
SVP, Finance Solutions and Technology
Johnson & Johnson
The finance and technology industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector that combines the worlds of finance and technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. From digital banking solutions to algorithmic trading platforms, this industry plays a significant role in shaping the global economy and transforming traditional financial practices. With a focus on strengthening technological advancements to enhance financial services and operations, individuals in this field are at the forefront of driving change and disrupting traditional business models. Bridgette Link is a respected figure with in finance and technology, serving as the Senior Vice President of Finance Solutions and Technology at a leading global company. With a background in finance and a passion for leveraging technology to drive business success, she leads her team in developing and implementing innovative solutions to streamline financial processes, improve efficiency, and drive strategic growth initiatives. Known for her strategic vision, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence, Bridgette is recognized as a trailblazer in her field, consistently delivering results and driving positive change within her organization.
Bridgette Link: Navigating Finance and Technology
As the Senior Vice President of Finance Solutions and Technology at Johnson & Johnson, Bridgette Link traces her interest in finance back to high school. Fascinated by both Finance and Accounting systems, she pursued Accounting as her major in college, complemented by IT courses to broaden her understanding of the field.
Starting her career as a Financial Accountant, Bridgette has since handled various corporate accounting functions, including financial reporting, analytics, acquisitions, divestitures, forecasting, planning, tax, and transformational activities. As a divisional CFO, she successfully led the deployment of several large-scale ERP system transformations and played a pivotal role in implementing emerging technologies like machine learning, blockchain, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence solutions. Early in her career, she received valuable sponsorship, training, and development from senior leadership, providing her with opportunities to explore new areas, gain insights, and advance professionally.
Throughout her career, Bridgette gained exposure to different financial systems, starting with Oracle ERP and later SAP. She realized that the foundational principles of ERP systems are applicable across multiple platforms, such as Oracle, SAP, JDE, and others. Instead of focusing solely on technical details, she prioritized learning fundamental concepts that could be applied across various professional fields. Her journey exemplifies the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and a solid foundation in finance and technology. Her dedication to mastering core principles has enabled her to navigate complex challenges and lead transformative initiatives in the ever-evolving landscape of finance and technology.
From Humble Beginnings to Leadership at Johnson & Johnson
Raised by supportive parents who emphasized the importance of hard work, Bridgette learned to approach tasks with integrity, determination, perseverance, and accountability. Her upbringing in humble surroundings shaped her values and work ethic. These values continue to guide her as the Senior Vice President for Finance Solutions and Technology at Johnson & Johnson. Throughout her career, she has been drawn to large, complex companies with a clear vision and a commitment to making a positive impact, and those who prioritize patient care. She admires leaders who embody Johnson & Johnson’s values and guide their teams by example, living up to the J&J Credo through their actions.
As a leader, Bridgette values individuals who share her passion for their work and demonstrate a willingness to embrace change. She admires those who fearlessly tackle complex tasks and challenge established norms. Inspired by visionary leadership, Bridgette believes in nurturing talent, focusing on the present while planning for the future, and striving to maximize organizational potential. Her journey from modest beginnings to a leadership role at Johnson & Johnson exemplifies the power of diligence and a commitment to making a difference. Her story is an inspiration to others, showing that with determination and dedication, anything is possible.
Bridgette’s Journey to Empower the Next Generation
Bridgette finds inspiration in her mother, a strong and wise woman who instilled in her the values of honesty and hard work. Her mother’s guidance taught her the importance of integrity and the necessity of earning one’s achievements through dedication and perseverance. Driven by her upbringing, Bridgette is passionate about sharing her experiences with the next generation.
By sharing her career journey, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their goals. Her commitment to mentorship reflects her belief in the power of lifting others up and providing opportunities for growth. She believes that by giving back, we can create a brighter future for all. serve as a guiding light for both her personal and professional life. Through her actions and words, she inspires others to believe in themselves and strive for success.
Bridgette’s Perspective: Diversity, Equity, and Mentorship
Navigating the professional landscape can be challenging for women, particularly for women of color. Bridgette recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives in fostering personal growth and professional advancement. She believes that having sponsors and colleagues from varied backgrounds and skill levels enriches the workplace environment and contributes to overall success.
Throughout her career, Bridgette has encountered situations where she was the only woman of color at the table. Despite this, she never doubted her place or allowed it to hinder her performance. With determination and integrity, she consistently delivers high-quality work, regardless of the circumstances. While progress has been made in promoting awareness and equity for women, Bridgette hopes to see accelerated change in the coming years. As a mentor and supporter, she is committed to empowering young women entering the workforce. She provides guidance and a support system to help them navigate the challenges they may face.
Additionally, she is a trusted peer and colleague to more experienced professionals, offering her insights and expertise to support their career journey. Her perspective on diversity, equity, and mentorship highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. Through her actions and advocacy, she is working towards a future where women, especially women of color, are afforded equal opportunities for success in the workplace.
Envisioning, Strategizing, and Leading
Bridgette’s greatest asset lies in her ability to envision, strategize, and execute plans effectively. With a forward-looking mindset, she seamlessly integrates finance and accounting with systems, distinguishing herself in her field. Balancing attention to detail with a visionary approach, she adeptly sees the big picture while nurturing supporting details.
Partnership is paramount to success as a leader, and Bridgette excels in forming connections, building trust, and fostering productive working relationships. She approaches the path ahead with determination, acknowledging that potential obstacles may arise that provide opportunities to reassess and adjust course as needed. Her strong emotional intelligence, coupled with her ability to build connections and understand her team and surroundings, positions her as a leader at Johnson & Johnson. She possesses the skill to “read the room,” accurately gauging interest levels and comprehending the needs of her audience. Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, adaptability, and a keen awareness of interpersonal dynamics. Her strengths in envisioning, strategizing, and leading highlight her valuable contributions to Johnson & Johnson and underscore her effectiveness as a leader in her field.
Confidence, Resilience, and Success for Women
Bridgette emphasizes the importance of confidence for women’s success, urging them to recognize the value of their voice. Believing in oneself positively impacts personal and professional interactions. Bridgette encourages all women she mentors to overcome any negative mindset by asking questions and taking risks. According to her, resilience is crucial for women to achieve success. It is essential not to let setbacks hinder progress.
Instead, challenges should be viewed as opportunities for growth and to approach situations from different perspectives gaining deeper insights into diverse viewpoints. Bridgette’s insights highlight the significance of confidence and resilience in women’s journeys towards success.
Bridgette’s Advice: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Bridgette offers valuable advice to the next generation of women leaders, highlighting the abundance of opportunities available to them. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, urging them to embrace their skills and talents while building resilience to overcome setbacks. Taking risks and pursuing new endeavors with purpose are key to personal and professional growth.
Knowing one’s worth and advocating for oneself is crucial, Bridgette advises. Women should not be deterred by labels or perceptions when asserting their needs and opinions.
Seeking mentors and sponsors, both men and women, with diverse backgrounds can provide invaluable support and guidance. Similarly, serving as a mentor to others is essential for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. In times of career setbacks, Bridgette encourages her teams to focus on the lessons learned and opportunities for growth. Rather than dwelling on disappointment, they should approach re-discovery with optimism, exploring new interests and charting a new course forward.