“Empowering Brands with Strategy and Heart” | Meet Hanna Mu?oz, Marketing Analyst and Cultural Advocate
Miss EmpowHer
No pressure. Just real connections. A women's community for professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and creatives.
My name is Hanna, and I am a marketing strategy analyst at Accenture Song, where I've dedicated two years to honing my skills. My journey in marketing has been diverse, spanning clients from hospitality to cosmetics, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for growth.
Recently, I was selected as an ARF Young Pro, a prestigious program designed for professionals under 30 in advertising, marketing, media, research, and branding. This initiative has provided me with invaluable networking opportunities and access to cutting-edge industry insights. I am passionate about contributing to the future of our field and am actively involved in events focused on leadership and professional development.
One of my recent accomplishments includes publishing a thought piece on brand strategy for the Latinx community, where I had the privilege of interviewing industry leaders. This project reflects my commitment to finding my niche within marketing strategy and exploring innovative approaches to cultural marketing.
Throughout my career, I've leveraged my analytical skills and creativity to deliver impactful strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. I am excited about the journey ahead, continuously seeking new challenges and opportunities to drive meaningful change in the marketing landscape.
Miss EmpowHer: What does women's empowerment mean to you? Why is it important?
Hanna Mu?oz: Women empowerment, to me, signifies seeing someone as a role model and believing in their ability to achieve. My mother has been my inspiration and guiding light. She has shown me incredible resilience and determination in a world where men often dominate. Despite coming to this country at a young age, she forged her own path and created opportunities for herself. Her sacrifices have taught me that I too can feel empowered to pursue my dreams.?
Women empowerment is crucial because it not only strengthens individual women like my mother but also serves as a beacon of strength and inspiration for others. By empowering women, we create a ripple effect of positivity and courage, fostering a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Miss EmpowHer: What advice would you give to other women looking to succeed in your industry? What qualities are the most important and what skills should they focus on developing?
Hanna Mu?oz: In today's content-rich environment, where resources abound online, my first piece of advice is to immerse yourself in learning. Whether you prefer podcasts, articles, or webinars, leverage these platforms to continuously expand your knowledge base.
Building mentorship relationships is invaluable. A mentor can provide guidance, introduce you to new networks, and help you navigate challenges. Establishing trust with a mentor is key; it's a relationship that can significantly enhance your career trajectory.
Remain hungry for knowledge and open to learning opportunities, both within your current role and through supplementary education. Stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial as our industry evolves rapidly.
In terms of qualities, resilience and perseverance are essential. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and stay determined in pursuing your goals will set you apart. Additionally, strong communication skills—both verbal and written—are fundamental. Being able to articulate your ideas clearly and confidently is invaluable in any professional setting.
"Remain hungry for knowledge and open to learning opportunities, both within your current role and through supplementary education."
Miss EmpowHer: Tell us about a woman who has influenced your career and how their guidance has impacted your professional growth.
Hanna Mu?oz: My mother has been an instrumental figure in shaping my career path, despite not being directly involved in the marketing industry. Her unwavering work ethic and belief in the power of education have profoundly influenced my professional growth.
From a young age, my mother instilled in me the importance of believing in myself and putting in the effort needed to achieve my goals. Thanks to her guidance, I earned a full scholarship to Montgomery College and later received a merit scholarship to the University of Maryland. These opportunities empowered me to pursue my dreams with confidence.
Her example of perseverance and dedication inspired me to aim high. When I applied to the woods largest tech-powered agency, I did so with the belief that I had the skills and determination to succeed—a mindset my mother instilled in me.
Miss EmpowHer: How do you handle work-related stress and pressure, and what techniques or practices do you use to maintain your well-being while pursuing a successful career?
Hanna Mu?oz: Managing work-related stress and pressure is crucial for maintaining well-being while pursuing a successful career. Personally, I find solace in spending time outdoors. When I'm not at my desk, you'll often find me taking a walk with my Mini Australian Shepherd. The connection with nature and the fresh air have a remarkably calming effect on me, helping to clear my mind and recharge my energy.? When outdoor time isn't possible, I prioritize winding down with calming music. I particularly enjoy listening to Lo-Fi beats, which create a soothing atmosphere and help me relax after a demanding day. This practice allows me to transition from work mode to a more peaceful state, promoting a healthy work-life balance.? Additionally, I find that establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time is essential. Setting aside dedicated moments for relaxation and hobbies ensures that I can fully recharge and approach work with renewed focus and creativity.? Ultimately, maintaining well-being amidst career demands involves understanding personal triggers for stress and proactively incorporating practices that promote relaxation and mental clarity. By prioritizing self-care and finding activities that rejuvenate me, I'm better equipped to handle challenges and sustain long-term success in my career.
