Madeline Johnson

I attribute my success to a combination of adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities. My journey didn’t follow a straight line starting at California State University San Marcos with an interest in nursing, I discovered my passion for communications through a business writing class, which ultimately led me to business. During my undergraduate studies, I had the chance to study abroad three times, including a summer internship in Barcelona, experiences that shaped my global perspective and approach to marketing. After earning a master’s in International Marketing from Hult International Business School in London, I began my career in marketing at a California subscription box startup, gaining hands-on experience in content creation, campaign development, and working in fast-paced, growth-focused environments. At Rylee and Cru Collective, I progressed from a content-focused role to Head of Marketing, leading multiple in-house brands and guiding creative, collaborative teams. One project that stands out is a founders’ video I produced, highlighting the people and values behind the brand a reminder that marketing is most meaningful when it tells authentic stories. Alongside my professional work, I have been teaching social media marketing at Cal State San Marcos for the past three years, a role that allows me to give back, stay connected to emerging trends, and encourage students to remain adaptable, as some of the best opportunities often arise from unexpected paths.

Having a mentor has been invaluable to my growth. The first Head of Marketing I worked with, Eric Myers, in particular, helped me see opportunities I wouldn’t have recognized on my own and pushed me to think bigger about leadership, strategy, and the kind of professional I want to become. A good mentor challenges you, supports you, and ultimately helps you discover your own path.

If there’s one piece of advice I’ve learned over the years, it’s to stay adaptable and open to the unexpected. Careers rarely follow a straight line, and some of the most meaningful opportunities appear where you least expect them. For example, my teaching role at Cal State San Marcos was completely unplanned, yet it became one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I also emphasize the importance of building genuine relationships. Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts; it’s about forming connections that are collaborative, supportive, and mutually inspiring. The people you meet often become mentors, collaborators, or even friends who shape your career in ways you could never anticipate.

I also advise embracing both breadth and depth in your experiences. Do not hesitate to explore different roles, industries, or projects even if they do not align directly with your immediate goals, as each experience adds perspective, skills, and insights that inform your expertise and leadership style. Equally important is investing in reflection and self-care. Marketing, leadership, and creative work can be demanding, and maintaining balance through hobbies, travel, or quiet moments of pause keeps your creativity and decision-making sharp. I have found that stepping back, whether on a beach walk or during a long trip, often brings the most clarity in both career and life.

Being the oldest of eight siblings has shaped me in profound ways that carry over into my career. With a twenty-year age difference between myself and my youngest brother, I learned patience, effective communication, and the importance of guiding and supporting others. These lessons inform how I lead teams, collaborate with colleagues, and mentor emerging professionals, and they remain central to my approach as a leader and partner in any endeavor.

Outside of work and teaching, I find balance in simple pleasures that recharge and inspire me. Beach walks, hot yoga, attending Padres and Chargers games, live music, and long-term travel, particularly in Europe, provide perspective, energy, and creativity that feed back into both my professional and personal life. These experiences reinforce the values of patience, presence, and appreciation for the people and moments that matter most.