We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ericka Hatfield. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ericka below.

Ericka, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

I believe the media and advertising industry often fails to accurately tell stories. This issue is not limited to the corporate sector in America; it spans across all industries. Our role goes beyond simply selling a brand or product; we have the responsibility of capturing the essence of the current generation’s experiences and reflecting the times we live in. We are the ones who set the standards for what is considered right, beautiful, trendy, and acceptable.

Unfortunately, when we rely solely on statistical data, we tend to overlook the nuanced and intersectional aspects of the human experience. Without diverse perspectives in the room, we miss out on the opportunity to add depth and richness to our narratives. It is crucial that we get it right because our ability to motivate and inspire people hinges on the accuracy and authenticity of our storytelling. As we have witnessed, getting the story wrong can have far-reaching consequences.

Companies must prioritize getting it right and recognize that achieving this requires incorporating various perspectives and experiences into the crafting of their messages. It is only through diverse voices that we can truly ensure that our stories resonate with all audiences.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Initially, my career aspirations revolved around mathematics. However, when I approached my advisor to discuss potential career paths, she suggested that I consider becoming a teacher.

Expressing my disinterest in that particular path, she inquired about my other strengths. I mentioned that I have a knack for generating ideas and a unique storytelling style. It was then that she recommended journalism as a potential avenue for me.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the Mayborn Institute of Journalism and the exceptional NABJ chapter at the University of North Texas for providing me with an engaging and enlightening undergraduate experience.

After graduating, like many millennials, I faced the challenges of a recession and a highly competitive job market. These experiences could fill a book, but that’s a story for another time. Ultimately, I found myself in the field of communications, not advertising.

Fast-forward to 2018, when I finally landed my dream job at the world’s leading advertising agency. Describing my role at family reunions proves to be a difficult task, but I consider myself someone who excels at solving problems for clients and devising innovative solutions. I have been fortunate enough to work on campaigns that tackle medical challenges, advocate for marginalized communities, and shape legislation to create a better future for all of us and future generations. It is the immense impact of the advertising and media industry that truly makes it powerful.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

In my opinion, the most effective approach to expanding your clientele is through the quality of your work. When a client is happy and satisfied with the results you deliver, they become your best advocates and sales team. However, it’s not only about the success of the campaign; it’s also about the overall interaction and experience the client has with you.

People tend to prefer working with individuals they like and have had a positive experience with. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a gracious and respectful demeanor in all your interactions. The impact of these qualities often goes beyond what people realize and can have a significant influence on building strong and lasting client relationships.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I believe that life is a continuous journey of adaptation and change. Throughout my career, I have faced five layoffs, which required me to think outside the box in terms of generating income and finding my next opportunity.

I have always maintained an open mindset when it comes to job opportunities. I firmly believe that you never know what could lead to your next big break, and it often comes from unexpected places and people. In addition to my day job, I have been open to exploring additional ways to earn income. Whether it was working at a warehouse or assisting in wedding planning, these experiences have shaped my life and played a significant role in my growth as a marketer. It has also made for some very interesting stories.

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