Today, March 8th, marks the annual International Women's Day where we globally celebrate the achievements and successes of women everywhere.
In recognition of today and Women's History Month, we've asked five women from our agency to join us for Voices AMPlified, an ongoing panel series designed to spark discussion and highlight notable moments throughout the year.
This month, our panel is centered around what it means to be women in the advertising and marketing industry. To kick things off, we've asked them to answer the question: “What would you tell your younger self?”
Check out what they had to say:
Katelyn Crowley, VP of Talent & Strategic Operations
“There are a lot of great things about being an adult — like setting our own bedtime. But perhaps most importantly, with age comes the wisdom and perspective we only wish we had when we were younger. If I could give my younger-self advice, I would say: Invest in finding and building partnerships with people who cheer you on and cheer you up. I'm fortunate enough to have a close-circle of incredible women who always have my back and push me to be better. I also married a man who treats me as an equal partner. I will never regret stopping the hustle to tune in, spend time and connect with these people. Also, remember to wear sunscreen!”
Rosetta Lane, SR. Producer
“I would tell my younger self that your job does not define who you are, and that more often than not, people remember what you do less than how you do it. The answer is not always to hustle harder, but to instead cherish the present, find daily ways to grow in and out work, and save room for yourself to rest. Burnout is real, don't wait until someone gives you a break (you'll be waiting a long time!), take what you need to stay balanced. Above all else, have patience, you can't rush the wisdom that comes with experience.”
Kiki Takakura-Merquise, VP, Digital Transformation
“Notes to a younger self
– Loneliness is temporal and it will always be back; get comfortable with silence and learn to be your own friend.
– It is normal to be angry but do not let it blind you; use it to focus and create clarity to find a better path.
– Never eat bananas before checking on a beehive; seriously, don't do it.”
Surina Sud, Consumer Research Associate Strategist
“If I could give advice to my younger self today, I would tell her not be afraid of anything. I'd tell her to speak up, take risks, and believe in herself because she can do anything. I'd remind her to do what makes her laugh, do what she loves, to not fear of what people think – and to be proud of who she is.”
Samantha Thu, Media Director
“Now that I've finally figured out what I want and what makes me happy, I would tell my younger self to not worry about what others are doing and focus on my own path, whether that was personal, professional or just in general. I used to put so much undue stress on myself to chase the next promotion, compare my career path with others, and to move onto the next thing. I wish I had stopped to take a breath and just enjoy the moment, soak it in and not always be looking one step ahead. The true achievement was personal growth and development into the confident and experienced individual I am today, commanding all of my decisions without hesitation, self-doubt and question. When I finally slowed down a few years ago and made this realization, my quality of life – mentally, emotionally and physically – was far greater than I could have imagined and any continued growth has really presented itself in a more natural progression, at times when I'm truly ready for it.”
To learn more about International Women's Day, check out this website.
