Bailey Antonelli-Galizio

My journey has been anything but linear, and I attribute my success first and foremost to the strong women who shaped me. I come from a family of women who knew how to get things done, who worked hard, led by example, and taught me the value of showing up even when things were not easy. From a young age, I learned that work ethic, resilience, and accountability matter, and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.

I also credit my success to the mentors who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Throughout my professional journey, I have been fortunate to learn from leaders who challenged me, encouraged me to take up space, and pushed me to trust my instincts. Their guidance helped me grow not only in skill, but in confidence, and reminded me that growth often comes from stepping outside of comfort zones.

Finally, I attribute my success to staying curious and open to change. I have embraced opportunities that allowed me to learn, adapt, and evolve, even when the path was not clear. By combining a strong work ethic, supportive mentorship, and a willingness to keep learning, I have been able to build a career that feels both purposeful and aligned.

One of the best pieces of career advice I have ever received came from a quote by former President Barack Obama, who was asked to share guidance on building a career. His response was simple: “Just learn how to get things done.”

That advice has stayed with me because it speaks directly to the power of initiative. I have learned that growth often comes from raising your hand, asking questions, and being willing to figure things out along the way. You do not need to have everything mapped out to make progress. You need curiosity, follow-through, and a willingness to take ownership.

My advice to young women entering the marketing and communications industry is to believe in your own voice and support it with curiosity and action. Confidence does not come from knowing everything. It comes from being willing to learn, ask questions, and show up even when you are unsure.

Internships and networking played a major role in my early career. Working in newsrooms, shadowing reporters, and interning at television stations taught me adaptability, strong communication skills, and the importance of building genuine relationships. Those experiences helped shape not only my career path, but also how I approach collaboration and growth today. Do not hesitate to reach out to people you admire. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came from simply sending a message, asking for advice, or raising my hand for an opportunity.

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in marketing today is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, particularly in search and content creation. AI is reshaping how we work, how audiences discover information, and how brands show up online. While this shift presents new challenges, it also opens the door to greater innovation, efficiency, and smarter strategy.

I believe technology should enhance, not replace, the human element that makes storytelling effective. When used thoughtfully, AI can help streamline workflows, uncover insights, and support better decision-making. However, meaningful connection still comes from human creativity, empathy, and intuition.

The opportunity lies in using AI strategically rather than reactively. By pairing technology with strong storytelling and a clear understanding of audience needs, marketers can create work that is both efficient and deeply resonant. Those who strike that balance will be best positioned to stand out as the industry continues to evolve.

At the heart of everything I do, both professionally and personally, are kindness, purpose, integrity, and empathy. These values keep me grounded, especially in an industry and a world that can often feel fast-moving and unpredictable.

I believe in putting my best foot forward, being understanding, and taking the time to truly listen. In my work, that means meeting clients where they are. Some have never had a website and rely entirely on word-of-mouth, while others come with more established systems and expectations. My approach is to understand their philosophy, listen to their concerns, and develop solutions that genuinely support their goals. Being transparent is central to how I work. I believe in having honest conversations, adjusting when something is not the right fit, and making sure clients feel informed and supported throughout the process. That approach helps build trust and leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Empathy is the value that shapes everything I do. It guides how I listen to clients, support teammates, and tell stories that reflect real experiences. These values, instilled in me early on by my family and mentors, continue to guide my leadership, creativity, and definition of success.