Doing This 1 Thing At the Start of Each Day Keeps This Marketing Guru Sane
For Catherine Willett, a marketing talent curator, part-time illustrator, and full-time cat mom, joining the folks at Squarespace was a career no-brainer.
After all, Willett, who has her MFA in Illustration from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, is a visual storyteller at heart, and that’s exactly what Squarespace has developed its name for. More than simply creating websites, the company is passionate about building beautiful products that help people convey creative ideas — and that was a mission Willett could definitely get behind.
“(I love) that we value telling our customers’ stories,” she explained. “The fact that we dedicate so much energy to elevating and promoting small businesses and individuals is truly wonderful and inspires me on a daily basis.”
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Willett recently spoke to Fairygodboss about what she loves most about her work — and also the one exercise that keeps her calm no matter how many meetings she may have in a day.
How long have you been in your current role, and what were you doing previously?
I’ve been in my current position for about a year. Before that, I was working as a Customer Operations Advisor here at Squarespace, and prior to that I was working in arts administration, primarily in the nonprofit sector.
What’s the first (and/or last) thing you do at work every day?
At the beginning of each day, I make a list on paper of all the things I’d like to accomplish in that day, ongoing projects I want to think about, and long-term goals. This helps me stay grounded throughout a packed day of meetings or an influx of emails. It’s important to me so that I don’t get distracted by whichever task might come in front of me in the moment. At the end of the day, I look at the items I didn’t cross off of the list, and reassess them for the next day.
What’s the most unique or interesting aspect of your job or company?
Connecting with our customers and learning about the incredible journeys they’ve taken to start their businesses or get their dreams off the ground. I’m lucky to connect with a spectrum of individuals on a daily basis, from notable folks to emerging businesses. Every story is unique, and it inspires me everyday.
What’s something you’re especially good at at work?
Storytelling.
What about outside of work?
What do you love most about your job or your company?
That we value telling our customers’ stories. The fact that we dedicate so much energy to elevating and promoting small businesses and individuals is truly wonderful and inspires me on a daily basis.
Additionally, I've had the opportunity to work on some really cool projects through collaborations with some of our brightest talent. Some of my favorite projects include working with London-based fashion designer Sadie Williams for our Make it Yourself campaign, curating the amazing websites on our Customers Page, and working with various publishers to interview and share stories of incredible Squarespace talent around the world.
What are you currently reading/watching/listening to?
Re-watching the original Twin Peaks! Reading Chelsea Girls by Eileen Myles.
What’s the most memorable piece of career advice you’ve received?
To be more confident and not question myself. It’s something women should keep in mind in the workplace especially!
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