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Brian Pridgeon

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Brian Pridgeon

Graduation Year: MBA 1996

Hometown: Gilroy, CA

Current Residence: Livermore, CA

Major at Santa Clara: MBA

Occupation: Customer Technology Marketing Executive

Favorite memory from Santa Clara 

  • One of my favorite memories from the Santa Clara MBA program was the collaborative energy of group projects, especially those that brought together classmates from across the globe and from completely different industries. I remember walking into our first major group assignment and realizing our team included a fintech analyst from Kenya, a biotech operations lead from the Bay Area, a marketing strategist from Brazil, and a mechanical engineer from Taiwan. Our backgrounds couldn’t have been more different, but that was exactly what made it unforgettable. We quickly realized that success wasn't about having the "right" answer, but about listening to each other’s perspectives, challenging our own assumptions, and finding a shared path forward. I learned how a supply chain leader thinks about risk, how an engineer frames a market problem, and how cultural norms shape negotiation styles. All set a great foundation for my approach to addressing future real-world challenges. 

Extracurricular activities while a student at SCU

  • Although I didn’t have much time to engage in formal extracurricular activities during my MBA, I developed a heartfelt passion for the Broncos Men’s Basketball and Women’s Soccer. One vivid memory: gathering with friends in the Leavey Center to cheer on the Broncos during the 1995–96 Men’s Basketball season. The atmosphere was electric as Steve Nash, our legendary Canadian point guard, orchestrated plays that earned him WCC Player of the Year and guided us through exciting NCAA Tournament runs. On the Women’s Soccer side, I followed players like Jennifer Lalor, who competed from 1992 to 1996. She led the team with assists, played in multiple Final Fours, and was recognized as an NSCAA All-American. Even though I wasn’t playing myself, rooting for these teams, feeling the camaraderie, the shared highs and lows, and the pride in every goal or buzzer-beater became a central part of my SCU experience. It showed me the power of community and school spirit, even from the bleachers. 

My hobbies and interests

  • I’ve always been drawn to experiences that offer both challenge and discovery. Whether it's boating through open waters of the Bay, fishing at dawn, or chasing a better swing on the golf course, I find peace in the process of refining a craft, especially when it calls for focus, patience, and a little humility. Lately, I’ve found that same energy channeled into a new passion project: exploring blockchain and Web3 technologies. It’s a space filled with disruption and creative reinvention, and I’m energized by how decentralized platforms are reshaping not just finance and tech, but storytelling, ownership, and global connectivity. Learning, engaging, and thinking about how these technologies can drive future consumer experiences has become a hobby I now carve out time for. I also have a deep love for international travel. Immersing myself in new cultures, whether it’s learning the rhythm of a local market in Saint Maarten or striking up a conversation in a café in Barcelona, continues to broaden my lens and sharpen my empathy. It’s these cross-cultural perspectives that have helped shape how I collaborate, lead, and explore new ideas. Together, these interests, from traditional pastimes to forward-looking tech, reflect how I thrive: grounded in nature, inspired by innovation, and always seeking the next meaningful connection. 

Things I am good at...

  • I thrive in building and energizing teams, especially when the path forward seems unclear. I’m skilled at breaking down complex challenges into clear, actionable solutions. and bringing people together to execute with confidence and purpose. One of my core strengths is storytelling and presenting compelling, strategic narratives that inspire both alignment and action. Whether it’s launching a new brand initiative or navigating a creative brainstorm, I aim to create clarity and momentum. Equally important to me is the ability to develop meaningful, long-term relationships. I value connection, trust, and collaboration, qualities that have served me in and outside the office.

Expertise that I have acquired in my life and career that I bring to my term of service on the SCU Alumni Board

  • Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to launch hundreds of consumer products globally, leading cross-functional teams and partnerships that bring powerful ideas to life from concept to shelf. That work has sharpened my ability to distill complex challenges into actionable solutions, build consensus, and drive execution with clarity and purpose. I’ve also developed a strong reputation for being a connector, someone who knows how to bring people together around a shared vision, navigate diverse perspectives, and create momentum where there is uncertainty. Whether it's aligning executives across cultures or rallying creative teams around a bold go-to-market plan, I lead with both strategy and empathy. One of the most meaningful aspects of my leadership is the cultural perspective and inclusivity I bring to problem-solving. I believe deeply in creating space for all voices and using that collective power to drive results that are not only effective but enduring. As we work to strengthen and expand the SCU alumni community, I’m committed to building bridges, honoring our diversity, and helping us move forward with purpose and unity. In service to the SCU Alumni Board, I bring strategic marketing acumen, cross-cultural leadership, and a people-first mindset, all anchored by a deep passion for our Bronco community.