“Let relationships build organically and never force anything.” | The Dynamic Force Behind East End Taste: Meet Vanessa Gordon

Vanessa Gordon is the dynamic force behind East End Taste, a digital publication that captures the essence of sustainable travel, culinary delights, and a vibrant coastal lifestyle.

As the Founder of the annual summer event series, the Hamptons Interactive Brunch, Vanessa masterfully blends her entrepreneurial prowess with her role as a dedicated mother of two.

Residing in the Hamptons with her family, Vanessa infuses her personal and professional journey with an authentic and heartfelt touch, creating a captivating narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Miss EmpowHer: What does women's empowerment mean to you? Why is it important?

Vanessa Gordon: For me, women empowerment encompasses that capability and yearning for independence, self-assurance, and not being afraid to trust yourself while knowing you not only have the potential but the ability to achieve anything in life. I seize every moment that comes my way and always keep an open mind while remaining humble and respectful. Women empowerment also means supporting other women around me and their endeavors and being straightforward yet caring with a sense of encouragement. Women empowerment is crucial for overall well-being, economic growth and financial independence, and overall freedom and equality.?

"Women empowerment also means supporting other women around me and their endeavors and being straightforward yet caring with a sense of encouragement."

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?

Vanessa Gordon: My advice, particularly for women, always starts with the following: be a leader, not a follower (something my grandpa profoundly taught me); and if you want something done, you have to do it yourself. Particularly with the latter, always stay informed, trust but verify, and never have all your eggs in one basket. Dedicate time to interview several candidates for a position, be open to new ideas and concepts, and work with those whose philosophies and business ethics align with yours. If there is friction in the beginning of a working relationship, cut it off before it engulfs you and expands out of control. You are in control, and you pave your own destiny.?

"Be a leader, not a follower; and if you want something done, you have to do it yourself."

Miss EmpowHer: Tell us about a woman who has influenced your career and how their guidance has impacted your professional growth.

Vanessa Gordon: One in particular is my friend and mentor Patrice. We have known each other for almost five years, and she is someone I trust wholeheartedly with career advice and direction. She has consistently pushed me to move beyond my own comfort levels within my career and asks me very insightful questions about my business that help keep my mind active in a creative and flourishing process.?

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?

Vanessa Gordon: I like to keep my mind active or occupied within 'liminal spaces' or areas of void or uncertain transitions. I do not give myself the opportunity to dwell on issues or areas of conflict within my mind. For instance, I study Italian for 30 minutes and read the encyclopedia for another 30 minutes per day to keep myself educated. I also do my 10-minute stretches in the morning.?

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?

Vanessa Gordon: Always trust but verify, no matter who you are hiring. I have hired friends for jobs and the expectations were not met and it was much harder relaying this to them then to someone you hired that you did not know well previously. Keep that in mind and again, trust but always verify.?

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?

Vanessa Gordon: Show up, but strategically. Building meaningful connections takes a significant amount of time and effort, but it is well worth it. Let relationships build organically and never force anything. Check in with your network regularly, be present, clearly communicate yet keep the conversation open. I don't necessarily like the word 'boundaries' as for me personally it seems cold and uninviting, but that is important as well. But I do admit boundaries are very important and critical for building meaningful relationships. I also suggest joining one or two clubs or networking groups to get to know others within your industry. Industry meetup events are terrific as are events and attend fundraisers or galas for causes that resonate with you.?

"Let relationships build organically and never force anything. Check in with your network regularly, be present, clearly communicate yet keep the conversation open."

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?

Vanessa Gordon: I am a huge proponent for creating to-do lists and investing in organizations with spreadsheets and Google docs for keeping track of information. I also continuously educate myself, travel often, and really enjoy listening to other individuals in my industry and hearing their stories of growth and success. I stay motivated by keeping great company and maintaining my curiosity.?

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?

Vanessa Gordon: AI is the greatest and most significant one thus far, but I am currently not concerned. As someone who works behind the computer or screen on a regular basis, I crave and yearn for those person-to-person interactions, which is one of the many reasons why I created the Hamptons Interactive Brunch event series! I want to put on more events and create even more opportunities to create more in person interactions. Regular and consistent human interaction is absolutely essential for success! Let's step away from those computers and phones and create meaningful conversations and ideas together.?

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?

Vanessa Gordon: Do not be afraid to ask questions. Stay curious and please, never ever give up. You may find support in perhaps the most unexpected places! Also, reach out to your contacts at your college/university! You may never realize how supportive your professors and teachers may be of your endeavors.?

"Do not be afraid to ask questions."

Miss EmpowHer: How do you approach professional development and continuous learning to enhance your skills and stay relevant in your industry??

Vanessa Gordon: Continue to educate yourself and do feel inclined to interact with the younger and up and coming generations. You never know what you may learn along the way! Keep open minded and travel. I often travel to London where I studied abroad, for example, and I enjoy checking in with where I went to school and sit in on lectures and attend seminars and workshops. I always stay open to learning and absorbing new information, no matter where I am.

"Continue to educate yourself and do feel inclined to interact with the younger and up and coming generations."

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?

Vanessa Gordon: I am particularly proud of how my business has grown organically over the years, sticking to the principle of word-of-mouth communication and advertising. Though I now have branched out and developed a solid marketing and advertising strategy, there is nothing like the power of people-to-people interactions and strategically networking with the right individuals and utilizing those connections to the fullest.?

Miss EmpowHer: How do you balance your career ambitions with other aspects of your life, such as family, hobbies, and personal well-being?

Vanessa Gordon: Maintaining those boundaries and traveling especially helps me divide my time with my business and career and keep it separate from my personal life. Traveling with my children, for example, has been so rewarding, and I am so grateful that I can give them the opportunity to learn and thrive in destinations around the world.

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?

Vanessa Gordon: I always recommend Joe Dispenza and finding something you love on MasterClass.

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