276: Crafting Success: Uniqueka Walcott on Branding and Career Mastery

In this episode, Deirdre sits down with Uniqueka Walcott, a renowned writer and speaker, to discuss personal branding, career ownership, and workplace culture. Known as the “Billion Dollar Bid Writer,” Uniqueka shares her journey of crafting a strong personal brand through strategic communications and offers insights from her experience to help individuals embrace authenticity and boost visibility. The conversation highlights pivotal career moments, emphasizing self-guidance and the importance of a supportive network. Uniqueka addresses challenges in career ownership, including mindset shifts and actionable feedback, and stresses the necessity of recognizing when change is needed. Strategies for overcoming obstacles and cultivating a workplace culture of mutual respect are also explored. Key takeaways include rejecting disrespect, being discerning with feedback, and embracing proactive change, providing listeners with practical insights to advance their personal branding and career growth.

 

Uniqueka Walcott, CPSM, Uniqueka Walcott Communications LLC

Uniqueka Walcott is celebrated for her prowess in proposal management and strategic communications. As the founder of Uniqueka Walcott Communications LLC, she empowers others to express their authentic selves. Holding a B.A. in journalism with a focus on Public Relations from Georgia State University, Uniqueka has secured over a billion dollars in government contracts and has been featured in the Baltimore Sun. Her Personal Branding Masterclass is instrumental in helping clients boost their visibility and build meaningful connections, paving the way for their growth.

 

Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com

We Want to Hear From You

Let us know what you think about this episode. Should we do more interviews? Or, would you prefer just Frank and Deirdre (no guests)? Use the form on our homepage to let us know.

 

Follow this Podcast
Apple Podcasts – click here
Spotify – click here
Google Podcasts – click here

 

275: Doing Good Things with “Cause Marketing”

Cause Marketing is where A/E/C firms partner with non-profits to develop campaigns that do good things for the community, help the non-profit and their cause, and advance the brand and goodwill of the company investing in it. PSM Show cohost Frank Lippert talks to Jodi Sommers of Jodi Sommers Marketing and Megan Falkenstein of Sponsors, Inc. to learn more about what goes into doing great cause marketing—the kind of campaigns where everyone benefits and everyone wins.

 

Jodi Sommers, CPSM, Jodi Sommers Marketing
Jodi Sommers spent the past twenty-five years providing her expertise to a diverse array of AEC firms. With a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Florida, she has dedicated her career to the art of marketing ever since. Jodi is a Certified Professional Services Marketer and a LEED Green Associate. She served as the President of the Southwest Oregon Chapter of the American Marketing Association and led a sustainable business organization in Eugene, Oregon for three years. In 2023, Jodi launched her consulting firm, Jodi Sommers Marketing, where she offers a comprehensive range of marketing services tailored to AEC firms. Her firm specializes in cause marketing, which integrates support for nonprofits with marketing and employee engagement goals. From strategic planning and project pursuits to client feedback surveys and cause marketing, Jodi is committed to helping her clients achieve success.

 

Megan Falkenstein, Sponsors, Inc.
Megan Falkenstein, a native of Eugene, Oregon, has over a decade of experience as a professional fundraiser and communications director. She is deeply dedicated to her work, which has focused on creating unique visual brands and compelling donor-focused storytelling for social justice nonprofits. She has spent the last 5-years as the Development Director for Sponsors, Inc. A nonprofit whose mission is to provide wrap-around supportive services and housing to formerly incarcerated individuals in Lane County. In her free time, she enjoys walking her rambunctious rescue pup along the beautiful river bike path, seeing as much live music as possible, throwing killer parties, and volunteering year-round as the Oregon Country Fair Volunteer Crew Coordinator.

 

Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com

We Want to Hear From You

Let us know what you think about this episode. Should we do more interviews? Or, would you prefer just Frank and Deirdre (no guests)? Use the form on our homepage to let us know.

 

Follow this Podcast
Apple Podcasts – click here
Spotify – click here
Google Podcasts – click here

 

274: Marketing and Finance: The Dream Team

Frank sits down with Laurie Lumish, Principal and Director of Marketing and Business Development at Degenkolb Engineers, and CFO Maury Ballif to explore the secrets of building a strong working relationship that sets a new industry standard. In this engaging conversation, you’ll gain practical advice on enhancing your role within the company, developing empathy, mutual understanding, and fostering seamless collaboration between marketing and finance teams. Laurie and Maury address common challenges and offer strategies for overcoming them. Their combined experience provides valuable lessons for any professional aiming to strengthen team dynamics. Tune in for actionable tips to build your internal partnerships and achieve outstanding results.

 

Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com

We Want to Hear From You

Let us know what you think about this episode. Should we do more interviews? Or, would you prefer just Frank and Deirdre (no guests)? Use the form on our homepage to let us know.

 

Follow this Podcast
Apple Podcasts – click here
Spotify – click here
Google Podcasts – click here

 

273: Mastering Your Company’s Conference Presence

In this follow-up episode, Frank and Deirdre dive deeper into how companies can effectively plan and execute their presence at conferences. Learn how to set SMART goals, craft a compelling message, and equip your team with effective conversation topics. Frank and Deirdre also discuss creating a staffing plan that balances attending sessions with manning the booth. This episode highlights important aspects such as ROI, achieving your overall conference goals, and more. Tune in for actionable advice that will elevate your conference strategy and drive impactful results.

 

Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com
Conference Planning Handout

We Want to Hear From You

Let us know what you think about this episode. Should we do more interviews? Or, would you prefer just Frank and Deirdre (no guests)? Use the form on our homepage to let us know.

 

Follow this Podcast
Apple Podcasts – click here
Spotify – click here
Google Podcasts – click here

 

272: Optimizing Your Professional Conference Experience

Frank and Deirdre share their insights on making the most out of your professional conference experience. They discuss strategic networking, setting realistic expectations, and engaging effectively with speakers. You’ll also learn about the importance of taking notes and adhering to proper conference etiquette, especially during the final keynote session. Whether you’re new to conferences or a seasoned pro, this episode is filled with valuable tips to enhance your participation and takeaway.

 

Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com

We Want to Hear From You

Let us know what you think about this episode. Should we do more interviews? Or, would you prefer just Frank and Deirdre (no guests)? Use the form on our homepage to let us know.

 

Follow this Podcast
Apple Podcasts – click here
Spotify – click here
Google Podcasts – click here

 

271: Leader Advocate

Coffman Engineers is known for having some of the most talented, long-standing, happy marketers in A|E|C. And Chad Heimbigner, COO, and Board Director, is part of the reason why. From his heartfelt servant leadership to collaborative partnerships to lifelong learning, Chad embodies the best traits of a strong technical leader who stands by the team. Deirdre, Kate, and Chad talk about what makes a leader advocate and how to build an intentional, positive marketing/BD/leadership culture.

Coffman Engineers is a multidiscipline engineering consulting firm with almost 800 team members in 21 offices across the United States. Chad is also an active volunteer with several community organizations and serves on the University of Idaho Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board.

Resources:

Chad Heimbigner, COO, Board Director – Coffman Engineers, https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-heimbigner-96b76131/
Coffman Engineers – www.coffman.com
Gonzaga University, Women Lead Conferences – https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-leadership-studies/leadership-training-and-development/women-in-leadership/conferences-and-events
Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com

We Want to Hear From You

Let us know what you think about this episode. Should we do more interviews? Or, would you prefer just Frank and Deirdre (no guests)? Use the form on our homepage to let us know.

 

Follow this Podcast
Apple Podcasts – click here
Spotify – click here
Google Podcasts – click here