Sophie Stephens

I attribute my success to two things: my younger self and my people. Early on, while I was still in college, I dove into this industry fearlessly and said yes to opportunities before I felt fully ready. I’ve always been motivated by the question, “What if this turns out great?” That mindset pushed me to take risks, stay curious, and learn by doing. The second piece is the people around me. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have mentors, collaborators, and support systems who believed in me, challenged me to grow, and gave me space to try things, fail, and learn. Their guidance and trust helped me develop my skills and confidence. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without the community that’s supported me along the way.

The best career advice I’ve received is to always maintain and nurture your network. Even when you’re working full-time and feel settled, don’t stop building relationships and staying connected. That advice has been especially meaningful as I transition into full-time freelancing. Because I’ve consistently invested in my relationships, I now have an incredible community of people in my corner and that support has given me the confidence to take this leap. I’ve always been a people person, but this advice validated that instinct. Staying connected, being a resource for others, and genuinely building community has been one of the most valuable parts of my career.

Be bold and be brave, your voice deserves to be heard. It’s easy to feel like you shouldn’t speak up or pitch an idea until you have every detail figured out. But you bring a unique perspective to the table, and that perspective has value, even if it’s not fully formed yet. Early in my career, I had a difficult experience where a supervisor shut me down for speaking up. For a while, it made me question whether I belonged in this industry or if that kind of environment was something I’d always have to navigate. But what I learned is that the right workplaces - and the right people - will want to hear your ideas and support your growth. If you find yourself somewhere that makes you feel small, know that it’s not a reflection of your potential. There are spaces where your voice will be respected, and you deserve to be in them. Trust your instincts, speak up, and don’t be afraid to take up space.

One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the growing investment in experiential marketing. Brands and companies are increasingly recognizing the value of creating in-person, memorable experiences, and many agencies are actively looking to expand their capabilities in this space. As I’ve been networking, one of the most validating things I’ve heard is how much demand there is for people with hands-on experiential experience. Because the industry is growing quickly, having experience in what has historically been a niche area has positioned me in a really exciting place. I don’t think that advantage will always be unique, as the industry grows, more people will grow into it. But right now, being part of a rapidly expanding field with a strong foundation of experience makes the opportunities feel especially energizing.

The values that matter most to me are inclusion, respect, and balance. Inclusion is at the core of how I work. I believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued - both within a team and in the environments we create. Respect is equally important. Experiential work often comes with hierarchy, but I make a point to treat everyone on site as an essential part of the team. Every role matters, and the best work happens when people feel valued and supported. And finally, balance. This industry moves fast and can demand long hours, so I’ve learned the importance of stepping back and recharging. For me, that means getting outside - hiking, snowboarding, or spending time in the mountains. Experiential naturally ebbs and flows, and building a sustainable career means moving with that rhythm, not pushing through it.