Getting Real at Real Chemistry

Relationships are the currency of power and change. A lesson I learned early on in my career, led me to my journey at Real Chemistry and holds true in both my personal and professional life today.

Having recently completed my first 90 days as an account manager in the Integrated Marketing and Communications business unit at Real Chemistry, I’ve had a chance to reflect on my experience not only as a new hire, but as an individual new to agency life, new to the healthcare communications industry and new to Chicago. My journey has been filled with many learnings, but there are three in particular I hope to carry with me far beyond my first 90 days:

1. In order to know where you’re going, you need to know where you’ve come from.

Although I heard this saying while growing up, I find it rings true every day. Joining Real Chemistry as a “unicorn,” or new hire with a non-traditional background, I had a steep learning curve. Despite having previous experience in healthcare, I was new to the agency and account space. To get up to speed and best serve my clients, I relied on the resources around me. That meant leaning on my colleagues and the processes in place and looking to what had been done before, as well as leveraging my unique and diverse background to shape my work, something Real Chemistry strongly supported. With my patient-centric focus and engagement with corporate communications, I provide a different perspective. For those who may be nervous about transitioning to a different industry or joining an agency without having traditional agency experience, I can confidently say that leveraging my previous experience and natural strengths paved the path for me to understand where I’m “going” or showing up in this new space of work.

2. The three p’s – precision, prioritization and proactivity – are the name of the game.

As someone who considers myself highly organized, I thought I was ready for the level of detail my new role entailed. However, I soon realized that I had to quickly level up and engage in some un-learning and re-learning to meet expectations. The advice I would give new hires is to master the three p’s: precision, prioritization and proactivity.

• Precision: Details matter. From font sizes to regulatory guidelines, an exceptional level of detail is critical.

• Prioritization: When my plate is filled with 15 different tasks, organizing to-do’s by priority order is essential to knowing where to start and focus my time and energy.

• Proactivity: Continuously thinking one step ahead to anticipate the team’s and client’s needs results in increased efficiency and synergy.

3. There’s no comfort in the growth zone, and no growth in the comfort zone.

This motto has driven many of my decisions this year, especially choosing to join Real Chemistry’s Chicago team. Embracing the discomfort that came with leaving my comfort zone has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. Deciding to relocate from Minneapolis to Chicago not only allowed me to be closer to my clients but to build community with the Chicago team and start a new, personal chapter in a new city. From attending “lunch and learns” to happy hours, to working to build the Chicago office’s culture, I have seen our values of Best Together and Excellence Expected come to life. Living outside of my comfort zone has extended beyond my physical location. Starting a new role has offered me the chance to lean in by challenging feelings of imposter syndrome, making mistakes and asking questions galore. Honoring the season of change has led to much growth and learning.

As I reflect on my path to Real Chemistry, I would never have thought an exploratory coffee chat over four years ago with Katy Stanek, director, media and engagement, would have brought me to where I am today. The power of relationship building led me to take on a new role, in a new industry, in a new city. While I initially found it to be daunting, I have been met with the utmost support from my team. I encourage everyone, from those considering applying to new hires to seasoned employees, to continue to build and strengthen their professional relationships. I plan to continue doing so, in addition to continuing to bring forth curiosity, dedication and intentionality to my work. Real Chemistry has not only welcomed me through the connections and community I’ve built, but has taught me what it’s like to be at the forefront of real innovation, inclusion and impact. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the journey holds.