Randa Stephan on Leading with Heart and High Standards
Tue Jan 20 2026
Lynn Branigan sits down with Randa Stephan, Global Chief Brand & Corporate Strategy Officer at Burson, for an unfiltered conversation that moves from career beginnings to leadership in the middle of industry transformation. Randa shares how being a middle child shaped her EQ, why family and health come first (with a loving nod to carbs), and what it means to lead with “high standards and heart.” She also offers real-world advice on navigating change, especially the importance of exploring early-career options and never burning bridges in a tightly connected industry.
Key moments & takeaways
Background & identity: Born and raised in Northern New Jersey; first-generation Palestinian American; parents were scientists in pharmaceuticals.
Siblings & “middle child energy”: One of three daughters; identifies as the “quiet but passionate peacemaker,” high EQ, thoughtful, and a natural negotiator. Lynn relates as a middle child (middle of 7, then 9).
How she found advertising: Psychology major drawn to culture + behavior; fascinated by combining creativity and strategy to “move communities” and “move markets.”
Memorable start: Landed early agency role after showing up to interviews on crutches post double knee surgery, an unforgettable (and very on-brand) origin story.
Priorities shift over time: Early career was all-in on work; later life stages prompted deeper questions about attention, energy, and what deserves it.
Maternal health advocacy: Randa shares a serious near-miss experience during childbirth that shaped her priorities and led to advocacy work (including testifying to Congress).
Advice to moms: “Give yourself the grace to change your expectations (not ‘lower’ them).” Agency + empowerment over guilt.
Role model: Shelly Lazarus: Admired for advancing with character, grace, intellect, and approachability, plus deep business fluency in a creative world.
Leadership style: “High standards and heart,” with humor and self-awareness; emphasis on leading through influence during transformation.
“Rock stars have hits”: A defining mantra, leaders and teams should be able to point to tangible work brought to market, not just ideas.
Proud “hit”: Launching Burson during a merger (Hill & Knowlton + BCW) under a tight timeline (~75 days), balancing stress with team-building and fun.
Advice to early-career talent: Treat disruption as opportunity; more kinds of companies exist now than when she started; be deliberate, but explore.
Final lesson: Don’t burn bridges. The industry is small; today’s recruiter can become tomorrow’s HR partner, client, colleague … or boss.
More
Lynn Branigan sits down with Randa Stephan, Global Chief Brand & Corporate Strategy Officer at Burson, for an unfiltered conversation that moves from career beginnings to leadership in the middle of industry transformation. Randa shares how being a middle child shaped her EQ, why family and health come first (with a loving nod to carbs), and what it means to lead with “high standards and heart.” She also offers real-world advice on navigating change, especially the importance of exploring early-career options and never burning bridges in a tightly connected industry. Key moments & takeaways Background & identity: Born and raised in Northern New Jersey; first-generation Palestinian American; parents were scientists in pharmaceuticals. Siblings & “middle child energy”: One of three daughters; identifies as the “quiet but passionate peacemaker,” high EQ, thoughtful, and a natural negotiator. Lynn relates as a middle child (middle of 7, then 9). How she found advertising: Psychology major drawn to culture + behavior; fascinated by combining creativity and strategy to “move communities” and “move markets.” Memorable start: Landed early agency role after showing up to interviews on crutches post double knee surgery, an unforgettable (and very on-brand) origin story. Priorities shift over time: Early career was all-in on work; later life stages prompted deeper questions about attention, energy, and what deserves it. Maternal health advocacy: Randa shares a serious near-miss experience during childbirth that shaped her priorities and led to advocacy work (including testifying to Congress). Advice to moms: “Give yourself the grace to change your expectations (not ‘lower’ them).” Agency + empowerment over guilt. Role model: Shelly Lazarus: Admired for advancing with character, grace, intellect, and approachability, plus deep business fluency in a creative world. Leadership style: “High standards and heart,” with humor and self-awareness; emphasis on leading through influence during transformation. “Rock stars have hits”: A defining mantra, leaders and teams should be able to point to tangible work brought to market, not just ideas. Proud “hit”: Launching Burson during a merger (Hill & Knowlton + BCW) under a tight timeline (~75 days), balancing stress with team-building and fun. Advice to early-career talent: Treat disruption as opportunity; more kinds of companies exist now than when she started; be deliberate, but explore. Final lesson: Don’t burn bridges. The industry is small; today’s recruiter can become tomorrow’s HR partner, client, colleague … or boss.