As a creative sort coming into a male-dominated technical company, it took me years to stop thinking everyone else’s opinion had just a little more (or sometimes a lot more) weight than mine. Couple that with being an analytical observer who shied away from the spotlight, and you get the picture. I had the privilege of participating in an Acxiom Women LEAD panel discussion last month, which made me a bit reflective.  Here are some key things I have learned over more than three decades at Acxiom.

Set your boundaries

Nobody else will set boundaries for you. They will push your boundaries, sometimes stomp on your boundaries, but they will not draw the boundary lines for you. Boundaries aren’t a sign of weakness. They are a sign of awareness. You know yourself well enough to know what you need to show up as the best version of yourself – as an employee, a parent, or a spouse. The 2023 State of Women report shows women are making seismic changes to how we live, finally prioritizing our own needs, because no one else will. Sometimes we feel like it’s impossible for us to disconnect because of the pressure of deadlines, responsibilities and what others need from us. But I’ve never come back from unplugged time and regretted it. It gives me an adjusted perspective and a reset that always pays off in the end for everyone – my co-workers, my kids and myself. 

Be fierce

For Mother’s Day last year, my kids got me a “Be Fierce” sign for my office (in addition to a gi-normous coffee mug because they know me and my need for a morning caffeine jolt). It’s a fun reminder to push out of my comfort zone. Back in 2018, I helped start Acxiom’s first podcast, The Data Guru podcast. Although I had started listening to many podcasts, I had never hosted a podcast before. We weren’t exactly sure about the technology, the mechanics and if anybody would agree to be a guest. But we stepped off that cliff and did it anyway. Fortunately, I am surrounded with super smart, super collaborative people at Acxiom – especially among my marketing team members – who are always willing to jump in and bring an idea to life. Since then, I’ve also become the executive producer of the Real Identity podcast. The conversations, collaboration and creativity involved are one of my absolute favorite aspects of my job. (Be sure to find both on acxiom.com or your favorite podcast player and subscribe.)

Rock the boat

As a people-pleasing middle child, I was wired to keep the peace at work and in life. But I have discovered there is great value in challenging the status quo. We all need that nudge to take a second look and see where we can push ourselves and our business to innovate and take it to the next level. Brainstorming and collaboration are among my favorite parts of being in marketing, because the end product is always better than what I could have produced alone. Is it clear? Have we over-complicated the issue? Did we dive into details of “how” when the potential client is only interested in solving her problem? And a personal favorite as a Birkman yellow personality type, “have I over-thought it?” (The answer is almost always yes.)

Work hard and add value

My mantra in every role I’ve held over the years is to work hard and look for ways to add value in every situation. For six years, I’ve driven the creation of the monthly Data Guru/Audience Advisor newsletters (in collaboration with an awesome team) that highlight Acxiom audiences and how they can help marketers improve campaign performance. It delivers value to our clients, partners and agencies when we share the data we offer and the ways it can potentially be used to make a difference in the bottom line. I’d like to challenge my colleagues who might be reading this to ask themselves: “What is one thing you can do today that will add value for your client, your team or a business resource group?”

As the proverb says, “iron sharpens iron.” Lean into the smart, amazing colleagues who surround you – on your teams and throughout the company – to claim your voice and create new value. And colleagues, if you’re ready to brainstorm, give me a call.