Profile: Kaylin Trychon and the grit that got her here

Kaylin talks to us about being bold, the influence of mentors, and why she prioritizes storytelling in her marketing mix

By Jennifer Cloer

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Kaylin's roots in a military family instilled in her a sense of curiosity about the world and the mechanisms driving it. "Growing up, I always felt a pull toward Washington, D.C.," she said, "especially after the events of 9/11, which deeply impacted my family with many members serving in the military."

Kaylin's journey into the tech world came from a powerful foundation. Her academic path began with a dual degree in Communications and Political Science, followed by an MBA focusing on data analytics and information technology. She recalls her early career aspirations with a smile, "During my first job interview, I boldly declared my dream of becoming the President of the United States. I was earnest, but it shows the boldness and grit I had, even if it was a bit naive."

Her spirit caught the attention of her first employer, a PR agency called InkHouse, which set her on the path to D.C. and eventually into the cybersecurity domain. It was here that she found her passion and also learned the power of good mentorship. "I was fortunate to have mentors who were not only knowledgeable but also deeply invested in my growth," she said.

Kaylin Trychon

As Kaylin navigated her career, she made a significant impact at Raytheon, an experience that deepened her cybersecurity expertise. Mentors again showed up in big ways. "I was young, in my mid-twenties, navigating a male-dominated field, but these mentors helped me find my footing," she shared. Her time at Raytheon laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most significant opportunities of her career, working in cybersecurity communications at Google.

The transition to Google was a turning point for Kaylin. Initially skeptical about her fit for the role, she was drawn by Google's pioneering work in security and the presence of influential women leaders within the company at that time. "Joining Google was like a dream come true. The caliber of projects and the people I worked with were unparalleled," she said. Her role at Google allowed her to really use her storytelling skills, crafting narratives that drove significant impact across the company. "The challenge was immense," she admits. "But the stories we could tell and the change we could drive were worth every moment."

“During my first job interview, I boldly declared my dream of becoming the President of the United States. I was earnest, but it shows the boldness and grit I had, even if it was a bit naive.”

The allure of startup life soon called to her, driven by her desire to build something from the ground up. "I'm someone who craves experience, and the idea of crafting a narrative from zero was too enticing to ignore," she explained. "It's the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the most rewarding.” The startup environment allowed her to exercise her creativity and strategic thinking in ways a large corporation could not.

Kaylin's current venture is with Edera*, a company founded by an all-female team, a rarity in the tech industry, where she heads up marketing and communications. "Working with female founders in deep tech is empowering. We need more visibility for women who are raising funds and leading in this space," she said. Now she’s paying forward the mentorship she received earlier in her career. She said that paving the way for future female leaders is one of her driving forces. "It's not just about breaking the glass ceiling; it's about doing the work and showing others that it's possible."

Central to Kaylin's philosophy is the power of storytelling. She believes that successful companies are built on compelling narratives. "You can have the most innovative product, but without a story that resonates, it won't succeed," she said. This belief underscores her approach to communications and marketing, where translating technical achievements into relatable stories is key.

Kaylin is also acutely aware of the rapidly changing landscape of marketing and communications, influenced heavily by AI and evolving media dynamics. "Adapt or die," she said. "AI is reshaping our world, much like the internet once did. We need to understand it, harness it, and use it to our advantage without losing the human touch that is essential to creativity."

Her work with Edera reflects her broader vision for the tech industry, where diversity and inclusion aren't buzzwords but fundamental principles that are baked into the way we work and do business. "Diversity brings different perspectives, and that's essential for innovation,” she said.

Kaylin's story is not just one of personal success but of contribution to a larger movement within the tech industry. Her leadership style is characterized by creativity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She challenges the status quo and encourages others to do the same, believing that the best work happens when we question the norm and dare to think differently.

Her journey from a curious young woman in Massachusetts to a formidable force in tech exemplifies the transformative power of grit, mentorship, storytelling, and Dunkin’ Iced Coffee.

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*Edera is a Story Changes Culture consulting client.