At Zayo, Women’s History Month is more than a moment on the calendar — it’s a chance to celebrate the women shaping our company, driving innovation, and inspiring those around them every day. This month, we’re highlighting several female leaders at Zayo who shared their personal experiences balancing career and personal life, and advice for the next generation of women leaders in tech and telecom.
Finding Balance in an Always-On World
For many women in leadership, balance isn’t about a perfect formula — it’s about intention and presence. Lynn Daniel, Director of Data Governance & Reporting at Zayo, keeps it simple but powerful: “Always be fully present where you are. When you’re home — be home; when you’re working — be working.”
Jennifer Brush, Head of Customer Success for Enterprise & Channel, relies on structure and discipline. “Identify key priorities and focus on the tasks that make the biggest impact,” she shares. “I’m a huge believer in color-coding my calendar and using time-blocking. It helps me stay productive while making room for breaks. Delegation is also key — not just to manage workload but to help develop your team. And above all, don’t neglect self-care; regular exercise, healthy eating, and sleep are essential.”
Be intentional and prioritize what truly matters.
Dee Hall, Head of Corporate Marketing, echoes this sentiment with a reminder to prioritize what matters most. “Be intentional and prioritize what truly matters. Schedule ‘me-time’ in your calendar and honor it. Celebrate small wins, and when things aren’t perfect, be gentle with yourself,” she shares.
For Cindy Charles, Vice President of Data Engineering & Architecture, one solution is to let go of the notion that we have to do everything ourselves. “Outsource the busy work!” she advises. “Spend your personal time with the ones you love instead of trying to catch up on chores. And when it comes to work, set boundaries — find a schedule that works for you, and set clear expectations. It takes trial and error, but it’s worth it.”
There’s no way to ‘have it all,’ but prioritizing physical and mental health has been crucial.
For Amanda Shear, VP of Enterprise Sales and mom of two young children, balance starts with wellness and gratitude: “There’s no way to ‘have it all,’ but prioritizing physical and mental health has been crucial. I get up early to exercise and reflect before getting my kids ready for the day. At work, I strive to execute above and beyond, but I’ve also learned to set boundaries around family time. I’m grateful for my support system — my husband, mom, and in-laws — who make it easier for me to travel and focus, knowing my girls are cared for.”
Others are still figuring out what balance looks like. “Honestly, I’m still working on it,” admits Tory Bauman, Vice President of FP&A. “I love the challenges of my role, but burnout is real. What helps is being intentional with my time — small boundaries like tech-free time with my husband or making sure I fit in a workout. Balance isn’t equal time on everything every day. It’s about being present in the moments that matter.”
For some, flexibility is key. Kathy Kirchner, Senior Vice President of Service Assurance, says, “I tend to think more in terms of integration than balance. Conflicts happen, but when I can, I flex my hours so I can meet personal commitments during the day and complete work after hours.”
And for new parents, the challenge is even more personal. Marla Schilling, Senior Manager of Brand & Content Strategy, recently returned from maternity leave and is candid about the juggling act. “Balancing a career with two young children is no small feat,” she says. “I’ve learned to embrace imperfection — some days, work needs more of me, and other days, my family does. What matters most is being fully present. I’ve stopped multitasking during family time, leave my phone in another room, and set boundaries with my team so evenings are for my family. I’m also learning to ask for help and reminding myself that taking care of me — whether it’s a quiet coffee or a run outside — makes me better at everything else.”
Advice for Women Aspiring to Lead
When asked what advice they would give to women aspiring to leadership in tech and telecom, these Zayo leaders shared thoughtful, practical guidance rooted in their own journeys.
Lynn Daniel encourages curiosity: “Talk with people, ask questions, and don’t be afraid of not knowing things. Keep being curious.”
Speak up, share your ideas, and embrace your unique perspective.
Jennifer Brush encourages women to embrace confidence and seek mentorship: “Speak up, share your ideas, and embrace your unique perspective. Build relationships inside and outside your organization, and connect with communities of women in tech. Find mentors for guidance and sponsors who will advocate for your growth. And lead with empathy — it fosters inclusive, positive teams. Don’t shy away from risks; stepping out of your comfort zone is where real growth happens.”
Dee Hall emphasizes confidence and connection. “Own your brilliance. Surround yourself with a strong team, build your network, create your own board of directors, and lead boldly. Your unique perspective is a game-changer.”
Cindy Charles agrees that curiosity opens doors and adds, “If you find a good leader — someone who coaches and teaches respectfully but directly — follow them. They often become great sponsors. And get out of your own way. When imposter syndrome sneaks in, remind yourself of your accomplishments and quiet that negative inner monologue.”
Amanda Shear adds that resilience and authenticity are essential: “To succeed, you need to develop resilience and learn to overcome your inner saboteurs. Be authentic in your role, navigate complex situations with empathy, and maintain a positive, proactive mindset. Negativity is contagious — but so is optimism.”
For Tory Bauman, self-advocacy is essential. “Be relentless in advocating for yourself. Hard work matters, but speaking up matters just as much. Raise your hand for opportunities, share your perspective, and seek out mentors who will challenge and support you. Growth comes from stepping up before you feel 100% ready.”
Kathy Kirchner encourages women to stay open-minded. “Be open to roles and opportunities that might not align perfectly with your degree or original plan. Leadership skills — critical thinking, collaboration, relationship building — are transferable.”
Prioritize continuous learning. This industry evolves quickly, and so should you.
And finally, Marla Schilling highlights the importance of constant growth and lifting others as you climb. “Prioritize continuous learning. This industry evolves quickly, and so should you. And as you advance, mentor other women. Diverse voices are essential for innovation in telecom. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your point of view — it matters.”
Looking Ahead
The wisdom shared by these Zayo executives reminds us that leadership is not about perfection — it’s about presence, curiosity, and courage. By sharing their stories, we celebrate the women who continue to shape not only Zayo but the tech and telecom industries as a whole.
At Zayo, we are proud to support and learn from these leaders — this month and every month.