2023 Women Leaders in Technology: Kathleen Brunner

Kathleen is a dynamic and inspiring leader with a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, investor and board member. With nearly 30 years of experience in implementing innovative and forward-thinking technologies and solutions, she is a valuable asset to any organization. As both a CEO and CIO, she brings a wealth of work experience from top Life Science and Fortune 500 companies, along with go-to-market experience, technical, strategic and execution capabilities to contribute to the success of organizations.

She is dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation of female leaders. As a member of PACT's Mentor Connect program, she leverages her wisdom and insight to mentor and guide young professionals. Additionally, as a member/investor of the Broad Street Angels, she works to drive investment in startups and serves on the Boards of the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs, Team Pennsylvania and Pearl S. Buck International as a director and member of the Audit committees. Kathleen is a graduate of St. Joseph's University, where she earned a BS in Finance, and Stanford University's Graduate School of Business Executive Leadership Program. Her academic background, coupled with her extensive professional experience, makes her a valuable asset to any organization.

What has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

As a CEO in the technology industry, I believe that success is the result of a not just one factor but a combination of factors – determination, hard work, resilience, continuous learning, adapting to change and collaboration. Having a clear vision and purpose, setting realistic goals, and developing a plan to achieve them are crucial elements of success.

However, I also recognize that no one can achieve success alone. Collaboration and building strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and customers are essential for achieving shared goals. Through collaboration, we can tap into diverse perspectives, skills and experiences, which can lead to innovative solutions and drive progress. Building trust and fostering a culture of collaboration requires openness, transparency and effective communication. I have found that collaborating with others cannot only help me achieve my goals but also has a positive impact on the teams and organizations I lead.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

It is an exciting and ever-changing industry that demands a continuous drive for innovation and adaptation to new challenges. I firmly believe that resilience is key to success in this industry. It requires perseverance and the ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures.

At the same time, it also requires the foresight to identify trends and anticipate changes, allowing us to stay ahead of the curve and develop solutions that can withstand the test of time.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

I am passionate about creating solutions that improve patient outcomes more rapidly while maintaining safety and quality. I am proud to be part of a community that values diversity, inclusivity and collaboration, working tirelessly to create better patient outcomes. It is through these values that we can create more effective and impactful solutions that benefit everyone.

As a CEO in the technology industry, I recognize the importance of promoting innovation in the life science sector. By leveraging technology and collaboration, we develop solutions that improve patient outcomes more rapidly while maintaining safety and quality. It is crucial to work with a diverse team of experts, tapping into different perspectives, skills, and experiences to drive progress and achieve shared goals. At the same time, I understand the importance of maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards in the life science industry. Patients rely on us to develop safe and effective solutions that improve their lives. It is our responsibility to ensure that we maintain these standards while innovating and developing new solutions.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

I have learned that growth, resilience, and persistence are crucial for success. Embracing failures as opportunities to learn and grow has been a valuable lesson that has helped me achieve my goals. I encourage others to view setbacks as opportunities to reflect, learn and improve. In the life science industry, maintaining a growth mindset is essential. This mindset involves approaching challenges with a positive attitude, seeing them as opportunities to learn and improve. It is crucial to remain curious and continuously seek out new knowledge and approaches to problem-solving.

By fostering a growth mindset, we can innovate and develop solutions that make a positive impact on society and improve patient outcomes.

What does this recognition mean to you?

Receiving recognition for my achievements in these fields is an honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication that I have put into creating better patient outcomes. I hope that my story can inspire other women to pursue their passions and make a difference in the technology industry, driving progress toward better patient outcomes more rapidly while maintaining safety and quality.