As the host of this podcast, I had the pleasure of engaging in a fascinating conversation with Jessica Lavery, the marketing manager for Resilience Healthcare. Our discussion covered a wide range of topics, from the importance of investing in employees to the challenges and rewards of working in marketing.
The Importance of Employee Investment
Jessica kicked off our conversation by emphasizing the importance of investing in employees and supporting their personal growth. She suggested that businesses should encourage their employees to attend conferences, talks, and courses to expand their knowledge and bring new insights back to the business. This is a valuable lesson for any business leader looking to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Jess's Background and Personal Values
We then delved into Jessica’s background and her loyalty as a friend. I had previously spoken to a mutual friend, Keira, who praised Jessica for being the kindest and most loyal friend. Jessica attributes her loyalty to the belief that what goes around comes around, and she treats others the way she wants to be treated. She emphasized the importance of being a friend's biggest cheerleader, even when they're not present.
Jessica also shared her belief in supporting and cheering on other women, especially in the age of social media. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and support in our increasingly connected world.
From Fashion Journalism to Marketing
Jessica’s journey into marketing was not a straightforward one. She initially had a passion for fashion journalism and even had a fashion column in the Galway Advertiser. However, after graduating in 2008, she found that there were no jobs available in journalism. Determined to find a way, she took a job as a makeup artist at Brown Thomas, despite having no prior experience in makeup.
This experience taught Jessica the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity. It also gave her a unique perspective on the power of marketing, as she observed how people always found a way to buy makeup, even during the financial crisis of 2008.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
At the age of 23, Jessica became a mother, which brought about another significant change in her life. She reflected on the transition from being a student to being responsible for someone else. Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood with her desire to still live a carefree life in her 20s, Jessica acknowledged that becoming a parent brought purpose and a sense of achievement to her life.
Lessons from a Career in Marketing
Jessica shared valuable insights from her career in marketing, emphasizing the importance of proving oneself every day by delivering results for clients and building strong relationships. She also highlighted the importance of brand awareness and consistency in marketing, using the example of Pampers advertising to a broad audience, even if not everyone currently needs their products.
Jessica also discussed the challenges of dealing with reactive decision-making in marketing, where sales fluctuations can lead to sudden changes in marketing plans. She believes that marketers should take back control and not let a bad weekend dictate their entire strategy.
Embracing Fitness and Finding Joy in the Small Things
Jessica also shared her experience of being pregnant for the second time and her dedication to going to the gym. She found joy in the small things, such as spending time with her kids and enjoying the beautiful weather. She made the most of her time off and manifested a new job and a new car within two weeks.
Attracting New Talent and Creating a Positive Work Environment
Finally, Jessica discussed her role in attracting new talent and creating a positive work environment at Resilience Healthcare. She believes that by fostering happiness among employees, they become advocates for the company and help attract new talent.
One aspect of Jessica's job is creating content, particularly videos, to give a voice to the service users they work with, many of whom have autism and may be nonverbal. She finds this aspect of her job incredibly rewarding as she helps these individuals find their voice and platform.
In conclusion, my conversation with Jessica Lavery was a treasure trove of insights and lessons on personal growth, resilience, and the power of marketing. Her story is a testament to the importance of investing in employees, embracing change, and finding joy in the small things.