Margie Bowles, PhD

I attribute my success to wonderful, supportive clients over the years, and an incredible team of employee writers. The advice I've given to so many clients is that companies always want to talk about how great they are and how great their product or service is, but the reality is, their customer base – and, especially, potential customers – only care about what's in it for THEM. As their messaging team, finding the balance between drawing customers in while satisfying the client's desire to raise the bar on their products or service was critical. I also believe that listening is an art, not just a physical act – not just hearing a voice but also tuning into body language, word choice and pacing, in order to get beneath the surface. That was one reason why I never hired straight-out-of-school junior writers. I always employed writers who had professional experience and who demonstrated that kind of insight in their writing, as well as fluency and creativity.

The best career advice I ever received was probably from my mom as I was thinking about going to college. I wanted to major in art, and she said, "Margie, artists don't make any money." I thought, okay, but I really want to be an artist. Then I discovered advertising design and realized I could check both boxes. Eventually, in an interview with a Dallas agency, I showed my portfolio, for which I had not only designed all the ads but also written the messaging. The Creative Director said, "Well, I really like your work, but right now we don't need an art director, we need a writer. Would you be willing to join us as a writer?" I said sure, and that's when I realized what I should have been doing all along. I found my niche, thanks to somebody else.

For women, I would say believe in yourself and the skills you possess, but be open to the thoughts and suggestions of others. Always have a rationale for the decisions you make, whether those decisions involve a project, your job, your career, or your business relationships. Also, live in the moment, but keep your eye on the future.

For me, the challenge is staying connected. Thanks to technology, we are more connected than ever before but, at the same time, LESS connected than ever before. With the emergence and acceleration of AI, our relationship with REALITY is also being challenged. Personal relationships are so important to everything we do, learn, and share in life and, in the field of marketing and message development, they're core. I'm thrilled and honored to still get calls from clients whom I've known for decades. It's wonderful. Those are the kind of relationships I was truly fortunate to be able to have and maintain over the years. I believe the opportunity is staying connected, but the challenge is being the one to make sure that happens.

In my work, I think there are a couple of things. One, of course, is professionalism and really having respect for the client, understanding what they're trying to achieve and putting yourself in their shoes while also helping THEM step into the shoes of their target audience. I think that's incredibly important. As for my personal values, I think it's just being true to yourself but understanding that nobody's perfect, not even you. Honesty, empathy and loyalty are, I believe, central to both my work and my personal life.