This week on Own It we’re talking to Erin Gwiazdon from Level Mpls. She spent several years at Level before joining the executive team, then moving into an ownership role. Most of her career has been on the agency side, but did jump out and work for brands in healthcare and arts.
We had a great conversation about spending time outdoors on the lake, her journey to ownership and her thoughts on closing the gap in advertising agency ownership. There’s so much great insight and learning in this episode. You’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
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Working on the client-side, even for a temporary period, provides invaluable insight into a client's needs and challenges, which can then inform and improve agency-client relationships and strategies.
The goal for an independent agency should be to create a workplace that attracts smart marketers, fosters a desirable culture, and remains nimble and flexible to adapt to industry changes, rather than solely focusing on rapid growth in size.
While women are often conditioned to prioritize caretaking and avoid risks, ownership requires embracing challenges and being less risk-averse. Exposure to other successful women and supportive personal networks can build the confidence needed to pursue ownership.
Current female business owners have a responsibility to mentor and empower other women in their organizations, helping them recognize their potential for leadership and ownership. This involves fostering their confidence and presenting ownership as a viable career path.
Building a network of partners (like banks and vendors) who actively support women-owned businesses is crucial for growth. Additionally, continually sharing stories of female ownership helps to normalize and encourage more women to consider this path, reinforcing the idea that it's a legitimate and attainable option.
