Leading with Purpose: How Women Are Building the Future of Work
In an industry driven by disruption, some of the most meaningful change is propelled not by code, but by culture. Throughout tech, women leaders are guiding their teams with intention: they’re fostering inclusivity, mentoring the next generation, and building companies where diverse perspectives do more than exist — they flourish. At Offleash, we’re honored to collaborate with brilliant, courageous women who are doing precisely that.
We invited a few of them to reflect on their path: the obstacles they overcame, the learnings that transformed them, and how they’re making room for others to step up. Their insights are a reminder that leadership is not only about where you’re headed, but how to take others with you on the journey.
Abby Strong, CMO, Cribl
On being heard and using it to help others rise
“Obviously there’s a lot of talk about being a minority in tech, whether it be gender, race, or other. It’s always a challenge to bring a diverse perspective to bear and feel heard, and I’m convinced this sentiment is shared,” Abby says.
But instead of letting that deter her, she’s leaned into it:
“In my experience it can also be incredibly powerful to look and act differently than the ubiquitous standard. I find it can catch folks off guard and provide an opportunity to carry more weight in a conversation rather than less. I encourage my folks to use this to their advantage, speak up, and own their seat at the table.”
Abby’s approach to leadership is rooted in empowerment. Whether she’s building a team or mentoring rising talent, she ensures that every voice has a place.
“My biggest role in fostering inclusivity and diversity is making sure there’s room for those voices and opinions to be heard so we all achieve more.”
Melissa Sobel, Investor Comms, CapitalG
On discovering tech and its power to create access
“I fell in love with tech when I was in college,” says Melissa. “Because I’d grown up in a small, rural town, tech was completely new to me. I literally didn’t know how to operate a PC!”
That sense of discovery turned into purpose.
“While in college, I realized that the internet had the potential to narrow so many divides: rural vs. urban, under-resourced vs. wealthier schools, information vacuums vs. information centers, and the gender divide in STEM.”
Melissa’s early research focused on making tech more accessible and appealing to girls. That mission continues to inform her work today:
“While our industry obviously faces its challenges, I never cease to be amazed by the myriad ways in which it has and continues to enrich all of our lives.”
Leading the Change, Together
Both Abby and Melissa show us what it means to lead with intention, whether it’s by challenging norms, mentoring others, or creating opportunities for the next generation. They remind us that progress doesn’t happen by accident; it happens when people show up, speak up, and make room for others to do the same.
At Offleash, we’re honored to amplify these voices and support the leaders building a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable future in tech.