If you asked me one year ago where I would be today, I would never have guessed that I’d be here, writing this post, as the Managing Director at RPM PR. I get to help brands craft their story, have fun while doing it, and be surrounded by encouraging/fun people? Pinch me. It took me a long while to get here, so I’ll give you a little scoop about my journey. Maybe it will help you with yours.

When I began my college career at Fresno State (because I just graduated - at least that’s what I tell myself), I worked at a local bank and thought, “This is where I am meant to be! Sign me up for all of the accounting courses!” Two lectures into my first accounting course and I realized it just wasn’t my jam (#knowyourstrengths). I shifted gears and attended my first marketing/advertising class, and couldn't get enough. These classes required mostly all public speaking and presentations, which made my heart race, but I decided to push through that fear. It was definitely worth it. I finally felt invigorated - excited to go to class, and surprisingly, wanting to work on all my projects. From then on, I knew I had to pursue what fueled me, not what seemed comfortable.

I (thankfully) had some amazing professors who mentored and encouraged me, but also pushed me by giving constructive criticism to help me grow. Graduation came and went and I left my job at the bank to work as a marketing coordinator for a local ag company. As time went on and the company grew, my role evolved to sales and operations. I learned a lot, and grew even more.

While I had landed some pretty major successes in sales for the company, my heart wanted to be creative. Upon taking some time to dive into my favorite job - being a mom - and “find” myself (so cliche, but def real), I was pushed by my greatest cheerleaders (you know who you are) to explore my creative side and apply with RPM Public Relations. Still apprehensive to re-enter the job world, I knew that if I didn't try to cultivate this side of me, I would always regret it.

What intrigued me about RPM was not just the amazing work they do for clients, but the team themselves. Coming from an atmosphere that was not team centric, I was overwhelmed with emotion in diving into this environment. You can't really describe how close-knit and supportive this group is.

If I ever wanted something for my own daughter, it would be for her to have a group of amazing women (and one not-to-be-forgotten man, Luke!) who truly want to see the best for each other, help each other grow, and have each others’ backs, both personally and at work.

It was a whirlwind start (as any new job is!) but I have had the best time connecting with our clients, working with the team on media hits for them, and getting to explore my creative side. I am being pushed outside of my comfort zone each and every day and can already see the growth I have had. As I have gotten older, I am learning to embrace stepping outside of my comfort zone (maybe sometimes still kicking and screaming) in order to focus on my own growth.

If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s to 1) step out of the comfort zone and 2) take critiques from trusted people. Go for the things that make you nervous. Could you fail? Most definitely! But you can either take that time to mull that over as a failure or put it towards being better next time. Speaking like an old wise woman, comfort is another word for complacency. Find someone who will speak the hard truths to you to help you grow. If I had always surrounded myself with people who always told me what I wanted to hear, I wouldn't be who I am today.

So that's a little bit about me. Taking the bull by the horns, surrounded by a great team, and diving head first into this exciting world that is PR.

In the words of Bob Goff, “Don’t let not knowing how it will end keep you from starting.”

Marcy, RPM PR Managing Director

From the Desk of: Marcy Oliver, RPM PR Managing Director