by Marianne Biangardi and Jennifer Bardot
When you began your career did you ever imagine you would have a leadership role like you have now? What advice would you give your younger self?
When I began my career, I couldn’t have predicted the exact path that would lead me here, but I always believed in staying open to opportunities and challenges. Life is about building blocks—every experience adds to the foundation of your future self. I would tell my younger self to honor and embrace the process, even when it’s hard, and trust that the struggles are as important as the successes. Respect yourself first, set your boundaries, and stay true to your vision. Respect others on their journeys as well, because collaboration and learning from others will take you further than you imagine.
Who inspires you and why? What is your most valued attribute in the leaders you respect or mentors you have had?
I’ve been fortunate to have incredible role models throughout my life. My paternal grandmother, Thelma Brown, was a trailblazer. Born in 1920, the year women gained the right to vote, she defied expectations by not only entering the workforce but rising to a level where she effectively ran her division in a corporate structure that refused to recognize her with the title she earned. Her tenacity, intellect, and later mastery of technology into her late 90s were constant reminders of the power of perseverance and adaptability.
My mother, an accomplished artist and designer, ran a successful business for over 40 years, showing me that creativity and business acumen can and should coexist. Her homes and gardens are admired to this day, reminding me that passion leads to lasting impact.
My father has been a steadfast supporter throughout my life. He always reinforced that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. His own career in marketing and his willingness to stand beside me, like the time he ensured I could take ‘shop’ class in grade school, solidified the importance of strong, supportive leadership.
The mentors I admire most have always embodied courage, adaptability, and the belief in pushing boundaries—qualities that drive me as a leader. They didn’t just tell me I could do anything; they showed me how to lead, grow, and lift others along the way. Like me they are or were Fearless.
Have you experienced any hardships and how did you overcome the obstacles. When did you know, the business was going to make it?
I’ve definitely faced hardships along the way, particularly when I was laid off twice in the span of three years. Both firms were navigating the commercial real estate market’s recovery from COVID, and as someone in business development, I knew that being 100% overhead often makes you the first to go. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I also saw it as an opportunity to reassess how I wanted to shape my career.
What I’ve learned is that adaptability is everything. In my current role, I’ve moved into a model that’s 50% business development and 50% project management and strategy, and it’s been transformative. I get to stay connected to the social and strategic side of BD that I love, while also working closely with clients to craft solutions that directly impact the success of their projects. That balance has been key for me. I enjoy the seller-doer model because it gives me the ability to not only win the business but also actively shape its outcomes.
I knew things were going to work out when I realized that the hardships didn’t break me—they sharpened my focus and pushed me toward a role where I thrive. Obstacles can either set you back or set you up for something better. For me, it was the latter.
What advice would you give other local women leaders?
My advice to local women leaders is to trust yourself, be unapologetic about your strengths, and always lift others as you rise. It’s easy to feel like we need to constantly prove ourselves, but remember—your voice and perspective are not just important, they’re necessary.
Know and respect your clients, colleagues AND competitors. We’re all working hard, and one day, you may need each other. Human courtesy and kindness are essential, and that’s what people will remember about you—not that one project you won, but how you treated them along the way.
Build your network, lean on other women and men, and never hesitate to ask for or offer help. We thrive when we support each other, and mentorship is key. Finally, don’t shy away from taking risks. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came when I embraced fear as part of growth.
Other items you would like to highlight
I deeply admire the leadership at Cobalt, particularly its founders, Lauren Talley and Jim Byrne. They embody what it means to be tenacious business builders with a commitment to excellence. They’ve created a culture where we all strive for perfection in our work, while also giving each other the grace to grow and evolve. At Cobalt, there’s a shared trust that we are all doing our best, and that trust allows us to push boundaries, innovate, and support one another. This balance between high expectations and human connection is rare, and it’s what makes Cobalt not only a leader in the industry but also a place where both personal and professional growth can thrive. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside leaders and colleagues who value people, perfection, and progress.
Join the GRIT Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8987243/
Jennifer Bardot (ownyourgrit@gmail.com, or
314-630-1451) is CEO and Founder of G.R.I.T. Community For Women.
Marianne Biangardi (mbiangardi@uhy-us.com or 314-322-4871) is Sr. Associate, Marketing and Business Development, at UHY LLP.