International Women's Month: Featuring Heather Harrington - CEO of Level Up Digital

March is a time for reflection, celebration, and recognition of the remarkable contributions of women around the world. As we honor International Women’s Month, it’s only fitting to spotlight a leader who embodies resilience, innovation, and empowerment—our very own leader and CEO, Heather Harrington of LevelUp Digital.

A Woman-Owned Digital Agency Breaking Barriers

LevelUp Digital is a 100% woman-owned agency, built on the foundation of innovation, strategic growth, and a deep commitment to helping businesses succeed in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

I sat down with Heather to talk about her journey, the challenges of leading a business, and the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of women leaders.

Q&A with Heather Harrington: Leadership, Challenges, and Mentorship

Q: Heather, what inspired you to start LevelUp Digital?

Heather: You know, I’ve always loved problem-solving and helping businesses grow. Early in my career, I kept seeing the same issue—companies struggling to navigate the digital world without a clear strategy. I thought, “There has to be a better way.” So, I built LevelUp Digital.

I didn’t just want to create another agency—I wanted to build a team that genuinely cares about our clients’ success. It’s not just about running ads or following trends; it’s about helping businesses scale in a way that’s sustainable and strategic. That’s what drives me every day.

Q: Leading a company as a woman in a competitive industry must come with challenges. What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned?

Heather: Oh, absolutely. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of confidence—learning to trust yourself and your decisions. There have been times when I’ve walked into a room and felt like I had to prove myself more than others. But I realized pretty quickly that, at the end of the day, results speak for themselves.

Another key lesson? No one has all the answers. There’s this perception that leaders always know exactly what they’re doing, but the truth is, we’re all figuring it out as we go. The key is to surround yourself with the right people—your team, your mentors, your peers. That support system makes all the difference.

Q: Mentorship plays a huge role in professional growth. How has mentorship influenced your journey, and how do you pay it forward?

Heather: Mentorship has been a huge part of my journey. I’ve been lucky to have incredible mentors who challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me see my own potential... Danny and Lisa, I'm looking at you! ...Sometimes, all it takes is one (or two) people believing in you to give you the confidence to take the next step.

Now, I try to do the same for others. Whether it’s through coaching, speaking, client interactions, or just being available for a conversation, I want to create opportunities for the next generation of women in business. No one has to have it all figured out on day one, and I want more women to know that growth happens in the moments when you push yourself beyond what feels comfortable.

Q: What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles?

Heather: Stop waiting for the perfect moment—it doesn’t exist. So many times, women feel like they need to meet every qualification before they go for a leadership role or launch a business. But the reality is, no one is ever 100% ready. The key is to step up anyway.

If you want a seat at the table, take it. And if there’s no chair? Build your own table. Surround yourself with people who push you forward, not hold you back. And most importantly, trust yourself—even when it feels uncomfortable. Growth happens when you take that leap.

Q: As we celebrate International Women’s Month, what message do you have for women in business and leadership?

Heather: Take a moment to recognize how far you’ve come. We’re often so focused on the next goal that we forget to celebrate the progress we’ve made. Success isn’t just about big milestones—it’s also in the small wins, the tough decisions, and the moments when you kept going despite challenges.

And most importantly, support other women. Champion them, mentor them, uplift them. We all rise together, and when we create space for more women to lead, we all win.

EMPOWERING THE FUTURE OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Heather’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Her story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to take the next step, even when the path isn’t clear. As we celebrate International Women’s Month, let’s continue to lift each other up, break barriers, and create new opportunities for the next generation of women in business. The future is bright, and together, we are unstoppable.