Miss EmpowHer: Can you share any lessons or insights you have gained from failures or setbacks in your career, and how you have turned them into opportunities for growth and learning?
Hanna Mu?oz: Early in my career managing social media for a large company with thousands of followers, I faced setbacks that taught me valuable lessons. Instances where posts didn't resonate or technical issues arose emphasized the necessity of meticulousness. I learned to triple-check content for accuracy and alignment with brand messaging before publishing, and developed skills in crisis management and quick decision-making to address issues promptly. Seeking feedback from peers helped me refine strategies and enhance audience engagement. These experiences instilled resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving, shaping my ability to navigate challenges and contribute effectively in my role.
Miss EmpowHer: Can you share any strategies or tips for building a successful network and fostering meaningful professional relationships that have helped you in your career?
Hanna Mu?oz: In building my professional network, I focus on creating engaging content online to enhance my digital presence. This involves sharing insights and knowledge through various channels. Additionally, I strive to bolster my credibility by contributing articles and sharing my expertise within the industry. These efforts are aimed at building meaningful connections and establishing myself as a trusted professional in my field.
Miss EmpowHer: What strategies or tactics do you use for setting and achieving your career goals, and how do you stay motivated and focused on your objectives?
Hanna Mu?oz: At Accenture, I benefit from a structured approach to setting and achieving my career goals. The company's semi-annual reviews serve as valuable checkpoints to reflect on my progress and align my aspirations with where I want to go next. These self-assessments and feedback from colleagues are instrumental in keeping me focused, motivated, and on track towards personal and professional growth. By regularly evaluating my achievements and seeking input from peers, I ensure that I remain proactive in pursuing my objectives and adapting to opportunities that align with my career trajectory. This structured approach not only enhances my productivity but also reinforces my commitment to continuous improvement and success within the organization.
Miss EmpowHer: What motivated you to choose your current career field, and what do you find most fulfilling about your work?
Hanna Mu?oz: I was motivated to choose my current career field in consulting because I thrive in environments where no two days are the same. Even within just two years at Accenture, I've had the opportunity to work with numerous clients, each engagement presenting unique challenges and opportunities. The versatility and constant change in consulting are what I find most fulfilling about my work. I embrace change wholeheartedly, and Accenture encourages this mindset, making every day dynamic and full of learning experiences. As a young professional, I value the continuous learning that comes with tackling new challenges and adapting to different client needs, which keeps me engaged and motivated in my career.
Miss EmpowHer: Can you discuss any specific trends or changes in your industry that you see impacting careers, and how you are preparing to adapt to these changes?
Hanna Mu?oz: The rapid integration of AI is a significant trend impacting not only my industry but numerous others as well. At Accenture, where AI has become a focal point with a $3 billion investment, I see its transformative effects daily. AI is reshaping how marketers operate by offering advanced analytics, predictive insights, and personalized customer experiences. This technology serves as a powerful tool, enhancing decision-making and enabling more effective strategies.
As AI continues to evolve, I am actively preparing to adapt by staying updated on its latest developments and capabilities. I am eager to explore how AI can supplement my role as a marketer, providing actionable insights and strategic guidance. By embracing AI as a supplemental advisor, I aim to leverage its potential to innovate campaigns, optimize customer engagement, and drive business growth.
In essence, I see AI not just as a trend but as a fundamental shift in how marketing professionals approach their work. By embracing and mastering AI technologies, I am positioning myself to be a more agile and knowledgeable marketer, capable of navigating and leveraging the opportunities presented by these advancements.
Miss EmpowHer: What advice do you have for individuals who are starting their careers or looking to make a career change, based on your own experiences and lessons learned?
Hanna Mu?oz: Based on my experiences, my advice for individuals starting their careers or considering a career change is to trust your intuition and embrace change as a catalyst for growth. Making a career move can be daunting, but it's important to recognize that every experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to your personal and professional development. Approach each opportunity as a chance to learn more about yourself—what you enjoy, what you excel at, and what you want from your career.
