Unconventional Lessons from the Moguls I Assisted In My Twenties

I have collected many memories during my career, but these early days as an assistant had some bangers.?

Starting my career early, I would often bump my head and make mistakes.?

I’ll be the first to tell you – I wasn’t a great assistant. I was aiiight. And, after having assistants for the last four years, I can understand, relate, and appreciate the patience that my former bosses had with me while pouring into me as best they could.?

If you’re new to me and my career – allow me to give you a quick refresher.?

I? graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Music Business degree focusing on talent management in 2007. I interned for John Monopoly during my junior and senior years during the Good Music/Hustle Period years. He introduced me to Mona Scott Young, the president of Violator Management, who interviewed me in Chicago, and I spent a trial week with her in New York City. She hired me in the middle of my senior year of college to be an assistant in 2007, and I moved to the Big Apple— I was barely 21.? I worked for her for a year and was a part of her official transition to her own company, Monami Entertainment. I was ready for a change and was recommended to interview to be Steve Stoute’s assistant at Translation. He didn’t show up for the interview, but I got the job! I worked at that company for 5 years, learning the advertising business. I grew professionally in the company, working in both the new business and social media marketing practice, developing campaigns with bloggers, influencers, celebrity talent, etc which set the stage for my career in the creator economy (long before it was called that) and in building my creative agency that specializes in end-to-end influencer marketing solutions.?

During my “assistant era”, there were many scenarios in my journey that have proven to me that their good advice rings true to this day.? I want to share some unconventional but useful wisdom from some of the best teachers I’ve ever had and how it can apply to you:

“Pimp your situation” - John Monopoly (Hustle Period)?

The Situation:? I was in college, and I hit John because I was concerned about getting a job in the music business. At the time, there were no real job prospects. Remember, this was 2006/2007 –so, no Spotify, Apple music, Tidal, and no “artist relations” jobs, etc. He told me I had to pimp my situation.? At my school, I was the president of the Student Programming Board, and we had an event where we wanted to bring women leaders in the music industry to the school. Monopoly knew Mona Scott-Young because he used to A&R at Violator before running Good Music for Kanye,? and through him, I was able to book her for the event, but ultimately, this introduction led me to my next job.

Your Takeaway: Whether you’re an intern or an executive, you are responsible for recognizing that you’re in a unique position to make the juice worth the squeeze. Regardless of where you are in your career, make the time you spend creating, hustling, etc. worth your while and create value for where you are right now. Your job is to identify the opportunities in front of you and make them happen.??

“You can't hustle a hustler”? - Mona Scott-Young (Violator Management & Monami Entertainment)

The Situation:? My first paid job in the industry was working for the queen-pin that is Mona Scott-Young. While I had some working experience with John, working for Mona was a masterclass in communication and staying on point. So, I was trying to finesse a mistake I made, and while we were on the phone, I was explaining the issue and probably giving her a half-truth. And she called me out for trying to hustle her. She saw right through me because she had been there, done that, and wrote the book and said, “You can’t hustle a hustler.”?

Your Takeaway: When dealing with someone with more experience, it’s wise to use their counsel and own your mistakes instead of trying to hide them. It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you take accountability. Do not let your perfectionism, intimidation or? “good girl” behavior impede you from owning your work and sharing news - good or bad.?

“Don’t ever let them punk you.”? - Steve Stoute.?

The Situation: I was 22 years old, newly working for Translation, and was struggling with managing a long-time vendor who was a spicy character. I? was too nice and not getting what was needed. I didn't want to step on toes, but I pissed off the vendor anyway, and he spoke to my boss. I was in Steve’s office and telling him my side of the story, which he understood, but he gave me permission to stand in my power and position to represent his interests and ensure that the vendor knew that I was not to be circumvented or get punked.?

Your Takeaway:? In a world where folks are constantly vying for proximity to prominence and power, knowing who you are, your value and your offering are your strengths - operate from that space continuously. Don’t let a situation or person create a vibration in you that moves you away from your power. Also, find folks who have your back.

Leave a comment if these resonate or you have some good advice from your youth!

What’s Been Up…Where I’ve Been: ?

Production with Victoria’s Secret & Co

These last two weeks, we got to hang out with folks from Victoria’s Secret & Co. in Columbus and NYC, talking to everyone from the store crew and managers to the IT, HR, marketing, merchandising, and design teams. It was awesome!

Big shoutout to all the incredible staff who opened up and shared their stories with us—we're excited to get the final product out there.

And let's not forget a huge round of applause for my team and collaborators—you guys really hit it out of the park!

Nashville, You’re Up Next!?

Are you a creator, talent manager, culture marketer, or influencer specialist?? I want to show you the prototype for Represent and get your POV.

Could you be that somebody? RSVP (and yes, I’ll have snacks for you.? I know my people.)

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Good Reads

• How women are building a more inclusive creator economy by Sprout social?
• An award show celebrating the finest underfunded, undercelebrated ideas of the year by Cans Festival of Low Budget Advertising?
• Did you apply to the Ad Age Young Creative contest? Looking forward to seeing who will be honored at the Ad Age Cannes Lawn Party in June 2024.

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