Woman of the Week – Lynn Swenson - Pegasystems
In this week’s Woman of the Week conversation, we celebrate Lynn Swenson, Senior Director of Global Alliances at Pegasystems — a leader whose career journey proves that the most powerful paths are often the unexpected ones.
Born and raised in the Fargo–Moorhead area, Lynn built a thriving 30-year career in tech without ever leaving her midwestern roots. But her story begins far from the world of government programs and global alliances: with a degree in fashion merchandising and an early role as a buyer in New York. When she realized the career she trained for wasn’t the one she wanted, Lynn took a bold leap into the unknown — saying yes to a job in computer sales despite having no technical background and no desire to sell anything. That choice, made outside her comfort zone, ultimately transformed her life.
In her conversation with community leader Jacquie Rives, Lynn opens up about navigating uncertainty, embracing change, and building confidence not by having all the answers, but by surrounding herself with the right people. She shares how understanding her strengths, leveraging her network, and trusting her team allowed her not only to grow but to lead with conviction.
Lynn also reflects on her unexpected transition into leadership at Pega. Originally intent on remaining an individual contributor, she found herself stepping up because she saw opportunities to improve, expand, and champion ideas she believed in. Leadership, she says, became the natural outcome of her desire to make meaningful impact — and of her deep respect for a team she describes as “the best of her career.”
Her driving force today? Helping her team grow into strong leaders themselves, challenging one another, and creating an environment where everyone succeeds together.
Lynn’s journey is a reminder that careers don’t have to be linear to be extraordinary — sometimes the bravest thing we can do is say yes before we feel fully ready.
Join us in celebrating Lynn Swenson as this week’s Woman of the Week!