5 Minutes With Mara Greenwald

#TeamMindshare believes in Speed, Teamwork and Provocation. As we adjust to working differently, we're continuing to empower people to challenge the status quo and drive Good Growth for our clients and the industry. Growth isn’t just a flash in the pan, but it’s enduring, diversified, and more sustainable over time. We’re proud to be unmistakably #TeamMindshare, and make it the place where we do the best work of our career, grow and have fun. Hear from Mara on how she's adapted, what her biggest learning is and how she stays inspired.

Biggest learning from your career?

“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room” – I believe this is attributed to Confucius or Lorne Michaels (what range).

Anytime I’ve felt I wasn’t being challenged intellectually or pushing how we approach media, I’ve looked for a new room. Basically, take every opportunity you can to be challenged and grow. Make sure you’re looking to where the future will be 5 years from now versus how things were last year. The other quote I live by is “do the scary thing first and get scared later” from Lemony Snicket. Basically, if I’m afraid of a challenge, that’s how I know it’s the right one to take on.  

One word to describe the last year?

“Adventure starts when plans end” – it’s not one word, but the plane tour company in Alaska had this as a sticker and it’s been true for all of my travels, work, life.

Best advice you gave out about hybrid working?

One thing that has been amazing to see over the past year is bringing on new team members all across the country. As some people return to the office, I have to remember that office is now completely different or non-existent entirely. Make sure whether you’re going in or working from home you find ways to engage and connect with your entire team, even if it means logging into an individual Teams in an office conference room.  

How have you stayed inspired?

I love being in nature – the mountains and the ocean. I try to plan a few bigger trips each year that usually involve a lot of hiking and adventure. I feel most alive when standing on the edge of a cliff. I find that I need to disconnect because we are so constantly connected now. I tend to work quickly, but giving myself some time to think and breath is always what inspires me most.

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