Mary Burgoon
Commercial Strategy Manager - Rockwell Automation
Q: What unique qualities do you believe sets you apart as a leader and woman of influence?
A: What sets me apart as a leader and woman of influence is the ability to bring strategic clarity, inclusive leadership, and purposeful execution together to drive lasting impact.
I lead with intention—grounding decisions in long-term value and aligning vision with action. But leadership, to me, extends far beyond business outcomes. I am deeply committed to advancing women in STEM and championing equity through mentorship, advocacy, and active engagement in organizations that shape a more inclusive future.
I believe true influence is measured not just by results, but by the ripple effect of empowering others. I work to cultivate trust, inspire confidence, and build meaningful relationships that unlock potential and foster leadership in others.
I am a woman of influence because I lead with purpose, uplift others, and use my platform to create positive change across both business and community.
It’s not about personal accolades—it’s about who I’ve brought along, the opportunities I’ve helped create, and the legacy of leadership I strive to leave behind.
Q: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path?
A: A pivotal moment in my career came when I took a risk, stepped out of my comfort zone, and relocated to pursue a leadership opportunity.
At the time, I was confident in my role, but I recognized that true growth required challenge. The move meant more than adapting to a new environment—it meant stepping into a role that demanded strategic alignment across global teams and strong, cross-functional leadership.
That decision fundamentally reshaped my career. It taught me the power of bold choices, the importance of trusting my capabilities, and the impact of leading through influence rather than authority. It also broadened my perspective on business and deepened my commitment to helping others take similar leaps—especially women who may hesitate to take risks without seeing someone else lead the way.
That moment didn’t just shape my path—it defined how I lead, how I uplift others, and how I show up every day.
Q: How do you define leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own life?
A: For me, leadership means showing up consistently with integrity, making tough decisions with both courage and compassion, and fostering an environment where others feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute.
I embody leadership by leading with intention—grounding my actions in purpose, clarity, and long-term impact. I’m deeply committed to mentoring and developing others, especially women and emerging leaders, because I believe true leadership is reflected not only in what you accomplish, but in how you help others rise.
I work to create space for diverse perspectives, build trust across teams and communities, and lead with resilience through change. I also prioritize sharing both my time and resources with organizations across the Milwaukee community that are shaping the city’s future—because leadership isn’t just about what you do professionally; it’s also about the legacy you help build in the world around you.
Q: How do you pay it forward and support the next generation of leaders?
A: I pay it forward by intentionally creating access, opening doors, and investing in the growth and development of others.
Mentorship is at the heart of how I lead. I openly share lessons learned—from navigating complex business challenges to embracing career-defining risks—so others can find clarity, confidence, and courage in their own paths. I create space for honest dialogue, advocate for rising talent when opportunities emerge, and encourage others to lead with authenticity and purpose.
Outside of work, I dedicate my time, voice, and resources to organizations that are driving meaningful change in the Milwaukee community. Through mentoring, volunteering, and strategic engagement, I use my platform to elevate others—because investing in the next generation isn’t just about shaping leaders; it’s about shaping the future of our city.
