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

Maya, appreciate you joining us today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

Lindsay Vick was an exceptional leader who truly made a difference in my career and my life. She was a brilliant strategist and a skilled manager, but what truly set her apart was her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

I was initially hired as a contractor to manage a massive global activation, and was quite nervous about how to execute at such a large scale. From Day 1, Lindsay consistently championed for my ideas, and always created a safe space for me within the organization.

Under her guidance, the activation became a huge success, exceeding all expectations. Lindsay’s unwavering belief in me and her ability to see me as a person, not a woman of color in a predominantly white, male space is the reason why I’m so passionate about Brand Marketing today. She always made me feel valued and empowered, and she was instrumental in my professional growth. She taught me the importance of confidence, resilience, and the power of collaboration.

Lindsay’s impact extended beyond our professional relationship. She became a mentor, offering invaluable advice and support both inside and outside of work. Her dedication to her team and her ability to inspire and motivate others are qualities that I strive to emulate in my own leadership journey.

Maya, 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?

Growing up as the daughter of South American immigrants, I was always encouraged to pursue a traditional career path. But my heart yearned for creativity. After exploring both PR and advertising, I found my true passion in the latter.

My journey began in project management, a role that equipped me with the organizational skills essential for successful full-funnel marketing. After gaining experience in the tech and apparel industries, I took a leap of faith and started my own agency, Project M Creative.

What sets Project M Creative apart is our top-down approach to brand marketing. We believe in the power of the upper funnel, where experiences, activations, and community building lay the foundation for mid and lower-funnel strategies. While digital marketing is crucial, we prioritize human connection and meaningful storytelling to build lasting relationships with consumers.

Our services include:

Brand partnership opportunities
Events and activations
Social content
PR management
Editorial

By focusing on human-centered design and strategic thinking, we help brands stand out in a crowded marketplace. We’re committed to creating innovative and impactful campaigns that drive results.

I’m most proud of the strong community we’ve built at Project M Creative and the opportunity to work with talented individuals who share our passion for creativity and strategic thinking.

If you’re looking for a marketing agency that values human connection and innovative strategies, I invite you to learn more about Project M Creative.

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

Simply put: relationship nurturing. I prioritize people, how they feel, and what they need.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most challenging experiences (despite it happening 10+ years ago) I’ve faced was being diagnosed with gallbladder disease during my academic year. This led to numerous hospital visits, doctor appointments, and immense frustration. Despite these obstacles, I remained determined to persevere. This experience is a HUGE reason why I lead my team the way that I do now.

The most significant test of my resilience came during midterm week when I underwent surgery at Boston Medical Center. Undeterred, I took all my exams from my hospital bed. To my surprise, I not only managed to complete the exams but also achieved excellent results.

This experience taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. It also highlighted the value of a strong support system. With the unwavering support of my friends, family, and professors, I was able to overcome this adversity and emerge stronger.

This experience has shaped me into a leader who approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. I am grateful for the lessons I learned and the resilience I gained from this experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.projectmcreative.com
• Instagram: @projectmcreative

Image Credits

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