Bridgette Link
SVP
Finance Solutions & Technology
Johnson & Johnson
Leading the Charge: The Innovator's League
As a leader, I believe in empowering my team to think creatively and embrace innovation in everything we do. The finance and technology sector is a fast-paced and ever-changing industry, where the merging of finance and technology drives efficiency, innovation, and global growth. From digital banking solutions to algorithmic trading platforms, this industry plays a crucial role in transforming the global economy and revolutionizing traditional financial practices.
Professionals in this field are leading the charge in technological advancements, challenging conventional business models, and driving significant change. One such trailblazer is Bridgette Link, a well-respected figure in this space. As Senior Vice President of Finance Solutions and Technology at a major global company, Bridgette has become known for her leadership, strategic insight, and innovative approach. With a solid foundation in finance and a passion for leveraging technology to fuel business success, Bridgette leads her team in creating cutting-edge solutions that streamline financial operations, boost efficiency, and support strategic growth. She is widely recognized for her strategic vision and commitment to delivering results, consistently driving positive change within her organization.
Bridgette Link: Leading Finance and Technology at Johnson & Johnson
Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Finance Solutions and Technology at Johnson & Johnson, Bridgette’s passion for finance was ignited in high school, where she became captivated by both finance and accounting systems. She pursued her interest in college by majoring in accounting while taking IT courses to broaden her skill set.
Beginning her career as a Financial Accountant, Bridgette has since held a variety of roles involving financial reporting, analytics, acquisitions, divestitures, forecasting, planning, tax, and transformational activities. As a divisional CFO, she has led large-scale ERP system transformations and played a key role in implementing emerging technologies, including machine learning, blockchain, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence. Early on, Bridgette benefited from mentorship and sponsorship from senior leaders, who provided her with the training and opportunities necessary for professional growth.
Throughout her career, Bridgette has gained experience with various financial systems, starting with Oracle ERP and later transitioning to SAP. She realized that the underlying principles of ERP systems are adaptable across platforms such as Oracle, SAP, and JDE. Rather than getting caught up in technical specifics, she focused on mastering fundamental concepts that could be applied to a wide range of professional settings. Her ability to adapt and continuously learn has been central to her success in navigating the complex world of finance and technology, allowing her to lead transformative initiatives in an evolving industry.
From Humble Beginnings to Leadership at Johnson & Johnson
Bridgette’s upbringing in a modest environment, with supportive parents who instilled values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance, has been a cornerstone of her leadership approach. These values have guided her career, now as a Senior Vice President at Johnson & Johnson, where she is drawn to companies that prioritize patient care and have a clear mission to make a positive impact. Bridgette respects leaders who embody Johnson & Johnson’s credo through their actions, aligning their teams with the company’s vision.
As a leader, Bridgette values individuals who are passionate about their work and open to embracing change. She admires those who tackle complex challenges head-on and question established norms. Inspired by visionary leadership, Bridgette believes in cultivating talent, planning for the future while focusing on the present, and maximizing the potential of her team. Her journey from humble beginnings to a leadership role at one of the world’s most respected companies demonstrates the power of determination, hard work, and the desire to make a difference.
Empowering the Next Generation: Bridgette’s Legacy
Bridgette’s inspiration comes from her mother, a woman who taught her the values of honesty, integrity, and dedication. These lessons have shaped Bridgette’s approach to her career and her passion for mentorship. She is committed to sharing her journey with the next generation, hoping to inspire others to pursue their dreams and goals.
Her commitment to mentorship reflects her belief that by helping others, we can create a better future. By sharing her experiences, Bridgette hopes to empower young professionals to overcome challenges and achieve success. She encourages others to believe in themselves and work towards their goals with dedication and purpose.
Diversity, Equity, and Mentorship: Bridgette’s Perspective
Bridgette understands that the professional landscape can be especially challenging for women, particularly women of color. She believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to personal and professional growth. Having colleagues and mentors from diverse backgrounds and skill sets enriches the workplace and contributes to overall success.
Despite being the only woman of color in many professional settings, Bridgette never doubted her abilities or her place at the table. Through hard work and perseverance, she consistently delivered high-quality results, earning the respect of her peers. While progress has been made toward greater gender and racial equity in the workplace, Bridgette hopes to see accelerated change in the coming years.
As a mentor, Bridgette is dedicated to supporting young women as they enter the workforce, offering guidance and a support system to help them navigate challenges. She also acts as a trusted peer to more experienced professionals, sharing her insights and expertise to help them grow in their careers.
Bridgette’s commitment to diversity and equity underscores her desire to create inclusive work environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. She believes that by advocating for equal opportunities, we can create a more just and equitable world.
Envisioning, Strategizing, and Leading: Bridgette’s Strengths
One of Bridgette’s greatest strengths as a leader is her ability to envision the future, create strategic plans, and execute them effectively. With a strong understanding of both finance and technology, she seamlessly integrates the two fields, balancing attention to detail with a big-picture perspective. This skill allows her to see beyond immediate concerns and position her team for long-term success.
For Bridgette, forming partnerships is key to leadership success. She builds trust, fosters relationships, and creates productive collaborations. She also acknowledges that obstacles may arise and approaches them as opportunities to reassess and adjust her strategies as needed.
Her emotional intelligence and ability to “read the room” make her a highly effective leader. She understands the needs of her team and adapts her approach accordingly. These qualities have made her an invaluable asset to Johnson & Johnson, where her leadership is characterized by empathy, adaptability, and a deep awareness of interpersonal dynamics.
Confidence, Resilience, and Success for Women
Bridgette places a strong emphasis on the importance of confidence for women’s success. She believes that women should recognize the value of their voice and understand their worth. Bridgette encourages women to take risks, ask questions, and overcome self-doubt. She also emphasizes the importance of resilience, urging women to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
According to Bridgette, setbacks should not be viewed as failures but as chances to gain new insights and grow. She advises women to approach each challenge with a positive attitude, confident that they can find success through perseverance and a willingness to learn.
Advice for the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Bridgette offers valuable advice to the next generation of women leaders, emphasizing that they should embrace the wealth of opportunities available to them. She encourages them to discover their strengths, take risks, and be resilient in the face of adversity.
Self-advocacy is crucial, and Bridgette urges women to confidently assert their needs and opinions, regardless of labels or perceptions. She advises women to seek out mentors and sponsors from diverse backgrounds, as these relationships provide crucial support and guidance. At the same time, Bridgette encourages women to mentor others, fostering a culture of mutual support and empowerment.
In moments of career setbacks, Bridgette advises her teams to focus on the lessons learned and new opportunities that arise from these experiences. By approaching challenges with optimism and a willingness to explore new paths, they can achieve personal and professional growth.
Bridgette Link is a leader who combines a strong foundation in finance with a passion for technology, driving innovation and transformation within her organization. Her leadership style, which emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, and mentorship, has made her a respected figure in the finance and technology sectors. Bridgette’s journey from humble beginnings to a top leadership role at Johnson & Johnson exemplifies the power of perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to making a difference.
As a mentor, Bridgette is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders, particularly women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her story is a testament to the importance of confidence, resilience, and the ability to adapt in an ever-changing world. Through her leadership and mentorship, Bridgette is helping to shape a more inclusive and innovative future for the finance and technology industry.