Diana Locke Brunelle, Chief People Officer at Snyk, sees her career as a journey shaped by mentorship and transformative experiences. Early on, strong women lifted her up, teaching her the power of support, which is something she now pays forward by championing future leaders.

Her biggest advice? Don’t let fear hold you back.

Say yes.

Seek mentors.

Put your own air mask on first.

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Here are more of Diana's pearls...

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What has been your career-defining moment as a woman in business?

Rather than a single defining moment, I see my career as a series of transformative experiences. One of the most impactful was the first third of my career, where I had the privilege of working with and learning from some incredible women.

"I quickly learned the true value of mentorship and the power of women supporting each other."

These women leaned in, mentored me, and gave me the opportunities to step into larger, more challenging roles. Their unwavering support accelerated my career, and I quickly learned the true value of mentorship and the power of women supporting each other.

Now, as Chief People Officer at Snyk, I’m dedicated to creating space for other women leaders and helping the next generation navigate their careers. Personally, this experience has reinforced the importance of paying it forward and empowering others.

Were there any obstacles you had to overcome as a woman in business?

While not an obstacle in the traditional sense, midway through my career, I had a business idea I was incredibly passionate about, but it couldn't be fully realized while working full-time. So, I took the leap and started my own HR consulting business.

"I trusted my vision and my ability to succeed."

The real challenge was overcoming the external doubts and questions I received, especially as a single mother of two. I heard well-meaning concerns about health benefits and how I would manage. But I refused to let fear dictate my path. I trusted my vision and my ability to succeed.

What advice would you give to a younger woman looking to join your industry?

My advice to younger women is simple: don’t let fear hold you back. Trust your instincts, believe in your vision, and approach every challenge with a 'yes' mindset.

If you could do one thing to accelerate the pace of change for gender equality, what would it be?

Though we’ve made significant progress, there’s still much work to be done. One area where we can accelerate change is ensuring equal opportunities for women in boardrooms, C-suites, and the entrepreneurial world. I also believe we must prioritize the reintegration of women returning to the workforce after taking time off for children.

"We can help increase female representation in leadership roles and ensure lasting change."

While parental leave benefits have improved, we need more focus on 'ramping back' women’s careers after significant time away. By supporting women during this transition, we can help increase female representation in leadership roles and ensure lasting change.

What compelled you to attend a Panelle event?

Snyk has a strong and ongoing relationship with Panelle, who are leading the charge in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. When I was invited to speak on the Panelle podcast, I was thrilled to contribute to a platform that shares these values and to be a part of the meaningful conversations happening there.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self to seek and embrace mentorship. It’s a critical part of growth and discovering new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to be open to guidance and remember that some of the most successful mentorships develop organically.

I would also advise against letting fear influence your decisions. In my twenties, I was offered the chance to join an aid mission to North Korea. Though I had some initial hesitation, I said yes, and it turned out to be a life-changing experience I’ll never regret.

What’s your go-to advice for preventing burnout?

Be clear on what brings you joy and prioritize it. It’s like Marie Kondo-ing your time, just like you would with your space. Only you can define your version of work-life balance. With remote work and flexible schedules, we now have more opportunities for balance, but it requires discipline.

"Put your own air mask on first."

When things get tough, I always remind people to ‘put your own air mask on first.’ You can’t be effective in any role if you're not taking care of yourself.

Why do you think it’s important for women to help other women win?

I think it is crucial for us to be on the same team and lift each other up. We are stronger together than as competitors. Looking back over time, we have continuously seen women’s collective power shatter barriers, from suffrage movements to ground-breaking scientific collaborations. By forming networks and amplifying each other's voices, we’ve created pathways where none existed before.

"Sisterhood continues to be essential in fostering a culture of empowerment."

Today, this 'sisterhood' continues to be essential in fostering a culture of empowerment. Women lifting women helps build confidence, fuels innovation, and ensures future generations inherit a world where their potential is limitless. I'm always amazed at the strength and creativity I find in being connected with women in the workplace and in life.

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