May 12, 2025 |

In this edition of our Leading with Purpose series, we’re honored to feature Victoria O’Brien, Senior Manager of Solution Engineering at Salesforce. A dynamic leader and passionate mentor, Victoria shares how she brings heart, strategy, and authenticity to every role she steps into—from guiding high-performing teams to championing the next generation of women leaders. Her story is one of intention, impact, and inspired leadership—shaped by strong role models, service-oriented values, and an unwavering belief in the power of purpose.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your journey as a leader?

For me, it wasn’t a single moment — it was a mindset. Early in my career, I knew I wanted to be a leader. I was deeply inspired by the executives I worked with who could mobilize teams and organizations to achieve exceptional results — not just through strategy, but through creativity, digital transformation, and a genuine sense of fun. I aspired to be that kind of leader.

A mentor once told me, “Do the job today that you want tomorrow.” That advice stuck with me. While I focused on excelling in my individual contributor roles, I also looked for opportunities to grow my leadership skills in parallel — so when the time came, I could confidently say I was already leading, even without the title.

I served as Vice President of an equality resource group, where I helped lead initiatives that connected and elevated women in Solution Engineering. I volunteered as a Career Advisor to coach individuals transitioning into Pre-Sales roles. I spoke at industry conferences to sharpen my communication skills, and I’m currently pursuing my MBA to continue stretching my leadership potential and learning from experts across industries.

These experiences taught me that you don’t need a title to lead. If you lead with intention, humility, and care — people will follow. Leadership is about influence, service, and consistency, not just position. Embracing that mindset early on laid the foundation for how I strive to lead every day — with purpose, empathy, and a commitment to growth.

What inspired you to pursue the work you do today?

My greatest inspiration has always been my mom. She raised six children, and instead of immediately returning to the workforce, she made the selfless decision to dedicate over a decade of her life to raising my siblings and me. During that time, she instilled in us the idea of becoming “renaissance people” — individuals with a deep curiosity and an insatiable hunger for learning, growth, and excellence.

When my youngest sibling finished middle school, my mom reentered the workforce as an administrator at a financial firm. With little background in the industry, but armed with that same renaissance mindset, she dove headfirst into learning everything she could. Years later, she shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the firm’s first female Partner.

Watching her chart her path taught me that a woman can be both the CEO of the household and the CEO of the boardroom. She unlocked in me a deep drive for excellence and the belief that the world is my oyster — that with enough grit, curiosity, and care, anything is possible.

Today, that journey has led me to a career in technology, where I have the privilege of leading and coaching a national team of rockstar Solution Engineers. It’s a space where I get to be creative, solve complex challenges, help companies surpass their goals, and reimagine the future of retail and consumer goods through innovation. My mother showed me what’s possible, and now I strive to carry her spirit of determination and reinvention into everything I do.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders?

There is more than enough room at the table for everyone. Leadership isn’t about scarcity — it’s about abundance. Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In taught us to take our seat at the table, but once you're there, make room for others, too. True leadership is about lifting as you climb.

I’m constantly reminded of the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Strength is found in numbers, in diverse perspectives, in the willingness to do things differently — and in building community. The most powerful leaders I know don’t lead solo; they lead with others.

It’s also important to pay forward the blessings you’ve received. When you extend a hand to the next person, you create a cycle of gratitude, generosity, and growth. Be remembered not just for what you said, but for what you did. A kind word, a smile, a hug — these small moments can change someone’s life in ways you may never know.

Be curious. Stay open. Don’t keep your gifts to yourself — share your talents, your voice, your time. The world needs all of it, and others need to see what’s possible through you.

How do you define impact in your work and leadership?

I define impact by the amount of purpose and meaning people find in their work. When individuals feel deeply connected to why they do what they do, that’s where real transformation begins — both personally and collectively. My leadership centers on maximizing human flourishing and potential, which means creating environments where people can thrive, grow, and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Daniel Coyle’s The Culture Code deeply resonates with me — successful and impactful teams are built on shared purpose. When purpose is clearly established and authentically lived out, people shift from a job mindset to a mission mindset. That’s when magic happens. I strive to lead in a way that helps others tap into that mission, so their day-to-day work feels not just productive, but meaningful.

Why do you believe supporting organizations like Delivering Good is important?

Nelson Mandela once said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” That quote captures the heart of why I believe supporting organizations like Delivering Good is so important.

My belief is grounded in a simple but powerful principle: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. At the end of the day, the role of humanity is to care for one another — to show up, to extend grace, and to use what we have to serve others.

Our calling in life is bigger than ourselves. Delivering Good reminds us that giving back is not just a nice-to-do — it’s a responsibility. It’s a chance to be part of a network that empowers change, creates access, and delivers meaningful support to those facing poverty or tragedy.

Delivering Good is an exceptional organization — a catalyst and change agent for good. It’s an honor to be part of the Women of Impact Summit and to stand alongside women who are leading with compassion, purpose, and bold action.

What excites you most about participating in this year’s Women of Impact Summit?

I’m especially excited about this year’s focus on uplifting the next generation of leaders — equipping them with the insights, networks, and tools they need to step confidently into roles where they can drive meaningful impact. The opportunity to explore how we can collectively create lasting change with purpose and intention is incredibly inspiring.

I believe investing in the next generation is one of the most impactful commitments we can make as leaders. Multigenerational representation in leadership and across every industry is essential to driving innovation, relevance, and long-term success. When we celebrate different perspectives and ways of thinking, we create more dynamic and resilient teams.

It’s also a true privilege to learn from the other women speaking at the summit. Gaining insight into their leadership philosophies and approaches is an invaluable opportunity. As leaders, we recognize that our greatest asset is our people. I’m excited to be in dialogue with others who are committed to putting humanity at the heart of leadership — and who are passionate about cultivating the next generation of leaders with empathy, courage, and vision.

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Victoria will join us as a speaker at Delivering Good’s Women of Impact Summit on June 4, where she and other changemakers will explore what it means to lead with compassion and courage in today’s world. Don’t miss this incredible gathering—get your tickets today!