internship at a newspaper showed me the power of storytelling, but the newsroom chaos wasn’t for me. However, it sparked a lifelong passion for understanding audiences and crafting messages that connect.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your career journey?
The people. I’ve been lucky to work with incredibly smart, curious and creative minds who challenge, inspire and push me to think bigger. The best moments haven’t been solo wins; they’ve been when a team transforms a good idea into something game-changing. And let’s be honest—work is more fun when you’re surrounded by brilliant people who make you laugh while figuring out the impossible.
Who has had the biggest impact on your success?
My boss in my mid-20s. She saw potential in me before I did, sponsoring my executive MBA and showing me what strong, generous leadership looks like. She was one of my first female leaders and set the standard for how I want to lead—with confidence, generosity and a belief in elevating others. I still channel her confidence when mentoring others (or when I need a reminder that I belong in the room).
Alex Bornoff
Brand Strategist, Global Brand Marketing, Crunchyroll
As a child, what did you dream of becoming?
I didn’t have a specific dream as much as a deep desire to live a life of endless possibilities and unknown adventures that would guide me to wherever I needed to go next. I dreamed of a life of whimsy.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your career journey?
Doing work that creates culture and puts peoples’ joy at the center of what I have to solve for each day.
Who has had the biggest impact on your professional success, and why?
Truthfully, my husband. He’s the only polymath I’ve ever known. His creativity, savvy, intellect and ingenuity are in equal measure. And he’s one of the most sophisticated marketing operators and creatives I’ve ever encountered. The work he produces is magnetic and it is born not just from insight but from the sharpest most well attuned instincts on the human experience and what moves people and what moves the needle for the business. He’s a unicorn in that way. Every day is a master class with him.
Lori Kaplan
Vice President Marketing & Launch Excellence, Bristol Myers Squibb
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to work in the theater, and when I got to middle school, I had to create an advertising campaign for a creative writing class. All I ever wanted to do was work in any field that fostered creativity. Although I am not in theater, I do get to be creative and with a deep mission.
If you could thank someone who’s helped you the most on your professional journey, who would it be (and why)?
My dad! He always believed in me! He has never stopped saying how proud he is. Though he thinks I am CEO (shh, don’t tell him I’m not).
Kathy Conner
SVP, Global Marketing, Communications & Insights, Varian
As a child, what did you dream of becoming?
As a child, I dreamt of becoming an international businesswoman. This ambition was sparked by the movie “Working Girl,” which ignited a passion for global commerce and enterprise. To pursue this dream, I studied International Studies with a focus on economics. My academic journey included semesters in Germany and Russia, which provided invaluable insights into different cultures and perspectives. This experience fostered a deeper understanding of global dynamics and people’s diverse ways of life. Following this, I attended business school to gain a comprehensive understanding of business mechanics.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your career journey?
The most rewarding part of my career journey has been working in healthcare. I have had the privilege of contributing to market-leading products that address some of the most prevalent diseases, such as cardiac conditions, cancer, and surgical interventions. This work is immensely fulfilling as it directly impacts people’s lives, helping them live longer with less pain and fewer complications.
Additionally, I have had the opportunity to influence product roadmaps and foster employee engagement, ensuring our teams are motivated and aligned with our mission. One of the most gratifying aspects has been the ability to enhance access to care on a global scale. By working on innovative solutions and collaborating with international colleagues, we have expanded the adoption of newer technologies that have improved the quality of life for countless individuals across different regions.
Who has had the biggest impact on your professional success, and why?
The person who has had the biggest impact on my professional success is my mom, the wife of a successful CEO. She always said she raised her girls to be CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Despite having only two years of college education, she possessed remarkable political savviness and an acute understanding of business strategy. Her wisdom taught me that delivering business results is crucial for advancement. Her guidance was instrumental in shaping my career, instilling in me the values of perseverance, strategic thinking and the importance of tangible outcomes.
My career journey has been a blend of aspiration, education and impactful experiences. From dreaming of becoming an international businesswoman to making a difference in healthcare, each step has been driven by a desire to understand the world and improve lives. My mom’s influence has been a beacon throughout this journey, highlighting the importance of results and strategic acumen in achieving professional success.
