On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, former tech-CEO-turned-executive-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Marina St. Cyr, Senior Vice President and operational powerhouse with over 20 years of experience scaling companies, leading cross-functional teams, and orchestrating $100M+ transformations. But Marina’s biggest pivot wasn’t strategic—it was internal. From doubting her worth in high-stakes M&A to commanding a room full of execs with nothing but her instincts and a cell phone, Marina reveals how she stopped waiting for permission, started trusting her voice, and built the seat she knew she deserved.

Challenge →
Walking into her first major M&A deal, Marina was riddled with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the fear of being “found out.” The pressure was real—lives were about to change, and she was unsure she belonged in the room.

Adaptation →
When the takeover tech failed, Marina didn’t flinch—she took command, coordinated the rollout herself, and silenced the inner critic with one simple directive: just go. From that moment on, micro-actions became her operating system, and doubt lost its grip.

Success →
Now a strategic advisor and senior executive, Marina leads with unshakable clarity and grounded authority. She's stopped hoping for recognition—and instead asks, earns, and builds what she wants. Her influence spans M&A, supply chain, legal, HR, and more—all driven by a relentless belief in her power to act, even scared.

🔥 60-Second Hot Seat:
Marina’s go-to ritual before a tough meeting? A direct self-pep talk: “You’ve got this. There’s no one better for this moment than you.” Her biggest retired belief? That she had to agree with the most powerful voice in the room. Now, she brings her full self, knowing that presence alone is power—and disagreement is a contribution, not a risk.

If you’re still waiting to be invited in, Marina’s message is clear: stop waiting, start building. The seat you’re waiting for might be the one you’re meant to create.

📘 Power Without Permission
Marina is a co-author in Power Without Permission. Get your copy at leadersadapt.com/book and join the community of women building unapologetic leadership from the inside out.

Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs.

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson