In Conversation with Katy Gray
Tell us about your background:
I’ve worked in marketing in New York City for about 4 years. I've always been a huge believer in building community wherever I go and have carried this into my career, which has helped me to work passionately, create lasting relationships, and think both critically and compassionately. I started out my career working at an agency called MWW, where I was on the Digital Strategy team. Working at an agency taught me so much about being a professional and how to manage clients, and I met some amazing mentors. My most recent role as an Influencer Marketing Manager at Hilton has been instrumental in shaping my career and who I am as a professional. I have found such a love for partnership marketing and creating amazing experiences through hospitality.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
Nobody knows what they're doing, so believing in your potential and having confidence will take you far.
Best career advice you've ever received?
Don't be afraid to do the work and surround yourself with good people/the best minds.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
Empowerment, compassion, no task is too small- be helpful
How do you define success in your career, and how has that definition evolved over time?
I define success in my career by the relationships I have made and the trust I have gained from the people I have worked with from bringing 100% every day. When I started my career, I was very focused on generic career milestones and job titles I thought were important at the time, which still can be, but there is nothing more powerful than having a team of people you have met along the way that can speak to your strengths and experiences as a worker.
What are your top networking tips for building strong connections in your industry?
Don't be afraid to make the first move! Plant little seeds along the way and play the long game- you never know what could happen down the line.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katygray18/
Instagram: @kgrrayy
