Career Growth and Leadership Tips from Principal's Director of Engineering
At Principal, employees often explore various roles across the company, adapting and broadening their skill sets. It’s common for individuals to transition between departments and take on different responsibilities throughout their careers. This culture is largely influenced by leaders like Jackie, who understand the value of development opportunities firsthand.
Here’s how she’s paying it forward for her team.
How did you start your career in IT at Principal, and what is your current role?
I didn’t begin my career in IT. I started in a business role within our former health division while pursuing my MBA. I was eager to apply my business knowledge in a more hands-on way, particularly in problem-solving and creating solutions. Over the years, I took on various leadership positions, managing larger teams and increasing responsibilities. For the past five years, I’ve been in my current position as Director of Engineering, leading technology teams that support key functions like worksite safety, security, global risk, legal, and government relations. For example, the safety and security technology involved when an employee scans their badge to enter a building is part of what we do.
What excites you about the work?
What excites me is the ability to use technology for problem-solving. It’s about making things better—whether that means implementing a new system or improving existing processes. The more we can simplify tasks and make things easier for our employees, the better their experience becomes, and the more time they have to focus on serving our customers.
How else have you engaged at Principal?
I’ve been fortunate with job opportunities, but I’ve also benefited from valuable networking and growth through Principal’s employee groups and forums. I’m active in several employee resource groups (ERGs) and currently serve as the co-chair for our LGBTQ ERG. Additionally, I support the Global Giving Campaign, which creates positive change in our communities.
How do you support other women in tech at Principal?
Leadership development is a key focus for me. I dedicate time to fostering opportunities for others and ensuring everyone is included and supported. As a woman in leadership, I believe it’s my responsibility to help guide others along their journey. I mentor both formally and informally, offering advice on leadership, work-life balance, career growth, and overcoming challenges.
As a working mother, I can mentor with empathy, often helping others by asking questions like, "Why do you think you’re stuck?" or "How can you work through this?" At times, connecting someone to the right resources, such as an ERG or a different mentor, is the best support I can offer.
How have you been supported at Principal?
I’ve never felt that my voice was overlooked or that I couldn’t speak up because I’m a woman. I’ve always felt respected and valued. This is due to Principal’s strong culture, which prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. I see this reflected in the leadership team and know it’s championed by the executive management group as well. Everyone’s voice matters.
On a practical level, Principal invests heavily in development opportunities—not only for technical skills but also for competencies such as leadership, influence, and communication.
What advice would you give someone looking to break into tech?
Curiosity is essential in tech. Find something you’re passionate about and commit to ongoing learning. I’m always impressed by the interns and young professionals here—how much they read and the insightful questions they ask.
I also recommend focusing on developing soft skills, such as how to navigate conflict, how to communicate effectively, and how to speak up when unsure about something. Both technical expertise and these interpersonal skills are crucial for success.
Here’s how she’s paying it forward for her team.
How did you start your career in IT at Principal, and what is your current role?
I didn’t begin my career in IT. I started in a business role within our former health division while pursuing my MBA. I was eager to apply my business knowledge in a more hands-on way, particularly in problem-solving and creating solutions. Over the years, I took on various leadership positions, managing larger teams and increasing responsibilities. For the past five years, I’ve been in my current position as Director of Engineering, leading technology teams that support key functions like worksite safety, security, global risk, legal, and government relations. For example, the safety and security technology involved when an employee scans their badge to enter a building is part of what we do.
What excites you about the work?
What excites me is the ability to use technology for problem-solving. It’s about making things better—whether that means implementing a new system or improving existing processes. The more we can simplify tasks and make things easier for our employees, the better their experience becomes, and the more time they have to focus on serving our customers.
How else have you engaged at Principal?
I’ve been fortunate with job opportunities, but I’ve also benefited from valuable networking and growth through Principal’s employee groups and forums. I’m active in several employee resource groups (ERGs) and currently serve as the co-chair for our LGBTQ ERG. Additionally, I support the Global Giving Campaign, which creates positive change in our communities.
How do you support other women in tech at Principal?
Leadership development is a key focus for me. I dedicate time to fostering opportunities for others and ensuring everyone is included and supported. As a woman in leadership, I believe it’s my responsibility to help guide others along their journey. I mentor both formally and informally, offering advice on leadership, work-life balance, career growth, and overcoming challenges.
As a working mother, I can mentor with empathy, often helping others by asking questions like, "Why do you think you’re stuck?" or "How can you work through this?" At times, connecting someone to the right resources, such as an ERG or a different mentor, is the best support I can offer.
How have you been supported at Principal?
I’ve never felt that my voice was overlooked or that I couldn’t speak up because I’m a woman. I’ve always felt respected and valued. This is due to Principal’s strong culture, which prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. I see this reflected in the leadership team and know it’s championed by the executive management group as well. Everyone’s voice matters.
On a practical level, Principal invests heavily in development opportunities—not only for technical skills but also for competencies such as leadership, influence, and communication.
What advice would you give someone looking to break into tech?
Curiosity is essential in tech. Find something you’re passionate about and commit to ongoing learning. I’m always impressed by the interns and young professionals here—how much they read and the insightful questions they ask.
I also recommend focusing on developing soft skills, such as how to navigate conflict, how to communicate effectively, and how to speak up when unsure about something. Both technical expertise and these interpersonal skills are crucial for success.
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