EP17 - Sherri Schwartz

Summary

In this conversation, Sherri Schwartz, head of marketing at OvationCXM, shares her journey from starting in sales to becoming a marketing leader. She discusses the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry and how she overcame self-doubt. Sherri also reflects on a defining moment from a dance audition and the importance of embracing failure and being kinder to oneself. She highlights the significance of sales and marketing alignment and shares her favorite books. Sherri credits Alexandra Roddy as an influential person who taught her the value of walking away from things that don't align with personal well-being. In this conversation, Sherri Schwartz discusses the importance of recognizing toxic work environments and the impact they can have on individuals. She shares her own experience of feeling stuck in a toxic environment and the defining moment that led her to stand up for herself. Sherri emphasizes the need to find a healthy work environment and offers advice on asking the right questions in interviews to assess company culture. She also highlights the importance of appreciation and recognition in motivating and retaining employees. Sherri shares her personal decision to prioritize her family while maintaining a successful career. Finally, she discusses the accomplishment of launching a successful rebrand and the importance of trust and collaboration within a team.

Takeaways

• Overcoming self-doubt and embracing failure are crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Sales and marketing alignment is essential for success in business.
• Being kinder to oneself and learning to walk away from things that don't align with personal well-being are important for mental and physical health.
• Defining moments and challenges shape who we become and can lead to unexpected opportunities. Recognize the signs of a toxic work environment and prioritize your well-being.
• Don't feel trapped in a toxic environment due to responsibilities; take steps to find a healthier work environment.
• Stand up for yourself and don't tolerate toxic behavior or disrespect.
• When interviewing for a new job, ask tough questions to assess company culture and ensure a healthy work environment.
• Appreciate and value your team, and create a safe space for them to challenge ideas and contribute.
• Strive for a healthy work-life balance and prioritize your family and personal well-being.
• Trust and empower your team, and recognize their contributions to the organization's success.
• Celebrate accomplishments and milestones, and create a culture of appreciation and recognition.
• Take risks and embrace change, such as rebranding, to achieve growth and success.
• Continuously learn and iterate, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:33 Starting in Sales

05:32 Overcoming Self-Doubt

07:44 Lessons from Dance Audition

08:14 Success in Sales

09:11 Importance of Sales and Marketing Alignment

12:00 Embracing Failure and Being Kinder to Yourself

19:50 Favorite Books: Fiction and Non-Fiction

23:42 Influential Person: Alexandra Roddy

26:12 Learning to Walk Away

26:30 Recognizing Toxic Environments

27:08 Feeling Stuck in Toxic Environments

28:15 Standing Up for Yourself

29:26 Finding a Healthy Work Environment

31:35 Asking the Right Questions in Interviews

32:37 The Importance of Appreciation and Recognition

35:30 Creating a Healthy Work-Life Balance

39:18 Valuing and Trusting Your Team

40:05 Balancing Career and Family

46:49 Accomplishing a Successful Rebrand