In Conversation with Katelyn Heath
Tell us about your background:
I'm an international communications professional whose work has taken me to France, Japan, and now NYC. With experience across retail, e-commerce, and B2B, I am adept at developing communications strategies that leverage influencer marketing, social media, content marketing, events and thought leadership, and aim to recruit, retain, engage, and inspire.
My strengh is cross-cultural communication, localization, and market development. I'm an organized PM and experienced and empathetic manager.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
Careers aren't linear and having passion and being persistent isn't enough in today's business environment.
The most important skills for advancing your career are knowing how to advocate for yourself (not just after the fact, but also head-on when you're facing a challenge that you need to push through), and what your niche is.
When I first started out, I naively dove into interviewing with the 'I can do it all!' mentality and quickly learned that a) I couldn't and b) that's not what companies are looking for. Companies are looking for very specific skill sets and most importantly how your skill set solves their problem. If you're able to come to the table with actionable recommendations of things that can be done better or differently, coupled with a sincere interest in the business and well-read background knowledge of their recent activity, you're that much closer to getting yourself in the door.
Best career advice you've ever received?
This is a jumble of a few different pieces of advice cultivated from multiple sources, but I would say: take your seat at the table. It can be intimidating, but don't shy away from opportunities for exposure. Ask to be included, be inquisitive, stay curious, stay hungry, and be somebody that people want to be around. Read, read, and read some more- stay up to date on current events and have a minimum level of conversation around the latest trends and a defendable opinion on it.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
Empathy, authenticity and decisiveness. A leader who can't put themselves in someone else's shoes isn't a leader at all. A leader whose rhetoric doesn't match with their actions isn't something to aspire to. And finally a leader who can't make up their mind or own decisions isn't empowering their direct reports to do the same within their purview. That's why in my opinion these three qualities are key.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Imposter syndrome. NYC is full of so many talented people and it can feel like everyone is 'ahead of you' with the perfect CV complete with a Master, MBA, 15 years experience, etc.
I have to remind myself that I once coveted the experience and perspective I have today and there is no 'finish line, you've made it' moment where everything is perfect. Jobs, the skills necessary to succeed in them, the platforms we use, everything is constantly evolving and requires adaptation. If you're eager and quick to learn, you'll have the best chance of staying relevant.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
Flats! Like a true urban-dweller, I'm a speed walker and heels are not my friend. They also make me feel really polished and I'm most confident when I'm comfortable, a hallmark quality of good footwear.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathkatelyn/
Instagram: @kmh_l22
