Alison Richmond

I think it's three things. First, building a network to both lean on and have people that advocate for you and are in your corner consistently throughout my career. Second, it's a lot of really hard work. And then I think it's some luck - that right time, right place kind of scenario. Because definitely there's hard work involved, but the things that happen in the organizations you're in that open more doors for you, or the people you get to meet, I do think are a combination. I also live by grit, grace, and gratitude - I even have a necklace that says that. It's that mindset of working hard, navigating through whatever situations are in front of you, and then ultimately just being appreciative for the people around you and the experiences you have. I really only embraced building my own network over the last maybe 6 years in my career, and it's so important to have your own network of people and community that are in similar roles to you, because you can lean on each other.

I have an amazing mentor who gives me great advice quite often, and I need a lot of it. But I would say 'aim small, miss small' is something I come back to a lot. What it really means, especially being in marketing, is don't overthink it. Trust your gut along with your experience, and make sure you're okay to feel forward. It's about not getting paralyzed by trying to be perfect - just take action based on your instincts and what you know.

The advice I give most to my younger team members that are currently on my team, or I mentor through my college and also through American Staffing Association, is to be patient with yourself and with the process, but don't lose sight of what the goal is. There's so many distractions today, and a lot of times we have to shift in the way we go about working, especially now with AI, but ultimately you have a vision for yourself in your career. Don't be afraid to share what you want out of your career, what your goals are, because you will find other people are there to help you, and it also sets intention for yourself. That could be a project, that could be a role in 5 years - whatever it is, don't be afraid to put it out there and keep working towards it, even if you have to shift in the approach.

Curiosity, humor, and really a willingness to collaborate and work together are most important to me. I also live by grit, grace, and gratitude - those are the three G's. I started boxing a few years ago and began to train in new and different ways, something very different for me to test my body, and my trainer gave me a necklace with those words. I think that mindset applies in all parts of life - it's about working hard, navigating through whatever situations are in front of you, and then ultimately just being appreciative for the people around you and the experiences you have.