When she was born, Birrittier developed a large mass on her brain.
“My parents didn’t know what it was,” she said. “Doctors did not know what it was, and their only reasonable option was a very invasive, serious surgery. So my parents were very worried about me. They were very scared and uncertain of my future, and their only choice was to take me to church. So they worked with their prayer group, and they prayed all night long.”
The next day, she was brought into the hospital for brain surgery and without medical explanation, the mass had disappeared.
“When I look at myself, I’m not supposed to be here,” she said.
Raised in a military family, Birrittier moved frequently, learning the art of quickly connecting with new people. This adaptability shaped her extroverted personality and resilience.
She emphasized the importance of community and connection, sharing how her experiences have profoundly influenced her career and personal outlook.
Birrittier has called many places home—Japan, Korea the East Coast, the West Coast and a few places in between—thanks to her father’s 20 years in the Air Force.
“I always wince a little bit when I’m asked at networking events ‘where are you from?’ Because for most people, it’s such a simple question,” she said. “There is a single city or place that really resonates with them, and it has that feeling of home. And that just simply doesn’t exist for me.
“What home is to me is super simple. Home is where my people are. At one point in my life, those people were what we call our core force. So being a military family, it was my father, my mother, my sister and myself. Now, those people where I call home are my husband and my daughter, Stassi. So that’s changed a little bit, but home is always where my people are.”
Transitioning from a marketing background to a technical sales role in a science-based industry, Birrittier highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. She also expressed gratitude for the support she has received from women in sales, showcasing the value of mentorship and community in their professional growth.
“Lynda Doyle…is my chief commercial officer as well as our U.S. CEO," she said. “She’s been in various leadership roles throughout the industry, but she’s also been an official and unofficial mentor to a lot of women—so I find myself constantly in the realm of these women that, whether it was intentional or not, I found myself looking up to them and finding different aspects to how they built their careers.”
In a candid reflection, Birrittier also discussed her decision to quit drinking, emphasizing her personal growth and commitment to a healthier lifestyle driven by a pivotal doctor’s appointment. The sobriety route led her to something she once despised: running.
“I was running from alcohol,” she said. “Running cleared my mind most of the time. During my runs, I reflected on my circumstances and stories in my mind leading to the decision. I listened to music that either reinforced the decision I made, and made me think about my family. Running became very crucial.
“At one point, I actually believed that if I stopped running, I might start drinking again, like I had to run. But later, it became more about the things I could achieve since giving up alcohol, the focus and determination I had since giving it up. And it taught me or really reinforced the idea that being in a place of discomfort can be a catalyst for learning, adapting and ultimately growing.”
