Stephanie Engel

1. To what do you attribute your biggest career successes?

A great deal of my success is due to the clients who’ve placed their trust in me and the talented colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. In many ways, you’re only as good as the people who surround you.

That said, the most significant contributors to my career growth have been the women leaders I’ve worked with, reported to, and been mentored by—including in my current role. Each, in their own way, supported me, shared invaluable lessons (many of which I still quote to my team today), and encouraged me to keep growing. Some relationships were stronger than others, and each leader had her own style, but I learned from all of them. Every one of those experiences helped me reach the next level.

Their influence impacts how I try to lead—by supporting my team, sharing what I’ve learned, and creating opportunities for others to grow, just like they did for me.

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2. How do you inspire others?

I try to inspire others by creating an environment where they feel supported, trusted, and encouraged to stretch themselves. I give people space to grow, but I’m always close by with guidance when it’s needed. I make a point to recognize great work and offer feedback in a way that’s useful and constructive - something to learn from, not dwell on.

I also lead by doing. I roll up my sleeves and get into the work with my team. Showing that you’re in it together goes a long way in building trust and motivation.

I encourage people - especially those earlier in their careers - to take on new challenges, even if they seem a little intimidating. I’ve been known to say, “punch above your weight,” because that’s how you grow and move forward. Most of the time, people rise to it.

And above all, I try to lead with empathy. I’ve been in their shoes - figuring things out for the first time, unsure where to start. I remember what that felt like, and I try to be the kind of leader I would have wanted: supportive, honest, collaborative, and open to learning myself.

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3. What healthy habits do you employ to maintain your mental health and wellbeing?

I spend a lot of time at work and thinking about work, so maintaining my mental health and wellbeing is essential for balance. I prioritize eating healthy (though I still love a good piece of chocolate!), staying active through workouts, and walking outside when the weather is nice. I’ve also been known to enjoy a solid weekend nap.

I'm an avid pickleball player and look forward to my Saturday games with friend - the laughter and camaraderie are just as important as the game itself. I’ve tried to practice mindfulness, but if I’m honest, I haven’t mastered the art of sitting still for that long. When I start to feel overwhelmed however, I do try to stay aware and focus on my breathing, even if just in small moments.

Recent home renovations have had me organizing and purging, which surprisingly helps clear my mind. There’s something about having order around you that makes it easier to function. As a pop culture enthusiast, I love scrolling through Instagram to catch up on celebrity news and trends, and I unwind by playing Wordscapes—an online word puzzle which allows me to both sharpen my mind and relax.

4. What is the greatest piece of business advice you have received from a mentor?

The greatest piece of business advice I received from a mentor was simple: don’t sweat the small stuff. It was likely said in response to something I was stressing over at the time - and it stuck with me. From that advice, I learned to focus on the big picture and keep the end goal in mind. I’m not going to pretend I never sweat the small stuff - I still do - but I’ve worked hard to find a balance between caring deeply and staying focused. That balance has been key to my growth, and it’s a lesson I remind myself of often, especially when things get hectic - and one I try to pass on to others.

5. What is something you wish you had known earlier in your career?

One thing I wish I’d known earlier in my career is that it’s okay to make mistakes. What really matters is how you respond - by learning from the situation, adjusting your approach, and focusing on finding a solution.