This week on Own It, we’re talking to Mandana Mellano from PEONY Talent. It is a boutique talent recruitment and advisory practice that services the media, advertising, marketing, technology and entertainment industries. Her efforts have been focused on modernizing the talent recruitment process in our industry. I love how she’s innovating in that space for us all.
Mandana and I talked about her journey, the issues facing the industry with regards to talent, and certainly got her thoughts on the gender cap in advertising agency ownership.
I love the different perspective each of our guests bring. This conversation is no different. I learned so much.
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For those considering ownership, a deep-seated passion for the venture is crucial, as it provides the resilience needed to overcome challenges. Entrepreneurship should stem from a genuine desire to build something new, rather than being a last resort or merely a pragmatic career move.
When starting a business, it's essential to define success and operational terms that align with personal values and vision, rather than conforming to traditional industry norms. This involves challenging conventional practices, like not relying on a database for recruitment, and focusing on a high-touch, boutique approach to maintain quality and personal connection.
Beyond resumes and job descriptions, truly understanding a person's potential, personality, and values is vital in recruitment. This human-centered approach ensures better matches and recognizes the intangible qualities that contribute significantly to an agency's ethos and success, especially in an industry that relies heavily on human ingenuity.
Women often doubt their capabilities and may not negotiate as assertively as men, contributing to the gender gap in agency ownership. A personal perception shift, confidence in one's talent, and a willingness to break from established blueprints are essential for women to confidently step into and redefine leadership roles.
A significant lesson in entrepreneurship is the importance of setting aside pride and asking for help. The journey of building a business often reveals a supportive community that founders didn't know existed, emphasizing the power of connection and mutual support among entrepreneurs, especially for women in business.
