Claudia Hickey

I attribute my success to the competitive environment I grew up in as one of four siblings, which instilled in me a strong drive to excel. I have always drawn inspiration from strong female characters in media, who taught me the value of resilience and determination. For me, success is less about the end result and more about the consistent effort and dedication I put in every day, much like an Olympian training for peak performance. Staying focused on the process, rather than just the outcome, has been key to achieving my goals.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was: “If somebody says no, you’re talking to the wrong person.” That idea has shaped how I approach both my work and my career. I’ve learned that a “no” is rarely final; it usually means the message, timing, or audience needs to change.

Whenever I’ve faced resistance, I’ve treated it as a strategic problem to solve. That might mean reframing the idea, strengthening the proof points, or shifting the conversation to someone who can recognize its value. In marketing, progress often comes from repositioning, not pushing harder.

Some of the most effective marketers operate this way. Kris Jenner is a clear example. Her success comes from understanding perception, leverage, and timing, and making sure the right story reaches the right decision maker. That perspective taught me that creative thinking is as much about influence and strategy as it is about ideas.

I would give young women the same advice I was given, but with one addition: be audacious about it.

This industry is only getting louder and more crowded. If you want to create impact early in your career, you cannot wait for permission. Find the thing that genuinely sets you apart and commit to it fully. Let it shape how people remember you, how you approach your work, and how you show up in every room.

I would not be where I am without audacity. Asking the extra question. Volunteering for the project no one else wanted. Proposing crazy ideas before I was asked. Taking responsibility when something felt risky and saying, if this does not work, that is on me. That mindset built trust and momentum far faster than staying quiet or playing it safe.

If I had stayed inside the lines and followed the expected path, I would not have achieved even half of what I have at this stage of my career. Progress does not come from blending in. It comes from being willing to be seen, to take ownership, and to keep putting your ideas forward until the right person says yes.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is sheer overcrowding. The marketplace is saturated, and that extends beyond brands into the job market itself. There are more talented people than ever competing for fewer truly meaningful roles. I know highly skilled professionals who have applied to hundreds of positions before even landing a first interview. Standing out has become harder, not because ability is lacking, but because volume has diluted visibility. This makes clarity of skill, proof of impact, and a strong point of view more important than titles alone.

At the same time, the biggest opportunity sits in how the industry is evolving, particularly with AI. AI is no longer a future concept; it is actively reshaping how marketing, sales, finance, tech, and accounting operate. The professionals who will thrive are the ones who take ownership of understanding how AI fits into their specific discipline, not as a shortcut, but as a tool. Knowing where automation helps, where human judgment still matters, and how to work alongside these systems is quickly becoming a baseline expectation.

For the next generation entering the workforce, my advice is to study AI with intention. Do not just learn the tools, but think critically about how they change workflows, decision making, and value creation in your chosen field. In an overcrowded market, the ability to pair strong fundamentals with informed use of emerging technology is one of the clearest ways to create opportunity rather than wait for it.

The values that guide both my professional and personal life are hard work, creativity, and enjoyment.

Hard work is non-negotiable for me. Regardless of the role, industry, or stage of my career, I hold myself to a high standard of discipline and follow-through. I believe consistency, accountability, and effort are the foundation of meaningful progress, and I take pride in being someone who can be relied on to deliver.

Creativity sits alongside that work ethic. I see creativity not as a job function, but as a way of thinking and problem-solving. I value the ability to approach challenges from different angles, question assumptions, and build ideas that are thoughtful and original. Whether in a professional setting or a personal pursuit, I am always looking for ways to apply creative thinking to improve outcomes and add depth to what I do.

Finally, enjoyment is essential. I believe sustained success comes from doing work that is engaging and fulfilling. If hard work and creativity are not paired with a genuine sense of purpose and enjoyment, they lose their meaning. I aim to build a life and career where these three values coexist, because that balance is what allows me to perform at my best and remain fully invested in the work I take on.