We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Diana Muniz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Diana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The idea for my business was born out of a combination of personal experience and a deep-seated desire to address a pervasive issue in the corporate world. Working in a male-dominated environment, I constantly faced challenges that many women encounter – less respect, lower pay, and limited opportunities for advancement. Despite my qualifications and dedication, it was clear that the corporate ladder was much steeper for women.
The turning point came during a meeting where my ideas were dismissed, only to be praised when echoed by a male colleague. The frustration and sense of injustice were overwhelming. I realized that this wasn’t just my struggle; it was a widespread issue affecting countless talented and hardworking women. This realization was both disheartening and motivating.
I began researching and speaking with other women who had similar experiences. The common thread was the need for a platform that recognized and valued women’s contributions, provided equal opportunities, and fostered a supportive community. This was the spark that ignited my business idea – to create a company that not only excelled in its industry but also championed gender equality and empowerment.
Launching this business was daunting, but the logic was clear. There was a significant gap in the market for a company that combined exceptional service with a strong commitment to inclusivity and equality. I knew that by addressing this need, we could attract not only women who sought a fair and supportive workplace but also allies who believed in our mission.
Our approach was unique because we didn’t just pay lip service to gender equality; we embedded it into our company’s DNA. From equitable pay policies to leadership development programs for women, every aspect of our business was designed to break the barriers women face in the corporate world. This commitment set us apart and quickly garnered attention and support.
What excited me most about this venture was the opportunity to create real, lasting change. The business wasn’t just about providing a product or service; it was about reshaping the corporate landscape. The positive feedback from our team and clients, seeing women thrive in roles they were previously denied, and knowing that we were setting a new standard for workplace equality fueled my passion and conviction.
Starting this business was not just about solving a problem; it was about turning a vision of a fair and inclusive workplace into reality. The challenges were immense, but the rewards were even greater. Every success story, every milestone we achieved, reaffirmed that this endeavor was not only worthwhile but necessary. It was, and continues to be, a journey driven by purpose, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of equality.
Diana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For folks who may not have read about me before, I’d like to share a bit about my journey, how I got into the marketing industry, and what drives my passion for this field. My name is Diana, and my path into marketing began with a recognition of a glaring gap in the industry: the lack of marketing that resonated with women of all ages and races. Back in 1990, the marketing landscape was overwhelmingly male-centered, and it was clear that a more inclusive approach was desperately needed.
I started my career in a corporate environment where I quickly realized that women’s voices and perspectives were often overlooked. This experience fueled my determination to create a change. I wanted to develop marketing strategies that truly spoke to women, recognizing their diverse experiences, needs, and aspirations. This was the driving force behind my decision to enter the marketing industry and eventually start my own marketing firm, Olympus Marketing.
At Olympus Marketing, we offer a wide range of services designed to help businesses connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Our services include comprehensive marketing strategies, social media management, SEO and PPC campaigns, content creation, and brand development. We pride ourselves on our ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, ensuring that our clients’ messages are not only heard but also felt.
One of the core problems we solve for our clients is the disconnect between their brand and their target audience. Many businesses struggle to find the right tone, message, and channels to effectively reach and engage their customers. We bridge this gap by conducting thorough market research, developing tailored marketing strategies, and executing campaigns that drive results. Our unique approach lies in our commitment to inclusivity and authenticity, ensuring that every campaign we create is reflective of the diverse world we live in.
What sets us apart from others in the industry is our unwavering focus on inclusivity and representation. We understand that today’s consumers are looking for brands that not only offer great products and services but also stand for something meaningful. By incorporating diverse perspectives and voices into our marketing efforts, we create campaigns that truly resonate and build lasting connections.
One of the things I am most proud of is the positive impact we’ve had on our clients’ businesses and on the industry as a whole. Seeing the success of campaigns that celebrate diversity and inclusivity, and knowing that we’ve played a part in reshaping the marketing landscape, is incredibly rewarding. We’ve had the privilege of working with clients from various industries, helping them to grow their brands and connect with their audiences in ways they never thought possible.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at Olympus Marketing, we are driven by a passion for making a difference. We believe in the power of marketing to not only drive business success but also to inspire change and foster inclusivity. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results while staying true to our values of diversity, equity, and authenticity.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey and the work we do at Olympus Marketing. We look forward to the opportunity to partner with you and help your brand achieve its full potential.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In business, career, and life, there are moments when we face unexpected challenges that force us to pivot and adapt. One of the most profound pivots in my journey came with my cancer diagnosis in 2020. It was a time that tested my strength, resilience, and determination in ways I could never have imagined.
