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As an Enneagram 2, I may be biased, but I’d venture to guess that anyone who has been successful in life would say they couldn’t have done it without the help of at least a few other people. From parents to friends to work supervisors who see our potential, no one can achieve their dreams all by themselves. I certainly couldn’t have! In my book, I even talk about developing a support network that I call a “FAB PAB” (Fabulous Personal Advisory Board).
So, on that note, I wanted to share a few of my favorite pieces of advice that speak to the power of community and human connection—because for so many reasons, it feels more important than ever right now.
1. Don’t be afraid to lift other women up and pass the torch.
Okay, so this first piece of advice is from yours truly. In 2014, I started a podcast called All the Social Ladies after noticing a gender imbalance among the loud, dominating voices in my own industry. I wanted to give women in digital a platform for sharing their perspectives, their insights, and their stories—and for over five years and 228 episodes, I did just that.
But, it’s important to know when it’s time to move on from something. When you can’t give it your all anymore—whether it’s a job, a spot on the PTA board, or a side project like my podcast—figure out a way to pass the torch. You know what it takes to succeed in that role better than anyone, so who better than you to choose your successor? I was beyond excited to transition my hosting duties over to two of my incredible employees, Jenn Burgess and Michelle Greenbaum, this year. As women, we have to stick together and lift each other up—so, just as I gave those 228 women a platform as guests on the podcast, I was able to give Jenn and Michelle one as well. (And they’re obviously killing it.)
Read on for some more advice from a few of Season 5’s guests, then give all of the episodes a listen here!
2. You can try to do it alone, but we’re better together.
A few months ago on the podcast, Holly Curtis, VP Product, Global Creative Director at Keds talked about The Keds Hand-Book for Women, a modernized version of The Keds Hand-Book for Girls series published in the early 1920s. Keds not only partnered with dozens of women whose stories are featured in the Hand-Book (including Meena Harris of Phenomenal, another podcast guest!), but the brand also works with women on projects whenever possible, from photographers and stylists to illustrators and editors. Keds understands that partnerships are key, and that we’re always better together than we would be alone.
Partnerships are also about reciprocation—we can all help each other in unique ways, and we all have something to offer each other. Rachel Jo Silver, Founder & CEO of Love Stories TV, talked on the podcast about how wedding vendors like caterers and florists can use photos or footage from professional photographers or videographers to show off their services on social media, and tag them so that they can share and spread the word in return. And Sierra Tishgart, co-founder of Great Jones, told the story of how she built relationships with chefs she respected by sending them cookware and sharing their content.
3. Be a resource for others (always, but especially right now).
2020 has been quite the year, to say the least. But for all of the struggles, I’ve also seen so much good—from communities and individuals coming together to help one another to brands offering their services for free to those who need them. Titania Jordan, CMO and Chief Parent Officer of Bark, spoke on the podcast about Bark’s resources for parents around identifying digital dangers and talking to kids about the threats of the online world, especially as they’re spending more time on devices right now. Love Stories TV is also offering help to those who had to move their weddings due to the pandemic—if you need help with finding new vendors or anything related to your wedding, just email bff@lovestoriestv.com. And Great Jones debuted daily cooking tutorials and also increased the hours dedicated to Potline, its text-based hotline that answers your cooking questions in real time.
And it’s not just about what your brand is doing—it’s about what you’re doing, too. In addition to donating money and attending protests in support of Black Lives Matter, Jinal Shah, podcast guest and VP of Marketing at Feather, joined a group of men and women who donated 10 hours of their time to mentoring Black professionals. She loved it so much that she decided to continue it indefinitely, opening up 10-12 hours of her schedule each month to mentor anyone who needs help or advice.
4. Amplify the voices of those who have been silenced.
When Jori Evans of Groupon came up with the idea for #PassTheMic as a way to amplify Black voices on Groupon’s social channels, it was initially tabled by the leadership team. She knew that it was the right thing to do, though, and how crucial it was for the brand to stand in support of the communities that were being attacked. So, in a company-hosted forum on diversity and inclusion, Jori raised her (virtual) hand and called out the leadership team, expressing her disappointment that the brand had not made a statement or used its reach on social to amplify Black voices. Her colleagues cheered her on—and within three hours, her idea was approved and Groupon was the first brand to use its social channels in this way.
Right now, connecting with each other and coming together to support one another is so, so important. Whether it’s advice, time, a platform, or other resources, everyone has something to offer. So, give whatever you can to help others—because you never know what you might receive in return.
