We recently connected with Mayola Charles and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mayola, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
The biggest risk I’ve taken was pivoting my career path in 2014 when I quit my first post-graduate job to pursue my passion for a career in entertainment and social impact partnerships. When I first decided to pursue a career in this space, it was difficult because there were no 1:1 examples of this type of work. I had to rely heavily on my passions; I consider this shift in mindset, trusting my own instincts and rejecting the “play it safe” narrative as the first, most formative risks I’ve taken to kickstart my career. I decided to double down on this risk – I had just earned my MA in International Affairs and quit a great job in my field of study to move from NYC to LA. I hit the ground running, cold emailing agencies and organizations to try and establish relationships with like-minded individuals in tangential industries to try and re-build my professional network. In LA, I took various jobs – including taking on some of my first consulting roles which I had no previous experience doing just to hone my skills and understand where I could make the most impact. Now, I’m approaching 10 years working on projects I care about with individuals who challenge and excite me – a dream! What was once considered a niche area of personal interest has become standard practice within the entertainment industry. I’m proud of my career journey – it taught me to be bold and has reminded me that trusting your instincts and risk taking can pay off in dividends.
Mayola, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am currently the Entertainment and Social Impact Creator Partnerships Lead at Meta. I have spent the last 10 years working at the intersection of art and activism with a focus on amplifying visionary and trailblazing voices in entertainment and culture to spark positive change in and make a difference in our communities.
Prior to joining Meta, I contributed to the strategic development and execution of award-winning influencer-led impact campaigns including John Legend’s #FREEAMERICA where I was responsible for securing the first ever livestream of a musical performance from inside a federal prison. I then went on to co-produce Grammy-award winning artist Common’s Hope and Redemption tour, and developed social impact marketing campaigns for Academy Award-winning films Green Book A Fantastic Woman.
Outside of work, I am an Angel Investor with multiple investments in small businesses led by Black women. In my freetime, I am an avid traveler, proud auntie and epicure.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I try to meet my partners, clients and colleagues where they are. The goal of this work is to support influential public figures and organizations authentically leverage their platforms for social change. That can only be achieved through establishing relationships built on trust and integrity. I believe my reputation is that I’m an honest collaborator with follow through – I’m eager to help but not afraid to say no or admit when opportunities or objectives are misaligned.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I unlearned that there is a single pathway or trajectory to success. I’m the daughter of two Haitian immigrants who hold the same ideas of success as many other immigrant parents – success is directly linked to degrees in higher education and careers in STEM or law. As I stepped into my truth an allowed my path to be guided by my interests, I had to unlearn the notion that success is directly linked to your professional title and number of degrees you’ve obtained. I learned that it’s okay to deviate from the dreams your parents had for you when you are pursuing the dreams you dreamt for yourself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mayola
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayolacharles/
Image Credits
Gianna Dorsey Photography (@GiannaSnapped)