My Journey Leveraging Innovation and Emotional Connection to Drive Marketing Success

Act 1: The STEM Educator

My professional journey began in education, where I dedicated myself to nurturing young minds as a STEM educator. Armed with a Masters in Instructional Technology from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor of Science degree, I aimed to instill a love for STEM in my students.

Creating cross-curricular programs, I empowered educators and students to innovate and collaborate. Hosting multi-day training events, including a notable collaboration with Royal Caribbean International, underscored my dedication to immersive learning experiences. Partnering with NASA, I introduced problem-based learning assignments, igniting students’ curiosity about space exploration.

Selected for a pilot group with Chevron and the Children’s Museum, I promoted STEM concepts worldwide. This experience reinforced my belief in STEM’s adaptability across diverse cultures. At the Technology and Curriculum Conference of Aldine in 2015, I conducted a Tech 2.0 Workshop, exploring innovative technology tools that prioritize personalized, student-driven learning.

Act 2: A Global Perspective

Life’s serendipitous turns led me overseas, where the “A” in STEM transformed to reflect local needs, from Aerospace in South Houston to Agriculture in North Houston, now has evolved for even the R to incorporate Religion in the Middle East. After packing my entire life in the USA into 3 large suit cases, I worked abroad. During a tenure of 6-7 years I assisted in national initiatives for STEM, being invited to UNESCO conference where 70+ countries were represented, and then moving into the private sector where I oversaw 20+ private schools around the country.

Act 3: Transitioning to Marketing

When COVID-19 hit, I was visiting family in the USA and got stuck here! The boarders closed and no where was safe to travel. Personal circumstances, including my mother’s worsening COVID-19 condition and the arrival of my son, required my full attention. So I started seeking out leadership roles in education but no one wanted me lol.

The biggest STEM principle is having a growth mindset so that you can be flexible in any situation, so as the STEM woman I am, I pivoted! I leveraged my network, digital marketing studies, certifications, and participation in various marketing communities. Over two successful years, I gained experience in tech, payments, crypto, the service, entertainment and food industry, and the list goes on.

Common Thread: Understanding & Selling Experiences

The success of my campaigns across diverse industries lies in a deep understanding of the “local knowledge” of the audience and culture. This approach is rooted in principles from my STEM background, such as data analysis and systems thinking, which help tailor each campaign to resonate authentically with its target demographic. I prioritize the user experience, focusing on selling the desired experience that the ideal client seeks. By viewing the client holistically, I can create marketing strategies that not only meet but exceed expectations.

Unique Selling Proposition: Crafting Vision-Driven Strategies

What sets me apart in the marketing field is my unique ability to understand the vision and passion behind each project. Drawing on STEM principles like hypothesis testing and iterative design, I craft marketing strategies that serve as roadmaps to innovation, brand awareness, industry leadership, and legacy. This vision-driven approach ensures that every campaign is aligned with the overarching goals and values of the brand, leading to sustainable success.

Target Audience Insights: Social Listening and Engagement

Understanding the target audience is paramount, and I achieve this through diligent social listening and observing true engagement beyond vanity metrics. Similar to how one would conduct a scientific study, I gather and analyze data from various sources, including conference themes, industry actions, and customer interactions. This insight allows me to tailor content and campaigns that genuinely connect with and engage the target demographic, much like a well-designed experiment yields meaningful results.

Cross-Industry Adaptation: Education-Driven Strategies

Transitioning between industries often involves a strong educational component. Just as a STEM educator would design a curriculum to meet learning objectives, I develop marketing strategies that meet specific objectives and KPIs. By applying the scientific method—observing, hypothesizing, experimenting, and refining—I create adaptable and innovative strategies across various fields, drawing inspiration from diverse sources and fostering cross-industry collaboration.

Measurable Results: Comprehensive Data Analysis

While I prioritize key performance indicators (KPIs), I also examine the complete data set to understand the full experience provided. This comprehensive analysis, akin to evaluating scientific research, allows me to capture the nuances of each campaign and make informed decisions that drive positive outcomes. By understanding the complete picture, I ensure that every aspect of the customer experience is optimized for success.

Innovation and Trends: Continuous Learning

Staying updated with the latest marketing trends is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. I achieve this by attending conferences, taking courses, and engaging in continuous learning, much like a scientist stays current with the latest research. This commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements ensures that my strategies remain innovative, effective, and relevant in an ever-evolving market landscape.

Collaboration and Team Dynamics: Inclusive Leadership

Collaboration and team dynamics play a significant role in my marketing strategy. I believe in the value of every team member and strive to create an environment where everyone feels understood and appreciated. This approach mirrors collaborative scientific research, where diverse perspectives and expertise lead to more innovative and effective outcomes. By fostering inclusive leadership, I ensure that all voices are heard and integrated into the strategy.

Future Goals: Developing an Agile, Customer-Centric Approach

My future goals involve refining my signature marketing approach to create an agile process that leads to customer-centric experiences. Drawing on the principles of adaptability and continuous improvement from my STEM background, I aim to increase brand awareness and establish my strategies as household names. This involves continuously adapting and evolving my methods to meet the changing needs and preferences of customers, ensuring sustained growth and success.

Challenges and Learnings: Client Trust and Automation

Challenges in implementing my strategies often stem from client attitudes. Building trust and ensuring the smooth implementation of processes and automation can be difficult, especially for clients who may not fully understand or envision their goals. Overcoming these challenges involves educating clients, establishing clear communication, and demonstrating the long-term benefits of the strategies employed. By fostering trust and understanding, much like a scientist communicates findings and implications, I help clients navigate the complexities of marketing and achieve their desired outcomes.

Conclusion: Present Day Innovation

My journey from STEM educator to marketing consultant is marked by a commitment to innovative, experience-driven strategies. With multiple years of experience in marketing, I bring a unique blend of analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of customer psychology. By addressing both the emotional and practical needs of clients and their audiences, I craft holistic marketing experiences that foster lasting connections and drive success.

If you are looking for a marketing consultant who can deliver tailored, effective strategies to elevate your brand, let’s connect. My expertise in understanding diverse industries, coupled with a passion for creating impactful experiences, makes me the ideal partner for your marketing needs. Contact me today to start transforming your vision into reality.