We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Krista Berardelli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Krista, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

Throughout my career, I’ve gained many insights from the school of life, learning about trust, discerning when to speak up, appreciating the power of silence, and recognizing the moments to challenge boundaries. The standout lesson? No one supports you like you support yourself. This is where the concept of “fake it till you make it” comes into play. Whether your navigating unfamiliar software or confronting a workplace dilemma, having the belief that you can learn and step out of your comfort zone opens up a world of possibilities.

We’ve all experienced being the newcomer tackling a job for the first time. It can be intimidating, but with determination, there’s always a way through. And who’s to say you won’t surpass expectations? In the early stages of my career, my focus was on climbing the ladder, earning those stripes for a better title, higher pay—you name it. I engaged in numerous conversations with leaders at the company I worked for. I won’t ever forget one conversation someone shared with me about their career path. They stated how they stayed in the same position for over 10 years before they got to where they are now. My thoughts? That’s their story; it won’t be mine.

In the end, it’s about believing in who you are and recognizing the value you bring to the table. Because when the day is done, you are your own biggest cheerleader.

Krista, 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?

To provide a glimpse into my background, let’s start with my family. I’m the oldest of three siblings. My sister, Carlie, is two years younger and my brother, Adam, is six years younger. Our upbringing unfolded in Scranton, PA, yes, like the show “The Office.” Before diving into the details, I need to make mention that my mother is, without question, the most selfless and compassionate person on this planet. As you read on, you’ll understand why.

At the age of 5, my father faced a diagnosis of a benign brain tumor. Thankfully non-cancerous, its hand-shaped growth presented challenges for surgical intervention without causing damage. At the time, my sister was 3, my mom pregnant with my brother, all while we were in the midst of building our forever home. Our focus shifted from paint swatches and light fixtures to MRIs and doctor’s appointments. Following brain surgery and radiation, my dad made a remarkable recovery, operating at about 75% of his former self.

Fast forward a decade, our worst nightmare returned. This time, complications heightened due to his age. After a second brain surgery, chemotherapy ensued, as radiation didn’t suffice after the first tumor. Unfortunately, seizures and strokes followed, rendering him unable to drive or work, placing strain on our family. My mom has often shared that while I never truly met the man she married, she is confident he’d be by her side if roles were reversed. Currently in a nursing home near our childhood home, my father lives with the support of our loving family.

I share this not for sympathy but to highlight that amidst these challenges, my vision for a professional career was unclear. Despite the preoccupations, I attended college, receiving a scholarship from the Roy Piper Foundation. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Marketing from Kutztown University. I also navigated the requirements of the Universities’ honors program, which included maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, completing volunteer hours, becoming published, and gaining professional experience through an internship.

My career found its roots during an internship at Lehigh Valley International Airport, where I transitioned into roles as a Marketing Associate and later a Marketing Coordinator. Notably, both positions were created for me based on my work and commitment to growing the company. I also volunteered my time by joining the Young Professionals Council with the local Chamber of Commerce to help build a brand and pave a path for myself in the Lehigh Valley.

Then came 2020, and with the onset of COVID, I felt the need for change and personal growth. That following year, I took on a new adventure by joining The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley as the Marketing Director. Looking back, I often joke, “If I knew exactly what I was signing up for, I probably wouldn’t be standing where I am today.” It’s been a rollercoaster, and as I reflect on the past three years, I’m genuinely amazed at everything I’ve accomplished. Now, as the Marketing Director & Business Development Manager, I wear many hats. From steering social media, website, advertising, events, and public relations efforts to managing the local leasing program, tenant coordination, and onsite advertising sales – it’s a diverse and exciting role. In the midst of a significant management shift, I’ve had the chance to grow and learn alongside a small but incredible team. Our leasing percentage has climbed from 79% to an impressive 93% since my arrival in 2021, and the momentum is still building. I love where I find myself, what I do every day, and, above all, the extraordinary journey that brought me to this point.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The most effective avenue for acquiring new clients has consistently been through in-person networking events. The dynamic of being in a shared space with like-minded individuals, all aspiring to enhance their brand, creates a conducive environment for cultivating meaningful connections. Despite the potential for intimidation, engaging in conversations becomes more seamless, and discerning a prospect’s mannerisms becomes a straightforward process.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation within the market involved a combination of consistent efforts. Volunteering played a significant role, as I actively sought opportunities to contribute to community initiatives and industry events. This not only demonstrated my commitment to giving back but also allowed me to connect with diverse groups of people.

Consistently showing up was another key aspect. Whether it was industry gatherings, networking events, or community functions, being present consistently helped me establish a recognizable presence within my market. It showcased my dedication to staying engaged and involved.

While being a “yes man” has its limits, being open to opportunities—big or small—played a crucial part in shaping my reputation. It meant embracing challenges, taking on responsibilities, and showing a willingness to contribute to various projects and boards. This adaptability and positive attitude allowed me to make the most of opportunities that came my way.

In essence, my reputation was built on a foundation of active volunteering, a consistent presence in the community, and a mindset of embracing opportunities with a positive outlook.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristainthevalley/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090857785604
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-berardelli-61ab83a6/

Image Credits
Marco Calderon