Bryana Mistretta is the director of strategic initiatives for the Greenville Area Development Corporation, where she drives economic growth across Greenville County through business recruitment and retention. Holding an MBA from Clemson University and a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Geography from Florida State University, her background spans market research and statewide economic development. A problem-solver and empathetic leader, Mistretta measures her success not only by personal achievement, but by the growth and opportunities she creates for those she leads.
Leadership is about earning trust, fostering growth, and lifting others up. It’s the ability to inspire and motivate others while maintaining the self-awareness to recognize and acknowledge your own limitations. It is rooted in trust and built through active listening, clear communication, and genuine empathy for the people you lead. True leadership goes beyond directing others. It means showing up with humility, committing to continuous personal growth, and investing in the development of those around you as both a leader and a mentor.
One thing that has served me well over the years is learning to ask the right questions and let data drive the strategy. Starting my career in market research, I quickly learned that the quality of your answers depends entirely on the quality of your questions. That mindset has shaped how I approach every challenge. Gathering the right insights, listening to understand rather than to respond, and turning information into meaningful action. It keeps both strategy and people at the center of every decision.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here