This week on Own It we’re talking to Chelsea Derrico from OpAD Media Solutions. She climbed the ladder internally at OpAD from a media planner and buyer to CEO and president, all over the last 14 years. The media agency is based in New York City where Chelsea raises a family, plays tennis and leads a firm that focuses on data-driven media decisions to produce results.
We talked about everything from her children to her journey to ownership and everything in between. There are so many good nuggets in this episode. We know you’ll love it as much as we did.
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Chelsea emphasizes how her psychology background has been invaluable in understanding client needs, crafting resonant advertising, and leading teams with empathy. She highlights the importance of recognizing individual needs and personality types within a team to foster effective collaboration and support.
Chelsea shares her philosophy of being open to conversations and opportunities, even when not actively seeking a change. Her decision to move to OpAD, despite initial hesitation, led to significant career growth, demonstrating the value of exploring new paths and taking calculated risks.
Chelsea attributes a significant part of her smooth transition into ownership to her co-owners. She highlights the importance of having a team with complementary skill sets, mutual respect, and a willingness to support each other through different life stages, especially during challenging periods like maternity leave.
For co-ownership to be successful, Chelsea advises establishing formal agreements, clear bulleted lists of responsibilities, and consistent strategic planning sessions. These practices, along with board meetings and open communication about challenges, ensure alignment, accountability, and the ability to pivot when needed.
Chelsea reflects on the internal struggle women face about sacrificing personal life for professional opportunities. She advocates for self-grace, acknowledging that "perfect" readiness may never come, and emphasizing that women are capable of handling both professional and personal demands with support and flexibility.