Take the time to reflect on your goals and aspirations. Seek roles and environments that align with your values and passions. Even if a career change doesn't turn out as expected, the insights gained will help clarify your path forward. Each step you take contributes to your journey of self-discovery and provides valuable lessons that shape your future decisions.
Ultimately, don't be afraid to explore new opportunities and take calculated risks. Embrace change with curiosity and resilience, knowing that each experience builds your skills and understanding of where you want your career to go. By staying open to learning and growth, you empower yourself to navigate your career journey with purpose and confidence.
"Each step you take contributes to your journey of self-discovery and provides valuable lessons that shape your future decisions."
Miss EmpowHer: How do you approach professional development and continuous learning to enhance your skills and stay relevant in your industry??
Hanna Mu?oz: I approach professional development and continuous learning with a strategic focus on maximizing the value of each opportunity. At my workplace, we have various centers of excellence, and I am selective about which programs and engagements I join. This approach allows me to delve deeply into specific areas of interest, such as brand strategy. Recently, I've also been involved in multicultural marketing initiatives, which has been both enjoyable and enriching.
I prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to professional involvement. By concentrating on fewer, carefully chosen opportunities, I can dedicate more time and energy to mastering my chosen specialties. This focused approach not only enhances my skills but also ensures that I stay relevant in my industry by keeping up with emerging trends and best practices.
Additionally, I actively seek out learning experiences that align with my career goals and interests. Whether it's attending workshops, participating in relevant industry events, or engaging in ongoing training programs, I continuously look for avenues where I can gain new insights and perspectives. By staying proactive and selective in my professional development efforts, I am able to effectively enhance my skills and contribute meaningfully to my organization's objectives.
Miss EmpowHer: Can you discuss any significant achievements or accomplishments in your career that you are particularly proud of and what you learned from those experiences?
Hanna Mu?oz: One of my significant achievements that I'm particularly proud of involves a six-week engagement with a large technology company, where I managed their social media platforms. During this time, I successfully grew their Instagram following from 11,000 to 13,000 followers and significantly increased engagement on LinkedIn as well.?
What made this achievement particularly fulfilling was not just the growth in numbers, but the strategic approach behind it. I was deeply involved in crafting and executing the content strategy, ensuring that each post aligned with the client's brand voice and objectives. Moreover, I meticulously tracked and analyzed the performance metrics of each social campaign, presenting detailed analytics to the client.
The client's positive feedback and satisfaction with the results reinforced the importance of strategic planning and data-driven decision-making in social media management. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in campaign ideation, execution, and performance evaluation. It highlighted the impact of effective communication and collaboration between teams, as well as the significance of adapting strategies based on real-time insights.
Overall, this successful client engagement not only enhanced my skills in social media marketing but also reaffirmed my passion for delivering measurable results and exceeding client expectations. It was a testament to the power of strategic thinking, creativity, and analytics in driving impactful marketing campaigns.
Miss EmpowHer: How do you balance your career ambitions with other aspects of your life, such as family, hobbies, and personal well-being?
Hanna Mu?oz: Balancing my career ambitions with other aspects of my life, such as family, hobbies, and personal well-being, is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Accenture, where I work, emphasizes a supportive community that values work-life balance and prioritizes mental health. While consulting can sometimes involve long hours, I've found that effective communication with my clients and delivery leads is crucial.? I make it a priority to communicate openly about my workload and any challenges I may be facing. This transparency allows me to manage expectations and collaborate effectively with my team to find solutions that maintain balance. Whether it's adjusting deadlines, delegating tasks, or simply taking time off when needed, having this open dialogue helps me navigate busy periods without sacrificing personal time.? Outside of work, I dedicate time to activities that recharge me, such as spending quality time with family, pursuing hobbies like outdoor activities, and prioritizing self-care routines. By striking a balance between career ambitions and personal well-being, I ensure that I can perform at my best professionally while also enjoying a fulfilling life outside of work.
Miss EmpowHer: Are there any specific books, podcasts, email newsletters, thought leaders/influencers, or training courses/programs that you would recommend for personal or professional growth?
Hanna Mu?oz:?
Books:?
Email newsletters: Morning Brew, Marketing Brew
Thought Leaders: Pretty Little Marketer, Jill Kramer, Shelley Zalis, and Caitlyn Kumi (of course ??)
Programs: AdColor, Association of National Advertisers, and ARF Young Pros
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