Comcast Advertising Women Share Something Unexpected That Has Contributed to Their Success

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, we had one final question to pose to the women of Comcast Advertising: what’s something unexpected that contributed to your success? You might be surprised by some of the answers. From finding allies to growing from adversity, success can often come from unpredictable sources. Tell us about how and where you have found success in the comments.??

What's something unexpected that has contributed to your success??

?Being authentic. Early on in my career, I thought I had to conform to be a strong leader and now I believe being authentic is my greatest strength. - Dawn Lee Williamson, SVP, Head of Sales Development, Effectv?

Mentorship but I would also say finding my own voice/stride and being an advocate for myself. - Lauren Blevins, Manager, Strategic Marketing Projects, Effectv?

Leaders who have encouraged individuality and who have expressed allyship. - Avery Kuiper, Senior Marketing Operations Specialist, Comcast Advertising?

Something unexpected…this is a hard question for me to answer.? I would say perhaps adversity or hardships. The unexpected life lessons, situations or experiences have taught me how to face difficult situations, problem solve or figure out ways to navigate despite obstacles. - Carmen Estopare, Senior Director, Learning & Development Engagement, Comcast Advertising?

Coming to work at Comcast and having people who believed in my abilities. - Hope Fahey, Director of Sales, Effectv?

Not quite unexpected because I had to apply, but my acceptance into the Comcast Advertising Women in Leadership program has been a pivotal milestone in my career journey at Comcast. Exposure to executives, who shared their experiences in a very personal way, as well as the moments to celebrate our qualities as women have made a difference in my career. - Angèle Nisbett-Richards, Executive Director, Strategy, Comcast Advertising?

My career experience has underlined for me how powerful diversity can be. I have found incredible support, allyship, mentors, and friends in the most unexpected places, and they have all played an integral role in my success. - Pooja Midha, Chief Growth Officer Comcast Advertising?

The most devastating and painful personal experiences led to the most accelerated moments of personal growth. - Amy Nisenson, Vice President of Sales, Effectv?

Parenthood. - Michelle Macellaro, Sr. Manager Talent Acquisition, Effectv?

Learning to work my hardest to understand everyone's perspective and practice kindness everyday has contributed the most to my success. - Parker Navarro, Manager, Marketing Strategy, Comcast Advertising?

I have not been afraid to make lateral career moves or even take steps back to grow my marketing knowledge and leadership skills. Career progression is not linear and having this mindset has led me to greater opportunities and unique professional experiences. André Guide, a French author, once said "Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." - Vera Cuevas, Marketing Director, Digital & Media Strategy, Comcast Advertising??

Early in my career while working overseas I joined Toastmasters to meet new friends-- a global organization that helps people grow their communications and presentation skills. 20 years later, I still draw from the lessons learned in those sessions. I also made some lifelong friends who continue to support me from afar. - Terra Walker, Senior Director, Social Media and Culture Marketing, Comcast Advertising?

Being a new mom, my daughter has made me want to work even harder than before so I can set a good example for her. - Emily Madigan, Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Effectv?

The amazing people who work for Comcast. - Lynne Sherwood-Parker, Skill Development Manager - Pacific Region, Effectv?

I felt extremely sick a few years ago and wasn't sure if I was going to become completely disabled. I had to fight, change everything in my life and that moved me in the direction I am today, working as a leader and growing. - Taciana Yonkovich, Supervisor, DC Campaign Management, Effectv?

I don't like to think of myself as "successful" or having success. I'm evolving, learning, and trying new things. I'm unafraid to admit when I don't know something and ask for perspective. - Barbara Cowan, VP Talent and Inclusion, Comcast Advertising ?

I do not believe something unexpected can happen. Sometimes, of course, we have people helping us and a bit of chance but in my mind, the most important thing is to never give up, fight for what you want to achieve. Nobody will fight for you better than yourself. - Vanessa Grenier, Communications Associate, FreeWheel?

Being open to risk has always been a great learning experience in ways that I couldn't have imagined or achieved with "playing it safe.” - Tracey Kopper-Hourin, SVP, HR and Customer Experience, Comcast Advertising?

Thank you to everyone who took a moment out of their busy schedules to share their perspectives during Women's History Month! Take a moment to check out our other posts in this series:?

How are You Helping Break the Bias??

What Does Breaking the Bias Mean to You??

The Women Who Inspire Comcast Advertising Employees?