From apple orchards to coastal Japan to industry-specific event spaces, Jaime Rinaldi is no stranger to writing an adventurous, multi-faceted career journey. As the Deputy Divisional Director (Delegate Acquisition) for Exchanges at the Customer Management Practice, she channels consistent enthusiasm to nurture experiences where others can expand their networks with like-minded peers—and discover themselves along the way. In this conversation, Rinaldi reflects on the role of support in her career and its impact on senior leaders who attend the Exchanges.
Jaime Rinaldi: My unofficial career journey began long before I ever filled out a job application. It started with helping in my father’s pizzeria, working on my grandpa’s farm, and working at a local apple orchard after school. I always had something to do and somewhere to be, even if I wasn’t entirely sure where I was heading. What I did know was that I had a habit of saying yes—to cross-country road trips, moving to New York City, or studying microplastics off the coast of a small island in Japan. I was floating from place to place, searching for where I was meant to land.
Through all of this, I recognized I could turn to my bonus mom for guidance. I grew up listening to how she spoke to people, watching how she carried herself, admiring her professionalism, her joy, and the way she balanced work and family with such ease. I think she always knew I’d eventually find my path; she was just patiently waiting for me to see it too. After a summer internship and a few job fairs, I found Customer Management Practice, and from there, everything clicked.
Looking back, whether I was in the pizzeria, on the farm, at the orchard, or now working in the events industry, one thing has always been at the center of it all: a strong support system. A network of family, friends, and peers, coming together to uplift each other through shared stories of lessons learned and of greatest achievements.
SO: The Exchange series provides executives an opportunity to build meaningful connections with others facing similar industry challenges. Why is it so important to create a space for support and reflection? What tangible outcomes have you seen?
JR: The Executive Exchange is an invitation-only event and an exclusive opportunity for leaders to pause and reflect, network, and benchmark with peers handling similar responsibilities. We often find ourselves in a busy loop, always chasing the next task. Creating time and space for interactive discussions and sharing challenges and successes helps leaders reset and define the "why" behind their work. It's refreshing to step out of your day-to-day and into a room with peers who offer fresh, honest perspectives and understand the pressures and priorities you may be facing. It welcomes a level of openness that's difficult to achieve elsewhere, creating strong networks and support systems.
The outcomes are extremely tangible. In several cases, attendees have credited insights from Exchange sessions and 1-1 business meetings for accelerating major initiatives or navigating difficult transitions. We've seen executives walk away with actionable strategies after validating decisions or illuminating blind spots. I've witnessed such strong relationships form and continue beyond the event, which is my favorite thing to see!
Ultimately, the value lies in creating intentional space because when leaders have room to think, connect, and be supported, the possibilities are endless!
SO: As a Deputy Divisional Director, how do you balance supporting your team while ensuring you have it for yourself as well?
JR: Lately, I’ve been caught in a real internal debate. Am I doing enough, or am I doing too much? Friends, family, and peers have all reminded me that burnout is real, and it’s nothing to take lightly. When you care deeply about doing great work, pouring your heart and soul into it can feel completely natural. But I’m learning that passion doesn’t make you invincible, and finding that balance is essential.
I’m starting to realize that supporting others effectively requires being grounded myself. It means setting clear boundaries, even when it feels uncomfortable. It means recognizing that rest isn’t a reward but is essential to offering the best version of myself. It means trusting my team enough to share the load instead of carrying it all alone. I’m still figuring out what that balance looks like day to day, but I’m learning that sustainability matters as much as dedication.
From going for a walk to get fresh air while working from home to dedicating time to exercise in the morning before checking emails, it’s all a balance. In the long run, protecting my energy isn’t selfish; it’s what allows me to show up fully for the people who count on me.
SO: What specific types of support do you think leaders will need to thrive in our era of disruption and change?
JR: Meaningful support strengthens a leader's emotional resilience, ability to navigate ambiguity, and capacity to lead with empathy and heart.
Time. We need more of it—time to pause, reflect, and make sense of these inevitable shifts. Technology is reshaping our norms at a rapid pace, and it's clear that adaptability is no longer optional. When leaders have the space to examine what's working, what isn't, and where they want to go, it creates room for proactive thinking and for embracing diverse cross-functional perspectives that are critical for shaping the future of work and ultimately leading to the team's success. In addition, continuous learning and the development of emerging skills are key investments and no longer optional extras.
Support has to go beyond building tech skills, though, and I'm passionate about the need for communities that promote connection and shared experiences. We need space to process challenges together, celebrate wins, and strengthen the mindset required to lead with clarity and courage. If we can stay grounded, inspire trust, and drive meaningful progress even in times of uncertainty, there's no stopping us!
SO: What best practices would you recommend for women leaders who seek meaningful peer networks?
JR: Remain open and honest, true to yourself, and speak freely about what you’re passionate about. You can never go wrong speaking from the heart and putting yourself out there. Whether that’s stepping into a room full of strangers, leading a presentation on stage, or joining a community meet-up in a new city, you may feel hesitant at first, but the right people, your people, will latch on. It’s important to push past your comfort zone. You just have to be ready to say yes to new experiences!