Meet Marva Bailer

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marva Bailer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marva , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I have always been drawn to action and opportunity, not hesitation. From launching entrepreneurial ventures at a young age to managing a health club at 17 and being the only woman in a band, I stepped into roles with curiosity, determination, and the mindset that I belonged. Each experience reinforced that confidence comes from preparation, adaptability, and showing up ready to contribute.

Alongside Teen Beat and Seventeen, I read newspapers and business success magazines, fascinated by leadership and success. I learned by observing, listening, and mimicking those who thrived. I assumed leadership naturally, trusted my instincts, and built confidence through experience.

My mother was a rising leader in her profession while raising my brother and me as a single mother. Her drive and resilience shaped my own ambitions. By fifteen, I was determined to create my own financial independence. I started working at fourteen, set clear goals, and never looked back.

Imposter syndrome is real. It is a moment in time that passes when instincts take over. Confidence comes from embracing your unique gifts, trusting your abilities, and recognizing the value you bring.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My career has been shaped by the freedom to grow beyond traditional paths, embracing the lattice rather than the ladder. The ability to combine passion and purpose has been a defining theme, allowing me to make an impact at the intersection of technology, business, and leadership. In the past year alone, I had the privilege of attending a NASDAQ bell-ringing ceremony on the trading floor, delivered a TEDx talk, became a best-selling author, and was recognized as a Success Magazine Woman of Influence. These milestones are part of a larger journey focused on continuous evolution and contribution.

With deep expertise in revenue growth, data, and digital transformation, I have leveraged my business acumen to bridge technology and culture, translating insights for multigenerational and cross-functional audiences. Writing and contributing have always drawn me to the idea of the great societies of the 1800s where fashion, debate, and literature intertwined to shape culture and progress. That dynamic exchange of ideas, where business and creativity fuel one another, inspires my work today. The rise of AI is reshaping industries, and I am focused on helping organizations navigate this shift while fostering innovation and adaptability.

Board governance is a key focus, applying my experience in corporate strategy, M&A, revenue growth, and leadership development to create lasting impact. As the average age of board directors reaches 58, which is where I stand today, the time is now to bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and a culture of agility to boardrooms. I have deep engagement in governance education and board leadership through organizations like Athena Alliance, The Private Directors Association, and OnBoard Inc., which focus on elevating diverse and forward-thinking board members. Completing the WHY Institute certification deepened my understanding of decision-making perspectives, strengthening my ability to align strategy with purpose and leadership effectiveness.

Lifelong learning has been a cornerstone of my career. Investing in continued education, from earning certifications in private company governance to completing Harvard Executive Education’s Competing in the Age of AI, allows me to stay ahead of emerging trends and apply fresh insights to leadership and decision-making.

At my core, I thrive at the intersection of strategy, technology, revenue growth, and leadership. Creating value, driving transformation, and ensuring that businesses and people alike reach their full potential.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey:

Curiosity and Continuous Learning – Research, reading, and practice have been foundational to my growth. Learning from every interaction, whether through books, industry trends, or observing successful people, provides a competitive advantage and keeps you adaptable in an evolving world.

Presence and Leadership by Action – Showing up matters. Being present, both mentally and physically, allows you to seize opportunities that others overlook. Assumed leadership has been a key part of my journey. Titles follow those who take responsibility, step in when needed, and elevate those around them.

Confidence and Presentation – First impressions count. Dressing for the role you want, making eye contact, and carrying yourself with confidence signal readiness and professionalism. A genuine smile and strong presence create trust and open doors.

Advice for those early in their journey:(or mentoring others)

Take initiative. Do not wait for permission or instruction. Step in, offer solutions, and take ownership of challenges. Leadership begins long before a title is given.
Be interested not just interesting. Ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and engage fully. Genuine curiosity builds strong connections and opens doors.
Offer value before it is expected. Anticipate needs, contribute ideas, and support others without waiting to be asked.
Practice relentlessly. The moments that seem effortless are backed by hours of preparation. A one-minute TV segment may require two hours of prep. A 14-minute TEDx talk can take over 80 hours of rehearsal. A ten-minute spot in a meeting or no time at all still requires preparation that may not be used immediately but will be invaluable when the right opportunity arises. Every bit of practice builds confidence and sharpens skills that will serve you long into the future.
Show up prepared and stay ready. The best opportunities come to those who are present, engaged, and consistently doing the work.
Nothing follows a straight path. Success is not a formula where doing X always leads to Y. Careers unfold with unexpected turns, pivots, and opportunities that may not fit a traditional roadmap. Be prepared to adapt, embrace change, and recognize that growth often comes from the unplanned moments. The lattice not the ladder builds a career with depth, resilience, and lasting impact.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My father’s first job outside of graduate school was as a librarian, and I spent much of my childhood at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. Built in 1886 with 32,000 volumes, its mission was to empower, enrich, and enhance the quality of life for all through equitable access to information, services, and opportunity. I now understand how deeply that environment shaped me. The library was more than a place to explore books. It was a hub of global knowledge, where I developed a thirst for research, discovery, and the belief that access to information is a right, not a privilege.

I took this passion for research into every role and industry I have worked in. Understanding markets, customers, and the communities they serve has been a guiding principle throughout my career. Long before information was readily available online, I spent hours reading books on dogs and fashion, exploring archives on the microfiche machine, and studying historical newspapers and documents. I became fascinated by the art of debating, not just for the exchange of questions and answers but for the power of verbal and nonverbal cues. The ability to think critically, analyze patterns, and communicate effectively took root in those early experiences.

When my parents divorced, I was raised by a single mother who balanced a rising career while managing our home. That experience shaped my independence and resilience. I cooked dinner, transported myself to work and activities, and paid for my own clothes. I put myself through college and bought an investment property at 24. Through all of this, I learned the importance of financial literacy, personal accountability, and the ability to navigate challenges with confidence.

The most profound lesson I learned from both of my parents is that everybody matters. My mother was a trailblazer in her field, serving as dean of the Dental Hygiene School at a major university and becoming the first woman to serve on the American Dental Association board after 71 years. Her impact extended far beyond her profession. At her funeral, the room was overflowing with students, colleagues, and friends whose lives she had touched. She and my father both passed at the age of 61, a reminder of the urgency to make an impact, lift others, and leave a legacy of knowledge and generosity.

Knowledge, transparency, and access create opportunities. The lessons I absorbed from both of my parents continue to influence how I approach leadership, business, and life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marvabailer.com
• Instagram: @marvabailer
• Facebook: @marvabailer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvabailer/
• Twitter: @marvabailer
• Youtube: @marvabailer