If anyone has seen NextUp from every angle, it is Dagmar Boggs. As President of Foodservice and On-Premise at The Coca-Cola Company, past Chair of the NextUp Board of Directors, and a proud member for 16 years, Dagmar has made a lasting impact on our community.
In her 25 Voices, 25 Years profile, she shares what keeps her coming back and where she believes NextUp is headed next.
How has your involvement with NextUp influenced your career or professional confidence over time?
My involvement with NextUp has broadened my perspective in ways that go far beyond my day-to-day role. It’s given me access to a powerful network of leaders across industries, which has challenged my thinking, sharpened my instincts, and made me a more well-rounded business leader.
There’s something incredibly valuable about stepping outside your own company and learning how others lead, solve problems, and create impact.
Just as importantly, NextUp has reinforced confidence, not in a loud or performative way, but in a steady, grounded way. Being part of a community where women support one another, share openly, and push each other forward has been a constant source of strength.
It reminds you thatyou don’t have to have all the answers, you just have to keep learning, growing, and showing up
What does being part of the NextUp community give you that you did not have before you joined?
NextUp gives you something that’s hard to find in one place: a true sense of belonging paired with real, tangible growth. It’s a community where you can be both challenged and supported, where people are invested in your success regardless of your title or career stage.
Before NextUp, I had strong teams and mentors, but this expanded my circle in a meaningful way. It gave me a broader lens on leadership and a deeper appreciation for the power of connection. You realize quickly that you’re part of something bigger, and that collective energy makes you better.
What’s one insight or lesson from your NextUp experience that you continue to carry with you today?
Leadership doesn’t have to fit a single mold to be effective. The people in the NextUp community lead with authenticity, empathy, strength, and clarity—and they do it in their own way. That diversity of leadership styles is not a weakness; it’s a real advantage.
It’s reinforced for me that the most impactful leaders are the ones who are genuine, who bring both their capability and their humanity to the table. That’s something I try to model every day, especially as I lead larger and more complex teams.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to someone considering joining NextUp?
Lean in fully. The value of NextUp is directly tied to what you put into it. Show up, build relationships, ask questions, and be open to learning from people who have very different experiences than your own.
And don’t wait until you feel “ready.” One of the most powerful aspects of this community is that it meets you where you are and helps you grow from there. If you’re willing to engage, you will leave stronger, more confident, and more connected than when you started.
What do you hope for from the next 25 years of NextUp?
As I look ahead, my hope for NextUp is that it continues to scale its impact, not just in numbers, but in influence. That it remains a force that helps people step into bigger roles, shape industries, and lead at the highest levels with confidence and authenticity. The world of work is evolving quickly, and NextUp has an opportunity to stay at the forefront, equipping members with the capabilities, networks, and mindset needed to lead through that change.
Every organization has a story, and ours is made up of the people in it. We are honored to share just a few of those voices as we mark 25 years of NextUp!
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, our Presenting Sponsors, PepsiCo and Suntory Global Spirits, and our Premier Sponsor, Visa, for helping bring this series to life.
Be sure to keep an eye out on the NextUp Content Hub and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for additional profiles.