In 2020, I was diagnosed with cancer, and my world was turned upside down. The diagnosis was followed by a massive surgery and grueling rounds of chemotherapy. It was an incredibly difficult period, both physically and emotionally. Despite the severity of the situation, I was determined to maintain the high standards that my clients at Olympus Marketing had come to expect.
My journey to remission was a hard-fought battle, and when I finally achieved it, the sense of relief and hope was immense. Unfortunately, my remission lasted only seven months. In February of 2023, I received the devastating news that the cancer had returned. Once again, I found myself in the midst of treatment, fighting for my life while managing my business.
Throughout these challenging times, my commitment to my clients never wavered. I understood the importance of the work we do at Olympus Marketing and the trust that our clients place in us. Despite the personal battles I was facing, I made it a priority to ensure that our clients continued to receive the highest quality of service and support. This often meant working through pain and fatigue, but the passion for my work and the drive to see my clients succeed kept me going.
One of the key lessons I learned during this period is the incredible power of a supportive team. The team at Olympus Marketing rallied around me, taking on additional responsibilities and ensuring that our operations ran smoothly. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in maintaining our standards and delivering results for our clients. This experience reinforced the importance of building a strong, resilient team that can step up in times of need.
My journey with cancer has been a continuous fight, but it has also been a journey of growth and learning. It has taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of a supportive network, and the strength that comes from facing adversity head-on. I have become more empathetic and understanding, both as a leader and as a person. This experience has deepened my commitment to creating a work environment that supports and uplifts every member of our team.
Today, as I continue to battle cancer, I remain focused on the future. I am determined to keep pushing forward, both in my personal fight and in my professional endeavors. The challenges I have faced have only strengthened my resolve to help our clients achieve their goals and to continue making a positive impact in the marketing industry.
My story is one of resilience and determination, and it serves as a reminder that even in the face of the most daunting challenges, we have the power to persevere and thrive. For anyone facing their own battles, I hope my journey offers a sense of hope and encouragement. We can overcome the obstacles in our path, and we can continue to achieve great things, no matter the circumstances.
Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?
After my cancer returned in February 2023, I faced one of the most challenging periods in my career and business. The news of my diagnosis spread quickly, and unfortunately, it led to several clients leaving. They doubted my capacity to manage their accounts effectively while undergoing treatment. This was a devastating blow, not just emotionally, but financially as well.
During this period, there were several moments when I was worried about making payroll. The loss of clients and the associated revenue hit us hard, and the strain on our finances was immense. It felt like the business was on the brink of collapse, and every day was a struggle to keep things afloat.
One particularly close call stands out. We were approaching the end of the month, and I realized that we might not have enough funds to cover payroll. It was a moment of sheer panic and anxiety. My team had been incredibly supportive, and the thought of not being able to pay them was heartbreaking.
In that moment of crisis, I knew I had to act quickly. I reached out to some of our long-term clients and explained the situation transparently. I also took on additional freelance projects to bring in immediate revenue. My team stepped up as well, taking on extra responsibilities and working tirelessly to ensure we delivered outstanding results to our remaining clients.
Through sheer determination and the unwavering support of my team, we managed to make payroll that month. It was a close call, but it reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability. The experience also highlighted the incredible dedication and loyalty of my team, who continued to believe in me and the vision of our company despite the challenges we faced.
The journey to recovery has been slow, and we’re still working to rebuild the business and regain the trust of our clients. This experience has transformed my company and me. It has taught me the value of transparency, the importance of a strong support network, and the power of perseverance.
Despite the hardships, we have emerged stronger and more united. We have diversified our services and focused on building deeper, more meaningful relationships with our clients. The close calls and near-death moments for the business have made us more resilient and prepared to face future challenges head-on.
Today, I am proud of how far we have come and the progress we continue to make. We are on a path to recovery, and I am more determined than ever to ensure the success and growth of our company. This experience has shaped our journey and reminded us that even in the darkest times, there is always a way forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.olympusmkt.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-muniz-lebrun
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