In her opening lightning talk at Co-Lab, Marissa Dulaney (Consultant and Advisor at Experience, MD) lays out a clear and energizing case for why embracing an executive mindset isn’t reserved for those with a C-suite title.

Drawing from 12 years of experience working in and alongside executive leadership, Marissa speaks directly to researchers, designers, and product thinkers at every level, urging them to step into leadership by identifying gaps, making bold decisions, and following through with action. Her talk is both empowering and pragmatic, reminding us that leadership isn't granted—it's claimed through clarity, ownership, and execution.

To drive her message home, Marissa introduces three speakers who model this mindset in action—from changing research operations at scale to investing time more intentionally.

She encourages the audience to look beyond the surface of each story and listen for the underlying behaviors: spotting opportunities, taking initiative, and delivering results. Whether you're climbing the ladder or anchoring a team, Marissa’s call to “embrace your inner executive” is a rallying cry to lead from wherever you are.

Watch the other Unlocking Decisions, Embracing Executiveness sessions:

• Research in Command: Matching Tempo to Unlock Decisions with Danielle Shoshani
• Decision Making is an Organizational Superpower with Megan Blocker
• The Balance Blueprint: Save, Reinvest, and Reinvent Your Time with Christelle Ngnoumen