In this conversation, Mary Brigden shares her unique journey from being one of the few women at the Naval Academy to navigating her career in the corporate world. She discusses the challenges of isolation, the importance of community, and how her upbringing shaped her leadership style. Mary reflects on the balance between being a tough leader and infusing empathy into her approach, as well as the lessons learned during her transition from military to corporate life. She emphasizes the significance of laughter, vulnerability, and understanding individual priorities in fostering a supportive work environment.