by Marianne Biangardi and Jennifer Bardot
When you began your career did you ever imagine you would have a leadership role like you have now? What advice would you give your younger self?
Absolutely! From the earliest days of my career, I envisioned myself in a leadership role. It wasn’t just a passing thought—it was a clear goal that shaped the choices I made and the opportunities I pursued. I’ve always been passionate about guiding teams, solving complex problems, and making a meaningful impact through my work.
I embraced every challenge as a chance to grow, often wearing many hats and becoming a ‘Jane of all trades.’ Whether it was diving into the details, mastering the numbers, or stepping up in times of uncertainty, I was always eager to learn and contribute. While accounting became my professional foundation because of my knack for numbers and attention to detail, my heart has always been in management and operations. Leading others, helping them grow, and driving positive change in my organization has been the most rewarding part of my journey.
Looking back, I’m proud of how I stayed true to that original vision while remaining adaptable and open to the lessons along the way.
I would tell my younger self to listen more, talk less, and be patient. Your time will come. Success in leadership is a journey, and while ambition and drive are important, so is the wisdom to learn from others and to trust the process.
Who inspires you and why? What is your most valued attribute in the leaders you respect or mentors you have had?
I’m inspired by people who lead with both strength and empathy. Leaders who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, face challenges head-on, and still remain compassionate and supportive to those around them. I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from individuals who value integrity, resilience, and the growth of others—not just their own success.
At the same time, I’ve also worked with individuals who didn’t prioritize the growth and development of their teams. Those experiences, while challenging, were valuable because they clarified for me the kind of leadership I aspire to and the kind of leaders I want to work alongside. That’s why I’m proud to work at The Bruning Law Firm, with Ryan and AJ Bruning. Their management style mirrors my own values, focusing not only on results but on fostering growth and opportunity for everyone on their team. You can see that philosophy reflected in the firm’s continued success and growth. Which is why I chose this firm to return back into private employment again after almost 10 years of running my own company.
The attribute I value most is the ability to truly listen. The best leaders and mentors I’ve encountered didn’t just tell me what to do, they listened to my ideas, my concerns, and even my doubts. They made me feel heard and valued, which empowered me to grow and take ownership of my role and goals. That kind of trust and respect fosters not only better work but also stronger, more confident professionals.
What did it take in order to trust yourself to step into leadership?
Trusting myself as a leader was a journey that grew over time. Running my own business for over a decade required taking risks, making tough decisions, and relying entirely on my own dedication and work ethic to succeed. Every challenge I faced and overcame helped build my confidence and reinforced the belief that I not only had the skills to lead but the resilience to thrive in leadership roles.
Seeing the direct results of my hard work taught me that success doesn’t come from waiting for permission or the perfect moment, it comes from showing up, making thoughtful choices, and staying committed even when the path forward isn’t easy. Those years gave me the experience and the proof that I belonged in the room, and that my voice and vision could make a meaningful impact.
What do you attribute your success too? Secret to your success?
I attribute my success to a combination of perseverance, adaptability, and a genuine passion for leadership and growth. I’ve never been afraid to take risks or step outside my comfort zone. I believe in hard work, but also in working smart, surrounding myself with talented people, staying open to new ideas, and continuously learning. The secret to my success has been staying true to my values: integrity, accountability, and empathy. But just as importantly, I’ve made it a priority to surround myself with like-minded people who support me, share my values, and challenge me to grow. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside strong women and inspiring leaders who not only push me to be better but also share the same commitment to excellence, collaboration, and personal growth.
Finally, I’ve learned the importance of resilience. Success isn’t a straight path, it’s full of challenges, changes, and moments where you have to pick yourself up and keep going. By staying focused on the bigger picture, being willing to adapt, and taking care of both my business and myself, I’ve been able to not only achieve my goals but help others achieve theirs too.
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Jennifer Bardot (left) (ownyourgrit@gmail.com, or 314-630-1451) is CEO and Founder of G.R.I.T. Community For Women.
Marianne Biangardi (right)(mbiangardi@uhy-us.com or 314-322-4871) is Sr. Associate, Marketing and Business Development, at UHY LLP.