Being a CEO in the tech industry is often framed as a relentless race: deliver results, scale quickly, and innovate constantly. For women in tech, that race carries additional challenges, including overcoming bias, navigating visibility issues, and proving competence repeatedly. Cortavo, a managed IT services company based in Atlanta, exemplifies how leadership rooted in grit and grace can drive both organizational success and cultural strength. Under the guidance of Tiffany Bloomsky, the company has cultivated a resilient, high-performing culture while navigating complex challenges in the MSP space.

Grit: Showing Up When It Matters Most

Cortavo’s leadership demonstrates that grit is essential for overcoming uncertainty. During one of the company’s most critical periods, its parent organization filed for Chapter 11, and a key operational leader left unexpectedly. The company faced financial uncertainty, client trust challenges, and operational gaps all at once. Rather than waiting for stability to return, the leadership team stepped in to maintain daily operations, make critical decisions, and ensure continuity.

This determination enabled Cortavo not only to survive but to thrive. The company achieved 30% year-over-year growth, retained all clients, and emerged financially independent. Grit, in this context, goes beyond hard work; it reflects a commitment to steady, decisive action when circumstances are unpredictable. This approach set the foundation for Cortavo’s high-performing culture and positioned the company for long-term success.

Grace: Leading People Through Challenge

While determination drives execution, leadership at Cortavo emphasizes the importance of grace—bringing the team along while maintaining trust and morale. Grace is evident in the company’s focus on empathy, transparency, and mentorship. Leaders actively listen to team members, recognize operational stress, and respond with guidance and support. Open communication about challenges, plans, and expectations ensures clarity and reduces anxiety, reinforcing both internal alignment and client confidence.

Mentorship is another critical component. Cortavo invests in employee growth by providing opportunities to tackle responsibilities they might not have thought possible. Celebrating individual achievements alongside organizational milestones fosters engagement and loyalty. Grace in leadership is not about avoiding tough decisions; it is about delivering them with honesty, fairness, and a commitment to people’s development.

Lessons for Women in Tech

Cortavo’s experience offers key lessons for women leading in technology. Visibility is essential: leaders who share their journey—including setbacks and triumphs—build trust and inspire others. Authenticity also matters; employees and clients alike respond to genuine leadership, strengthening relationships and credibility. Mentorship remains a core principle, particularly in elevating underrepresented voices in tech. Finally, combining resilience with attentiveness to team needs creates sustainable growth—hard work alone is insufficient without understanding and supporting the people who execute it.

Strategic Thinking Anchored in People

Cortavo demonstrates that strategic decisions are most effective when grounded in an understanding of people. Whether implementing new IT solutions, expanding client offerings, or scaling the team, leadership ensures that employees are equipped, informed, and motivated. This balance between operational rigor and attentiveness to the human element has allowed Cortavo to innovate efficiently, respond to client needs proactively, and maintain a culture of accountability and support.

Building a Culture of Leadership and Opportunity

Beyond day-to-day operations, Cortavo has intentionally built a leadership culture that encourages growth, learning, and visibility. Women lead key departments, and managers are empowered to mentor others, fostering a pipeline of future leaders. By cultivating opportunities for professional development and encouraging employees to take ownership of initiatives, the company reinforces a culture of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment—anchored by the example set by Tiffany Bloomsky.

Legacy Through Grit and Grace

At Cortavo, grit and grace are not abstract ideals; they shape every decision, client interaction, and employee conversation. Determination ensures the company can navigate challenges, while empathy and mentorship guarantee that employees and clients are supported along the way. This dual approach has helped Cortavo build a resilient, high-performing organization capable of thriving in a competitive and evolving industry.

For women leading in tech—or aspiring to—Cortavo’s experience illustrates that success is not only about navigating the race. It is about cultivating a leadership style that empowers others, fosters trust, and leaves a lasting impact. Grit enables the organization to move forward in uncertainty, and grace ensures that growth benefits the people and communities it touches.