Jennifer Rött

I attribute my success to resilience, empathy, and a refusal to accept systems that weren’t built for people like me. I grew up in foster care, started my first business at ten, emancipated myself as a teenager, and navigated homelessness while putting myself through school. That experience taught me empathy as a survival skill—one that has since become my leadership superpower. Today, I lead with purpose and design for impact. I build award-winning teams, scale innovation in complex systems, and center emotional intelligence in everything I do. I believe innovation begins with empathy. I measure success not just by what I build, but by the opportunities I create for others to thrive.

The best advice I’ve received wasn’t spoken, it was modeled: “Don’t wait for permission to lead.” I learned early on that I wouldn’t always be invited into the room, so I focused on showing up with clarity, empathy, and a commitment to excellence. I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors who led with service, challenged assumptions, and lifted others up. That example shaped how I lead today—by solving real problems, building strong teams, and creating space for others to thrive. Leadership, I’ve learned, is a choice, not a promotion.

Learn the language of impact early. Design is powerful, and it becomes transformative when you connect it to business outcomes, user trust, and cultural change. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. And, when you get a seat at the table, make space for others.

We’re at a turning point in design and product: AI is reshaping what’s possible, and also raising urgent questions about ethics, equity, and trust. The biggest opportunity is to lead that transformation with intention—to design AI-powered systems that are not only powerful, but human-aware, transparent, and inclusive. The challenge... Many organizations treat design as surface-level or reactive, rather than a strategic partner in shaping AI, data, and product ecosystems. We need more user experience leaders at the decision-making table, bringing emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and user advocacy into the core of innovation.

Empathy, integrity, and impact. Empathy is foundational in business, design, product strategy, and in how I build relationships. I lead with curiosity and care, aiming to understand before being understood. Integrity is a non-negotiable: I believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s hard or unseen. And, I center impact, constantly asking, "Who does this serve, and how can we make it better?" In my personal life, these values manifest in how I show up for my community, my chosen family, and the people I am fortunate to mentor. I believe in building the kind of safety and support I once needed. Whether I’m designing AI platforms or training for a multi-island swim marathon in Fiji, I lead with honesty, intention, and heart.