What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
My job as a strategic communicator is to connect the dots between leaders and employees. There are always lots of projects, initiatives, and change, and tying those together to provide a seamless experience for a large number of employees is a good challenge. The exciting part is what I think I’m going to do on a given day can easily be tossed out the window for a new priority, which keeps me on my toes and always learning!
I grew tremendously and have greater confidence in the work I do today because of my previous job. In 2013, I launched my own consultancy without a nest egg or a lot of clients to fill my days. It took grit and tenacity — sometimes in the face of setbacks — to build a successful communications consulting firm. Those setbacks were where I learned the most about the services I could and should provide, the type of work I wanted to do, and who I wanted to do it for.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
My friend Margie Maddux Newman has worked for many influential leaders and companies, and seven years ago she was brave enough to uproot herself, move across the country, and hang her own shingle in San Diego. Last year, she was named “Communicator of the Year” by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in San Diego. Her speech was so inspiring and relevant; it perfectly summarized a collection of advice I’ve heard over the years. Here’s what she shared:
- Be present. Take a look around you — from intern to CEO — and see just how many folks have their noses buried in their phones and tablets. When you’re with others, be WITH them.
- Build confidence in others. Building confidence in teams and clients takes time and is a privilege.
- Deliver work you’re proud of. Be it a memo, letter, PowerPoint, agenda, email, or meeting, do not settle for mediocrity. The “love is in the details,” as they say.
- Leave the community better than we found it. Commit to doing good, well.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
In 2019, I achieved my accreditation in public relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). It was something I set my sights on years ago and I earned it last year — during my third pregnancy while caring for an ailing family member and working full time.
The advantage of an accreditation is the opportunity to set yourself apart. It also gave me the chance to test and prove to myself that I was capable of achieving the accreditation. It involved writing an extensive case study, presenting that case study to a panel of APR professionals, and then taking a long, proctored exam.
My successful completion validated my experiences and empowers my work.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Your father is right — save your money, live as debt-free as possible, and network, network, network. You don’t get anywhere without your network. My father is a master networker and entrepreneur (before being an entrepreneur was cool), who saved smartly so he could send my sister and me to school, pay for our weddings, and travel the world with my mom. Luckily, it’s not too late in my life to seize this advice! If I can have half of what he has in relationships, career satisfaction, community commitment and recognition, and financial security, I’ll be more than satisfied.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
I’m relatively new to Madison. My family and I moved here in 2017 from Phoenix. I lived in San Diego and Nashville previously. Madison is warm and welcoming. It has a small town feel, with a big city vibe. We love the ability to get around town, enjoy the wealth of outdoor space to play and all the sporting (Go Badgers!) and fine arts (Hamilton!) events available to enrich our lives. Not to mention summer Saturday mornings at the farmers’ market.
I’m on the board of PRSA Madison and it’s given me an opportunity to meet great communicators; the bonus is lots of our programs highlight the amazing work being done in our backyards. I’m also privileged to be a member of Leadership Greater Madison. This year, I am excited to learn more about this community we’ve quickly grown to love.
What are your guilty pleasures?
As a mom to three kids ages 5, 3, and 10 months, time alone is a guilty pleasure! Self-care is talked about a lot but not always practiced. It takes commitment and support from a great partner. It also takes some creativity.
The kitchen is my place to tinker, teach myself something new, and be creative. I find such joy in making a recipe my own and serving it to family and friends for nourishment of body and soul. This extends into making treats for co-workers, friends, and my kids’ school. A meal or a treat can brighten someone’s day and lighten a load. It’s a gift of time and folded with love.
Outside of the kitchen, I read a lot and watch a lot of junk TV (Hello, Housewives series!). Those are my brain breaks where I can turn off and simply be.
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