Strategically Crafting My Next Chapter

I recently hit a career milestone. 15 years as a college professor. This is one of my most proud moments of my professional achievements but it's not the end of the story. It's pushing me to begin the next chapter.?

I'm also very proud of graduating this month with what is my third master's degree (with honors). This time in Strategic Brand Communication from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. All of this is shaping my thoughts and actions helping me focus on what's important to me and how I can continue to help others with my skills.

The next step for me is to continue on this journey with the same passion that I had when I first started out as a marketing director, then again as a nonprofit director and then as a communications director and even now as a branding professor. I am very fortunate to enjoy what I do as a professor and I am still smiling and getting butterflies on my first day of class on each new session. But, I also love the side-hustle. I had a side hustle for over 10 years taking care of my family and doing fun branding and marketing gigs, not just for the extra money but because I love doing it.

For the new year, I will be exploring new projects and new clients who need help building and growing their brand. I also have an interest in helping clients who are focused on building with PURPOSE. With my background as a nonprofit CEO, I feel fortunate for those experiences in helping others. I want to continue on that path of helping companies focused on doing good with my branding expertise.?

I see a new road ahead for branding as it continues to be an area of growth in organizations big and small. Training and development for Chief Brand Officers, Branding Professionals, and other Branding Departments, will be critical. Fractional Chief Brand Officers will also be needed. This is where I intend to focus even though I don't know the final chapter here - as none of us rarely do. I am happy for the journey to learn more and help others.

More to follow.?