“Do things that make you uncomfortable,” Colleen Canty from OMD USA

Meet Colleen Canty, Executive Director of Client Business Leadership at OMD USA, Her 15+ years of experience has led her to media and marketing strategy roles as as well as cross-functional activation, both here and in China. She has worked across industries in the retail, sportswear, auto, finance, and pharmaceutical verticals. Colleen prides herself on pushing on conventional thinking, strategic ideas, and processes to drive results for brands, businesses, and people. She is passionate about the work which has also garnered some impressive industry accolades along the way,  including Effie, FOMA, Smarties and Tangram awards as well as a Cannes Shortlist.

Colleen joined Morgan James, Content Marketing Specialist at SiriusXM Media, to be a part of a special, upcoming season of the Pass the Mic Podcast called Mentor Me. In her interview, they discussed the challenges of navigating change, most notably when Colleen moved abroad to China, and the lessons she learned along the way. 

Listen to Colleen’s full interview below, then get inspired by the conversation highlights. 

Raise your hand.

Highlight: “You have to do things that might make you feel uncomfortable. So, move to New York, move abroad, raise your hand for things that maybe you're not 100% qualified for. Ask to be in the meetings, ask to go out for the drinks that maybe you have no business being at. Just raise your hand. And then in every one of those opportunities, show up, show your worth, and truly connect with people.” - Colleen Canty

Figure out where you add value.

Highlight: “You just need to approach every new opportunity the same. Go in, be engaged, be curious… Find where you can add value immediately, even if it's a small thing.. See where you can start helping so that you can spend the time to understand and listen so that you can figure the rest out.” - Colleen Canty

Plan, but be flexible.

Highlight: “Having a long term vision is a good idea, but saying yes to unexpected opportunities and taking risks and being driven by things that excite you right now is ok. The 10 year plan is going to change…. Nothing is going to be a waste of your time if you are learning from it.” - Colleen Canty

Coordinate time to meet with people.

Highlight: “Coordinate time to meet with people…it really requires people who are working remotely to take even more initiative, I would say. You're not gonna just be noticed...” - Colleen Canty

Advocate for yourself, but first put in the time & prove yourself. 

Highlight: “Knowing your worth and advocating for yourself is important. Setting boundaries is also important… But I also think you need to invest in doing things that are maybe outside of the job description, because that's investing in yourself and your career, - Colleen Canty

Schedule dedicated time for your own professional priorities.

Highlight: “Schedule an hour on your calendar where it is just time for you to invest in something that you want to do with your career, even if it's just reading the trades or something that you're passionate about. But it is important to make the time.” - Colleen Canty

Colleen has navigated change in many different ways, especially moving abroad to China. For the younger generations looking to draw inspiration, take her advice and advocate for yourself every chance you get. For more inspiration, check out the Pass the Mic page.

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