E87: My Journey to Chief Heart Officer

Join me as I take you on an incredible journey of growth within VaynerMedia. From my humble beginnings – to now overseeing the cultural aspect – I've witnessed the company's remarkable expansion from 289 employees to a global workforce of 2,000 in just 9 years! Let's dive into how I helped foster a thriving company culture and the power of long-lasting bonds among our amazing team.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

A successful career in advertising as a strategist

Introduced to Gary Vaynerchuk in 2013 and started working with him in 2014

The role evolved to becoming the Chief Heart Officer

The ability to connect with and mentor others

A strong sense of community and culture

A belief that culture is the heartbeat and pulse of the company

Episode Highlights:

[00:07] The Journey from Advertising Strategist to Chief Heart Officer

I've had an incredible journey in the advertising industry, working as a strategist for many years. It was a stroke of luck that I landed a job in San Francisco during the dot-com boom in 1998. I focused on digital advertising, helping clients develop effective strategies to bring their products to market. My career took an exciting turn when my best friend introduced me to Gary Vaynerchuk in 2013. We instantly connected, and in May 2014, I joined his team. It's been nine years since then, and I've had the privilege of working closely with Gary and being a part of this amazing organization.

[00:51] Embracing Connection and Culture

Working with Gary Vaynerchuk revealed that my role went beyond client work. People sought me out for mentorship and genuine conversations. On my one-year anniversary, I expressed my passion for focusing on people and the organization's culture. Surprisingly, Gary appointed me as the Chief Heart Officer, a privilege that speaks to his trust in me. This journey is incredibly special and meaningful.

[01:55] Building a Thriving Community: The Growth, Longevity, and Heartbeat of Our Organization

When I first joined, we were a team of 289 individuals. Now, we have expanded to a global workforce of 2000 people, experiencing remarkable growth. What sets us apart is the longevity of our team members, with most staying for four to ten years. This creates a rich environment of osmosis learning and shared experiences. I am truly appreciative of the shorthand communication and emotional efficiency we have cultivated, along with the deep bonds and friendships formed. It's incredible to witness the love that has blossomed within our organization, resulting in marriages and even the birth of our first Vayner baby, a name thoughtfully coined by Gary. For me, this culture embodies the heartbeat of our organization and represents the essence of who we are.

Resources Mentioned:

VaynerMedia