“In the last 20 years, I’ve never seen the pace of change that we’re currently experiencing in communications.” This was Edelman’s U.S. COO Julianna Richter’s opening statement during the Edelman panel at the 2015 ColorComm C2 Conference in Miami, Florida. ColorComm is a national organization founded with the purpose of providing a platform for women of color to share mentorship, advocacy and career guidance. For the second year, Edelman has served as a sponsor for the annual gathering which brings together hundreds of industry-leading communicators to network, share best practices, glean insights aimed at creating a positive impact for women of color in the industry.
Last week, Julianna and I participated in the panel, “It’s a Different World. How to Evolve and Thrive in a Changing Communications Reality!” along with Melle Hock, vice president of strategic and creative planning; Annika Engineer, senior vice president, corporate communications; and our moderator, Julie Biber, managing director, global recruitment. These talented Edelman veterans shared thoughts on the rapidly changing marketplace, strategic approaches to achieve diversity and inclusion, and best practices for creating a rewarding career.
Here are six tips offered during the panel to help in navigating your career:
- When you see a new territory that is untapped that you can uniquely fill, take the leap. “My career shift was really inspired by globalization. Through my experiences working in the Edelman offices in India and China, I learned that for any global strategy to succeed one has to perceive and decode in different cultures.” – Annika Engineer, senior vice president, corporate communications
- Passion is what propels you towards your purpose. It is so important to seek that passion and pursue it earnestly, shared Trisch Smith.
- Surround yourself with thought partners who are not intimidated by failure – fail often, but fail fast and fail smart. “There are no rules, and everyone is trying to figure it out. Seek out the most interesting, experienced and dynamic people in the organization, and work as closely with them as possible – on anything.” – Melle Hock, vice president strategic and creative planning
- Be relentlessly curious – find and question a diverse group of people who know more than you do and listen actively and learn!
- Recognize that diversity of background, experience and perspectives is critical to business success.
- “We have to have people at the table who can reach and resonate with myriad audiences. We live in a diverse culture – in a multicultural world – and we need to have teams that represent and reflect that.” – Trisch Smith
- Throw out the ladder – your career is a jungle gym. It doesn’t matter how senior you are, you can always keep growing and evolving.
Trisch Smith is executive vice president and managing director of Diversity & Inclusion, Edelman U.S.
Christen Smiley is a senior account executive, Edelman D.C.