Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hilary Noonan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hilary, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I have regrets. I regret my career. But let me explain.

I have had an incredible career; over twenty years of working in marketing across numerous industries, working my way up from a marketing assistant to Director of Demand Generation, Creative Director, and Content Director.

I do not regret my success or the amazing experiences I’ve had.

I regret more than anything the risks I didn’t take. I regret molding myself so efficiently into someone else’s narrative and some other company’s goals. I regret dampening my true skill and passion to be more universally applicable.

We structure our lives around jobs and build generic pathways to define our selves and self worth.

But we have to work. And there is great meaning to come from using your born skills toward a goal.

So how can we successfully “risk it all” and find our true calling?

1. Pick your favorite skill to exploit. You’ll have a lot of natural gifts so identify the ones you love spending time on the most. You will have many of these. Embrace them all. Sit with each of them. Nurture these skills in your private time and also in your work life. Seek out chances to flex those muscles! And then continue to reassess and narrow down a path you most want to follow.

2. Be open minded. You might think you want to work in performing arts but then realize later the long and late hours and rollercoaster environment aren’t your cup of tea. Financial services might seem slow or tedious, but you might realize that the way financial services impact a customers every day life to be very rewarding and fulfilling work. Taking a risk doesn’t mean going it alone or starting your own company. It means being willing to try something outside of your comfort zone when it’s calling to you.

3. Never be afraid to start over and become who you “might have been.” It’s never too late. My grandmother got her masters degree at 65. She was an artist and a librarian. My father will be graduating with his BA in a year – he is a renowned speaker, author, and CRO.

For me, I took all my own advice and yet also played it too safe. Safety and comfort are appealing distractions. And all my experience has truly led me to this place in my professional life. I just know I could have taken this path sooner. Ultimately, my greatest risk was not throwing all my eggs into my own basket and starting my own company – a dream I’ve long had. It was waiting 20 years to do so.

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

I specialize in unlocking the power of strategic storytelling to propel your business towards unparalleled success. My comprehensive suite of services is designed to enhance your brand’s presence, engage your target audience, and accelerate your growth trajectory. Whether you’re a budding startup or an established enterprise, I am your trusted partner in the journey to business triumph.

Content Creation:
I craft captivating, compelling, and relevant content that speaks to your brand’s unique narrative. I understand the art of storytelling and apply it strategically to create content that resonates with your audience. From blog posts to video scripts, my content services will boost your brand’s authority, generate leads, and foster lasting customer relationships.

Marketing Strategy:
Unlock the true potential of your business with my tailor-made marketing strategies. I take a holistic approach to understanding your market, competitors, and consumer behaviors. I then design data-driven marketing strategies with a hub and spoke content-centric model that will position your brand for success. From SEO optimization to social media campaigns, my strategies are a roadmap to higher conversion rates and sustained growth.

Website Enhancement:
Your website is your digital storefront, and I specialize in optimizing it for maximum impact. I offer a range of web development and design services to ensure your site is user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and, most importantly, a lead-generating machine. Experience increased online traffic and user engagement with a revamped website.

Social Media Management:
Engage your audience where they spend most of their time – on social media. I will manage your social media platforms, curating and scheduling content that aligns with your brand’s message and resonates with your followers. Expect heightened engagement, increased followers, and a significant boost in brand visibility.

Brand Consulting:
Work directly with me to develop your brand’s unique story, voice and messaging. My consulting services offer personalized guidance to refine your brand’s image and values, ensuring they are well-aligned with your business goals. A strong brand identity is the cornerstone of any successful marketing campaign.

Speaking Engagements:
I am available for speaking engagements to further share my expertise with the world. You can hire me to speak at your podcast or event, where I will share insights on writing, business strategy, and lifestyle topics. My presentations are engaging and interactive and will leave your audience inspired and armed with valuable knowledge to implement in their own ventures.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a solid reputation in my market has been a gradual and consistent journey, rooted in my commitment to delivering high-quality content and effective marketing strategies. I believe that actions speak louder than self-promotion. Several core principles have underpinned my approach to business. My focus on consistently delivering high-quality content has been paramount, and I’ve placed a significant emphasis on understanding my clients’ unique needs, industry trends, and audience preferences. This dedication to quality has earned the trust and loyalty of my clients over time.

Building a reputation that lasts is not about quick wins or shortcuts. It’s about being reliable, treating everyone with kindness and respect, fostering positive relationships, staying curious, and being open to new ideas and paths. This approach has allowed me to create to solid, unspoken but recognized respect among my peers and industry leaders. By focusing on these principles and allowing my work to speak for itself, I’ve organically built a reputation that stands as a testament to my dedication and commitment to delivering value. This reputation is a reflection of the trust and goodwill I’ve cultivated, and it’s a foundation I’m determined to continue building upon. My approach to business is about enduring quality, long-lasting relationships, and a commitment to evolving alongside my clients and the market.

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

In my mid-twenties I was working as a publicist for a leading performance arts presenter in Northeast Florida, writing my first novel, and widely known as artistic, creative, and eclectic. I knew I wanted more, however. After considering multiple options before me, I made the decision to apply to grad school for my MBA.

I will never forget my boss at the time asking if I was serious. Think of all the math classes! It was definitely outside of the box for me and a major pivot, but I was excited to push myself out of my comfort zone and learn new skills, not just burrow further into the skillsets I’d already nurtured. This goes back to my point about taking risks and following your gut; not being afraid to try something new even if it doesn’t seem “on brand”.

I didn’t know anyone in my grad program at the University of Denver. Outside of my sister who had moved to Colorado five years prior, I didn’t even know anyone in the entire city. I also had no experience with business courses, and most of my fellow grad students had a bachelors in either business or something tangential. I was the only person in the entire class with a background in creative writing.

But instead of burrowing, I had planted myself. I watered myself with new skills – some of which were physically painful to learn (ahem, study sessions for Finance, I’m looking at you). I graduated with a powerful combination of skills – left and right brained – that gave me a very unique advantage in the field of marketing. I could see the business objective and then define a creative strategy to achieve it.

Pivoting in business or in life is really just about bravery and sticking with it through the discomfort, knowing you will come out stronger in the end.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.HilaryNoonan.com
• Instagram: @hilary_noonan_author
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hilarynoonanmba