TABITHA TURNER
There’s no shortage of success stories in Nashville, and many of those stories belong to the incredible women who are paving their own path and opening doors for generations to come.
Whether they’re building an idea from the ground up, crunching numbers, or working to make a difference in the lives of others, these are the trailblazing women of Music City — and their stories are sure to inspire you.
Emily Trapani GFiber Head of Sales, South Region
DAY IN THE LIFE
At my core, I’m a connector. As the South Region Head of Sales for GFiber, I lead our sales, strategy, and operations across Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida, working with an incredible team to bring fast, reliable internet to more communities across the Southeast. I oversee a wide range of sales channels and partnerships, from multifamily and B2B to nontraditional and community-based initiatives. Beyond the numbers and strategy, what drives me is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and create experiences that reflect the unique energy of each market we serve — especially here in Nashville. Outside of my day-to-day role, I’m also a wife and mother, a futurist, author, and advocate for women and under-represented groups in tech. I’ve written books, spoken on dozens of podcasts, and volunteered with Google programs that empower the next generation of innovators. Whether I’m brainstorming a creative sales activation or mentoring someone just starting out, I’m passionate about pushing boundaries, thinking differently, and making space for others to do the same.
STEPS TAKEN
My journey has been incredibly hands-on, giving me a truly unique and comprehensive perspective. I started at Google Fiber as a sales rep, and I’ve had the distinct opportunity to either do the job, manage the team, or manage the sales channels at the city, regional, and national level across our enterprise. And now, in my current role, all those functions report directly to me. This isn’t just a career path; it’s a foundational element of my leadership. It means I’m not asking anyone on my team to do something I haven’t already done successfully myself.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
Ask for support, not permission. That’s the advice I give every woman navigating the balance between ambition and personal life. You don’t need to justify how you spend your time, especially when it comes to protecting your energy, your priorities, and your peace. Whether it’s taking a PTO day, attending a therapy session, or simply needing space, your time is yours. Privacy is powerful, and you’re allowed to set boundaries that honor both your career and your life outside of it. Leadership isn’t about doing it all — at least not all at the same time. It’s about doing what matters, intentionally. I’ve built my career by setting internal boundaries that keep me grounded, like limiting travel to stay present for my family. When exceptions arise, I don’t ask for permission, but instead, offer solutions. That mindset shift signals confidence, clarity, and leadership. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Stand beside your values, trust your instincts, and build a career that works for your unique lifestyle and skill set.