2023’s Biggest Takeaways For 15 Past Marketing Happy Hour Podcast Guests

As we approach a new year, we’ve asked a few of our past Marketing Happy Hour podcast guests to answer the question: What is the top lesson you learned in 2023 personally or professionally?

Here’s what they said:

Kennedy Crichlow + Mary Ralph Bradley, Co-Founders of Daily Drills

I think the top lesson that we learned in 2023 was to lean on each other! This was our third year in business and we finally feel like we're in the groove – year one and two were great learning experiences, but now we have a full team, an office space that we love, and an incredible network.

But, of course all of that growth can be scary! Especially when it comes to allowing new people to be part of the team you've built and fostered for the last two years. However, we've really learned to trust our instincts, go with our guts, and be there for each other through the highs and lows. We've also learned to prioritize our friendship overall. Everyone says not to mix business and friendship, but we would honestly recommend it! We're (almost) always on the same page when it comes to decision making, and no matter what happens, we have someone to "cheers" to the good days with, and share the burden of the tough days with. From Monday morning meetings to church on Sundays, it's such a blessing to be able to fully trust your business partner.

Listen to Kenn + Ralph’s Season 7 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Francesca Murray, Content Creator at One Girl One World® Media

That you have to be constantly learning, evolving and ready to pivot in this industry! Social Media has shifted dramatically from January to today and I'm so thankful that I'm constantly studying trends and cycles.

Listen to Francesca’s Season 7 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Kahlea Wade, CEO of Kahlea Nicole + Founder of Alora Society

It's okay to pivot / expand when you're not feeling passionate or aligned with what you've been doing. I've been solely focused on brand partnership education for the last 4 years and worried how my community would receive the expansion, but their response was unbelievably supportive! They were so excited to be part of what was next and I'm so thankful for that!

Listen to Kahlea’s Season 5 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Amy Gaston, Chief of Staff at Waco Ventures

The biggest lesson I took from my 2023 sabbatical is the importance of setting boundaries. Whether it's personal or professional, creating clear boundaries is the best form of self-care one can provide oneself. This singular "ah-ha" moment has refocused where my efforts are placed. As a recovering people pleaser, finding ways to say "I'm only going this far" has been a game changer.

Listen to Amy’s Season 7 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Stephanie Pagan, Talent Acquisition & Development Manager at ILIA Beauty

Ask for what you want and come with a proposal on how you envision getting there. Makes it easy for leadership to say yes because you've already done the groundwork.

Listen to Stephanie’s Season 7 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Natasha Pierre, Video Marketing Coach and Host of the Shine Online Podcast

Personally: Do something for fun without the pressure of it being perfect or being good at it. I learned this from my ceramics classes. Pottery is not forgiving – you can make the perfect bowl and it crumble in a matter of seconds. But it's all about how you react to it - using it as an opportunity to learn, spark joy, and enjoy the process vs being fixated on the final product.

Professionally: Sometimes your next pivot is the thing you never thought you'd do and possibly something from your past. If things aren't working in your business, start by reengineering the result you want and how where you've seen success before. Often times the solution is right in front of us we just need to remove our ego to see it!

Listen to Natasha’s Season 6 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Karissa Widder, Founder & Creative Director at Kindred by K

Hiring is a very challenging part of starting a business that I did not anticipate. It is a skill to grow and mature in, and I'm only just beginning!

Listen to Karissa’s Season 6 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Macey Miller, Founder and Lead Designer at Be Bold Design

I learned that just because it works for someone else's business - doesn't mean it will work (or you have to do it) for yours. To create a business that works around your unique, beautiful, amazing life is the goal - not to create a life that revolves around your business (and client's wishes).

Listen to Macey’s Season 4 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Jess Massey, Productivity Coach and Podcast Host at Hustle Sanely

Being able to pivot is such a valuable skill. As a new mom and business owner, there's been a lot of opportunity for me to practice pivoting this year. I've learned that there is a lot of power in staying focused on your goals while being flexible about the path you take to reach them.

Listen to Jess’ Season 4 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Lauren Freund, Social Media Manager at Canva

The top lesson I learned in 2023 is always be seeking out opportunities that are new or even a little scary. There is so much learning to be done outside your comfort zone and it's the best way to grow both professionally and personally. And if you've been searching for those opportunities and none are coming up--don't hesitate to make your own!

Listen to Lauren’s Season 1 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Listen to Lauren’s “Where are they now?” bonus episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Sylvester Placid, Communications Team Lead at Leidos

What you put in is what you'll get out – whether it's a new project at work, learning a hobby, staying in shape, or maintaining personal or professional relationships, your gain is directly related to your effort.

Listen to Sylvester’s Season 1 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Cayley Smith, Event Programming Manager at Digiday Media

PR NOT ER. Yes, many folks in the industry are high achievers who expect a lot, but you will be able to work so much better with a clear head and a calm grasp on the situation. This is marketing, not the emergency room!

Listen to Cayley’s Season 1 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Travis Tyler, Sr. Digital Content Producer at PandaDoc

Be bold and ask for forgiveness later. 2023 has been a year for me to really test my creativity in marketing.

I've gotten in "trouble" a few times with senior leadership for things I post.

But the results of my courage to do some outlandish stuff and publish it without "permission" resulted in some of the best content I've ever created and the largest growth we've seen on our social accounts in years.

Listen to Travis’ Season 7 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Lauren Roth, Community and Partnerships Manager at United Sodas

Don't let the unknown hold you back.

Listen to Lauren’s “Open for Hire” bonus episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Alison Taplin, Social Media Editor at E! News / NBC Universal

Embrace change!

Listen to Alison’s Season 1 episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify