Eleonora Guagnino, Head of Customer Experience and Growth at RemoFirst, stepped into leadership by showing up as herself, and proving that empathy and data-driven strategy are not mutually exclusive.

Asked to lead a major customer success transformation across countries, she leaned into collaboration, clarity, and cultural intelligence, and the results followed. But more than metrics, it was the mindset shift that changed everything.

Her advice? Raise your hand before you feel ready. Build your network early. And know your leadership style is your superpower, not a shortcoming.

Her mantra? Protect your energy. Embrace flexibility. And remember, when one woman rises, the door opens wider for everyone.

Read more from Eleonora here…

‍

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

For me, it was when I was asked to lead a massive customer success transformation across multiple countries during a time of big organizational change. I was one of the few women in senior leadership at the time, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel the pressure to prove myself, not just as a leader, but as someone who could bring a different perspective to the table.

I leaned into what I know works: listening, collaborating across cultures, and using data to guide smart decisions. We ended up hitting double-digit gains in both customer satisfaction and retention, but the real win for me was the shift in mindset.

I realized leadership doesn’t mean trying to fit into someone else’s mold, it’s about showing up as yourself, trusting your instincts, and delivering results in your own way.

That experience gave me the confidence to take bigger risks, advocate for myself, and make it a priority to mentor other women so they can step into leadership feeling supported and ready.

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

Absolutely. Early in my career, I often found myself as one of the only women in the room, and I sometimes felt like I had to work twice as hard. There were also moments when my style - collaborative, people-focused, and data-driven - wasn’t immediately recognized as “strong leadership” because it didn’t fit the traditional mold.

Over time, I learned that those differences were actually my superpower.

Leading with empathy and building trust across cultures not only drove better results but also helped me build teams that wanted to stick around and grow with me.

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

Don’t wait until you feel “ready” to take on a big role or challenge. You’ll never feel 100% ready, and that’s okay. Raise your hand, even if you’re figuring it out as you go.

Build your network early, find mentors (both women and men), and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

"Your perspective is valuable. Bring it into every conversation, even if you’re the newest or youngest person at the table."

And remember: your perspective is valuable. Bring it into every conversation, even if you’re the newest or youngest person at the table.

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

I would make flexible work the default, not the exception.

So many talented women are forced out of the workforce or passed over for leadership roles because their lives don’t fit neatly into a 9-to-5 office schedule.

Flexibility levels the playing field by letting people perform at their best without having to choose between their career and their personal responsibilities.

What compelled you to attend a Panelle event?

I was drawn to Panelle because they create spaces where women leaders can connect in a way that’s real, not transactional.

I loved the idea of meaningful conversations that lead to lasting relationships, rather than quick introductions that go nowhere.

For me, it was also about being part of a community that celebrates leadership in all its forms, and where diversity of thought and experience is front and center.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Stop thinking you need to have it all figured out right away. Your career will take twists and turns you can’t predict, and that’s a good thing.

Trust the process, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take paths that feel unconventional, as they often lead to the most rewarding places.

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

Set boundaries early and protect them fiercely. For me, that means being intentional about when I’m “on” and when I’m unplugged. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make time for the things that recharge you, whether that’s exercise, travel, or just quiet time with family.

And remember, rest is not a reward you earn after working hard - it’s a necessity if you want to keep performing at your best.

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

Because when one woman succeeds, it creates more space for others to do the same.

We’ve all faced moments when someone opened a door for us or gave us the confidence to take the next step and it’s our responsibility to pay that forward.

"Supporting each other isn’t just about kindness; it’s a smart strategy..."

Supporting each other isn’t just about kindness; it’s a smart strategy for building stronger teams, better companies, and a more equitable world.

Finally, please put the spotlight on another woman in business who either inspires you or has pulled out the seat for you.

I don’t have just one woman to spotlight because I truly believe it takes a village, and I’ve been fortunate to have one.

At RemoFirst, colleagues like Masha Sutherlin, Angelica Krauss and Amanda Friedl made me feel supported from day one.

Earlier in my career, champions like Jodi Lynch, Flavia Colombo, Murie Medranol, and Marjorie Abdelkrime advocated for customer success initiatives and sponsored my ideas in rooms where I didn’t yet have a voice.

I’ve also been shaped by meaningful conversations with incredible coaches like Elaine Mc Auley, Deirdre McGinn, and Arsenia Corcoba Santamaria,  who gave me the confidence to transition from management to leadership and then from corporate to start-ups, often as the only woman and the only non-native English speaker in the room.

Leaders like Amanda Greene that not only believed in me, but continued to mentor me well beyond our time working together.

I’m also inspired by visionary thought leaders like Daisy Auger-Domínguez, whose work on designing inclusive, resilient organizations has helped redefine modern leadership, and Ana Vásquez Maya, whose expertise in behavioral economics and global people strategies continues to shape how we think about talent and growth.

Some of the women I’ve collaborated and worked with, Florencia Saluzzo, Lauren Spatz, Inna Dietz, Diana Perdomo, Kim Bayma, Sue Taylor, Sinead Smith, Marie Bosseur, remind me that inspiration is a two-way street. Our conversations, even years later, continue to fuel my growth.

So the spotlight, for me, isn’t on a single person. It’s in the village of women who have pulled out chairs, opened doors, and walked this journey with me.

And I would be remiss not to mention the male allies who have amplified my voice when it mattered most.

‍

‍