Words of Wisdom from Women Who Inspire Us

At Pierce PR, we are fortunate to not only be a woman-owned business and predominantly female team, but we also have the privilege of working with many women who truly inspire us.  Our talented female clients, partners and friends contribute to our success and help us make history. So, what better way to end Women’s History Month than by shining a spotlight on some of the incredible women we have the privilege of calling colleagues?

We spoke with several powerhouse professionals about the best advice they’ve received, what they wish they’d known when starting their careers and words of wisdom for women just getting started. 

Continue reading to hear from these leaders who make us – and our community – better. 

What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to other women who want to follow in similar footsteps professionally?

Michelle Scopel, Senior Project Manager at the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency: Working in the world of development, I am often the only female at the table. It is very easy for women to think we may need to speak a man’s language, being tough and rigid to be heard or taken seriously. But I highly recommend that you be your authentic self and lead with your own style and perspective. Don’t be afraid to show your emotion – it’s powerful and meaningful. Trust that you are there for a reason. Your voice and your direction have been a missing piece and are needed.  

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Kim James, Executive Director at Young Leaders Council: The best professional advice I’ve ever received came from one of my favorite nonprofit leaders, Hal Cato. Hal once said that as leaders we should “do what we do best, and contract out for the rest.” This really hit home for me because I habitually have been a person that tries to do everything. This was dragging me down and keeping me forever tangled in the weeds. I didn’t see it until that lightbulb moment from Hal. As a woman, particularly an African American woman, I hesitated to ask for what I needed because I was afraid it made me look weak. 

I have now released myself from that lie and am able to see that embracing support from others is a badge of honor and a chance to provide someone else with an opportunity to shine and showcase their own unique gifts. In doing so, I am able to fully devote my time and talents to doing what I do best and focus on the bigger picture for my organization. I have been truly blessed by other leaders who have poured into my success. It is my duty, and a true privilege as a leader, to find ways to help the next generation discover and hone their gifts to help make our communities better.

Ashley Weber, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banking at ServisFirst Bank: The best advice I have ever received is to never stop learning. This has helped me grow so much in both my career and in life.

What’s one thing you wish you knew earlier in your career that may have helped you get where you are today with fewer challenges/headaches?

Anita Bailey, President at Bailey Marketing Strategies: Early in my career, I was at the HCA Foundation (now the Frist Foundation) and was fortunate to have the guidance of a strong female executive—not the usual gender for top leaders in the 1980s. I am truly grateful to have benefitted from her leadership and counsel during my professional growth, but I regret that I didn’t have a structured mentor/mentee relationship with her or another female leader. Today, I am delighted to see the success of the mentor program at Young Leaders Council, an organization the Foundation helped launch during my tenure. I’m also honored to have served as a mentor to two rockstar Young Leaders several years ago, including Julia Bonner, president of Pierce PR.

All these women motivate and inspire us to bring our very best each day. Thank you to each of you for making time to participate and share your wisdom!