In this Dame and Age | Women Leaders Share Their Stories

For the past few years Setup has highlighted the thoughts and advice of prominent marketing leaders in a variety of companies such as Aflac, Mizuno, Great Clips, Lionsgate, Blackbaud, and Regal Cinemas in our Women in Marketing series. The takeaways from these blogs were not only informative, but incredibly insightful for any marketer on their career path. 

As Marketing Matchmakers, we could not resist the urge to connect these contributors who have inspired us and our readers with one another. The women of Setup hosted an event to discuss the questions from the original interviews and give the contributors an opportunity to network with one another. 

The questions discussed were: 

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in marketing?

2. What were pivotal moments in your career that contributed to your success?

3. Who is someone that helped you on your current path to becoming a marketing leader?

4. Are there specific challenges you have faced as a woman in marketing, and how did you overcome them?

5. What advice would you give to the next generation of women marketers?

6. What emerging marketing trend excites you?

Though women are increasingly holding leadership positions, the steps forward do not come without challenges. According to the Fortune Global List, only 2.6% of Fortune 500 companies have a woman CEO. While there have been improvements like the number of women in senior management roles increasing to 29%, some women representatives find the workplace challenging to have their voices heard in comparison to their male counterparts, among other challenges. 

In true Setup fashion, we want to connect women marketing leaders to provide a community where attendees can express their frustrations, but learn from, support, and inspire each other to grow in their industry or role. In our most recent event, attendees like Kelli Liles, Manager of Events and Sports Marketing at Old Dominion Freight Line Inc, emphasized the importance of being a “swiss-army knife,” and how that flexibility can make you more adaptable to any situation. She and Setup COO, Amanda Thompson, also shared how it is important to stick to one’s values, even when things are difficult, and that there are always opportunities to learn from your experiences. 

Another attendee, Maureen Kelly, the Head of Brand and Content Marketing at Hiscox USA, shared that it’s important to stay authentic by speaking up. She also mentioned her love for mentoring others and how she encourages her team to find their allies. 

We cannot wait to facilitate another women’s leader event! In the meantime, please join us at our next #MarketingMixer on February 10th for some networking and discussion! 

The following are 44 tips to becoming a masterful marketer from the pros themselves, who all happen to be women. Key things to keep in mind: be open, be authentic, and be willing to learn.

1. How you respond to challenges will determine the outcome.

2. Work for a company that shares your personal values.

3. It’s never too late to start over. Taking a big risk now could pay off in the long run.

4. There is always an opportunity to learn.

5. Focus on people. 

6. Lift others up.

7. Create community and be open.

8. Build your own network, skillset, and confidence to reach your full potential.

9. You are only as good as the people around you.

10. Don’t be afraid to fail. 

11. Don’t wait for permission. 

12. Welcome perspective.

13. Become a lifelong learner.

14. Continue to show your value.

15. Invest in your team and coworkers. 

16. Seek out opportunities. 

17. Maintain relationships. 

18. Truly understand consumer needs and expectations to excel in your role.

19. Don’t get too comfortable - take risks to grow!

20. You are capable of anything. 

21. Take a leap of faith and get out of your comfort zone.

22. Learn from and be open to others.

23. Trust your instincts. 

24. Celebrate your wins.

25. The pandemic has changed consumer expectations, brand involvement with social issues, and mental health awareness.

26. Show up in the best way you can.

27. A positive attitude can fuel you when things get hard.

28. Check yourself to make sure you’re bringing your best self every day. 

29. Support and form groups to lean on one another. 

30. Embrace projects that aren’t under your jurisdiction in order to learn and grow.

31. Gain a 360 view of your company to understand the ins and outs. 

32. Trust your team in order to let them grow. 

33. Curiosity goes far.

34. Throw out the old way to innovate for the new. 

35. Challenges often lead to opportunities. 

36. Make your voice heard.

37. Create the change and space you want to see. 

38. Belief in your team goes a long way.

39. Don’t let fear drive you. 

40. Taking risks and failing is how you learn. 

41. Believe in yourself.

42. Become an asset.

43. Own it.

44. Learn at every opportunity. When you are willing and able to learn and live the business, colleagues will respect and embrace your approach.