Blueprint for Better
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we find ourselves at the intersection of reflection and progress. In an industry that is ever-evolving, the path to success is far from linear. Earlier this week, our executive team Sarah Crabbe, Lena Knight, and Sherri-Lyn Brown sat down with our team to share the invaluable lessons drawn from their own journeys, dismantling the myth of perfection and embracing the power of vulnerability. By being transparent about the highs and lows, we lay the groundwork for a Blueprint for Better that extends beyond our organization and throughout our community.
Everything is a season
We’ve all made mistakes that can feel like a career ending moment. Our executive team reminded us that setbacks are transient in nature and will eventually pass.
“Identify what is a glass ball and what is a rubber ball.” What things are fragile and require careful handling, and what will bounce back if you drop it? Mistakes contribute to personal growth and will shape your intuition in the face of future challenges. Sarah, Lena, and Sherri-Lyn all highlighted the importance of maintaining a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and encouraging a willingness to embrace shaky beginnings and discomfort. These moments inevitably lead to valuable lessons and growth.
Becoming a parent while progressing your career
As mothers, our exec team acknowledged the concept of “having it all.” Their take? It’s possible! However the key is recognizing that balance might not mean everything simultaneously, and not without support. Life outside of work is essential and personal growth can coexist with professional development. Embrace the messiness and imperfections. Take time to discover where you want to stretch yourself and where you don’t, and recognize the multifaceted nature of life.
Be honest with yourself
As self-described “introverted extroverts,” our panel stressed the importance of embracing your authentic self. Whether it be taking some time to decompress after a pitch or giving yourself permission to speak up in a brainstorm, accept your individual needs and strike a balance between leveraging your personal strengths and pushing personal boundaries. You may not come up with the initial idea, but your thoughtfulness can make it stronger and your contributions are equally as important.
Navigating an ever-changing industry
From 500 person newsrooms to the new world of influencers, the PR landscape has changed dramatically since the beginning of their careers. While the changes can be overwhelming, they are also a great opportunity to build creativity and foster deeper relationships. If you are offended by change you will be stunted by it. Continue moving forward and above all, stay ahead of it.
Climbing the ladder
In PR, we’re fortunate to be in an industry abundant with female leaders and colleagues offering support. However, that’s not to say obstacles don’t exist. When barriers arise, the key is how you react to them. Stand your ground, shift your self-image from being a “woman in leadership” to an “expert in my craft.” Our panel underscored the significance of supportive environments, self-assurance and reframing perspectives as essential elements in navigating career growth.
