Michelle Eichner
VP, Product Marketing, Appfire
đź“ŤPhoenix, Arizona, United States
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
Leaders today need strategic clarity, adaptability, and courage. Markets are evolving quickly. AI, platform shifts, and customer expectations continue to change at a rapid and uncertain pace, so leaders must make decisions with imperfect information while staying grounded in long-term vision. Empathy is equally critical. High performance comes from trust, and trust comes from listening, transparency, and consistency.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
I believe leadership should be deliberate — with clear priorities, clear expectations, and clear accountability. Intentional leadership creates focus in fast-moving environments. It also ensures that decisions align with long-term strategy rather than short-term noise. When teams understand the “why,” they execute with confidence and ownership.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
Pledge 1% reinforces a culture of responsibility and contribution. It signals that impact extends beyond revenue, and that Appfire measures success not only by growth, but also by how we invest in our communities. Programs like this create alignment around shared values, which strengthens internal culture. When employees see leadership committing time, product, and resources to meaningful causes, it builds pride and purpose into the workplace.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
First, move beyond symbolic support to structural commitment. That means equitable access to stretch roles, sponsorship not just mentorship, transparent promotion criteria, and compensation equity. Second, normalize diverse leadership styles. There is no single “executive presence.” Organizations should reward outcomes, strategic thinking, and impact, not conformity to legacy leadership models. Finally, create visible pathways. Representation matters. When women see leaders who look like them operating at the highest levels, ambition feels attainable rather than aspirational.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Trust your instincts sooner. You don’t need to have every credential or title before you speak up. Ask the harder questions. Take the stretch opportunity. Build relationships early; they compound. And remember: leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about taking responsibility for outcomes.
