Career Talks: Meet the Leading Ladies of Brandmint

Finding your place in business, advertising, and communications can be tough when you’re not sure which path is right for you or how your career fits into your overall goals. But figuring out who you are is an ongoing, evolving process. Being resilient enough to roll with the punches and open to trying new experiences is critical to growth.

At least, that’s what the women heading Brandmint mentioned when reflecting on their careers.

This International Women’s Day, we interviewed Laurie Linn (VP of Growth), Renee Maisto (VP of Operations), and Maddie Ulrich (VP of Public Relations) to learn how they navigate risks, personal growth, and mentorship to establish their direction.

Looking for more insights? Sign up for our newsletter MintMail to keep up with our blog!

Laurie Linn Highlights Networking and Persistence as Keys to Success

Laurie Linn (VP of Growth, Brandmint)

Before becoming the VP of Growth at Brandmint, Laurie started her path in advertising as a marketing researcher in the 1980s. At the time, the field was mostly male-dominated, which required Laurie to find knowledgeable mentors while subverting gender stereotypes.

BRANDMINT: How did you get started in Advertising and Marketing?

LAURIE LINN: My journey began when I met Holly Jonak (Former VP of Tom Yagel & Associates) on a plane back home after living in the Virgin Islands. I had never considered a career in marketing before. But I connected with Holly, and she hired me as a marketing researcher.

This fortuitous meeting taught me the profound importance of building connections. 

Holly would become a pivotal mentor during this period of my life. 

Fueled by a desire to learn and grow, I transformed into a maven, actively seeking relationships that would expand my knowledge in marketing. My specific mission was to challenge traditional gender roles in the workplace. Eventually, I became the VP of Yagel & Associates, traveling globally and collaborating with financial institutions. 

What was a pivotal moment in your career that drove your growth and success?

My father always said, “A dream becomes reality when you put a date on it.”

In January 1991, I founded my own company called Communiqué Design & Marketing Inc. That was a significant step for me because I knew I had to take a leap if I wanted to pursue my own vision. 

It was rewarding to build a business from scratch—and very fun! Marketing is a creative field that’s always evolving and changing. I love the energy of it!

But there were also some very difficult times.

Running your own company is a roller coaster of highs and lows. As a woman in business, I needed to be resilient to weather adversities, from recessions and the subprime crisis to 9/11 and the challenges posed by COVID-19. Not to mention, I needed to dismantle the perceived limitations people had of me.

My north star was my roots.

I quickly built and nurtured strong connections with my workforce, community, and clients to earn respect in my field. Those partnerships reinforced the importance of aligning with the right people, and I continued to grow my business for 31 years. In 2022, I decided to sell Communiqué to Brandmint, based on our shared values, connections, and mutual commitment to respect. These principles continue to be my cornerstones in business and in life.

What advice would you give to women looking to establish themselves in the competitive advertising and marketing landscape?

Distinguish yourself by taking bold initiatives, and be open to calculated risks. Every setback is a lesson that propels you forward as long as you learn from them. You have to embrace saying “yes” to promising ideas if you want to make them a reality. This also means focusing on solutions and generating innovative ideas rather than dwelling on problems.

You should also avoid working in isolation.

Success is a collective effort. Cultivate a spirit of continuous learning by building bridges, forming partnerships, and actively engaging in opportunities that broaden your knowledge. Having an open approach not only enhances your brand but also positions you as a thought leader in your industry.

Renee Maisto Prioritizes Self-Reflection in Pursuit of Personal and Career Growth

Renee Maisto (VP of Operations, Brandmint)

Renee is a champion for self-reflection as a catalyst for growth. She dives into how working with mentors helped shape her leadership style and more empathetic approach.

How do you balance leadership responsibilities with fostering an inclusive work environment?

RENEE MAISTO: Being a leader means creating an inclusive environment. That’s why encouraging open communication is so important to me. I want to make sure everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback so that they’re empowered to make decisions on their own. Bringing in others to share their expertise can uncover new perspectives.

People aspiring to become leaders (in any capacity) should be empathetic, kind, confident, and unafraid to self-reflect. Advertising and marketing are constantly evolving, which means you need to embrace continuous growth. The most effective way to cultivate leadership traits is to try new things. Challenges are a natural part of any professional journey, so don’t shy away from opportunities to grow.

What does it mean to be a mentor?

Mentorship is everything. We all need positive mentors to expand professionally and personally. They don’t have to be in the same role or even the same industry as you. It’s all about building genuine relationships that help you view things from a different perspective. 

Get involved in events, workshops, and networking opportunities. A colleague of mine and I are attending a Women Empowering Women Conference in a few weeks where we’ll explore effective approaches to self-discovery and personal growth! I’m excited at the potential of building new relationships and passing on my knowledge to the next generation.

Maddie Ulrich Embraces Going Out of Her Comfort Zone to Find Her Path

Maddie Ulrich (VP of PR, Brandmint)

Maddie might have never found her place in public relations if she hadn’t learned to step out of her comfort zone. She expands on how taking calculated risks is part of carving out a path for yourself.

What does going out of your comfort zone look like to you?

MADDIE ULRICH: Going out of your comfort zone means refusing to shy away from risks. To do that well, you have to be vulnerable but resilient at the same time, which is hard if you’re only used to working within certain parameters.

My journey into advertising and marketing wasn’t linear. Initially, I pursued Human Resources before discovering I had a passion for Public Relations and Business Administration. Then, Laurie hired me to be an intern at Communiqué, where she encouraged me to explore new avenues, take the lead in new situations, and get over my fear of public speaking by talking to clients on my own!

These were all new experiences beyond my comfort zone, but I said yes to them because I knew they would teach me the skills I needed to thrive. Establishing yourself requires a blend of resilience, openness, and the drive to learn. That also means asking for feedback and learning how to take criticism with grace. Feedback is the primary communication style in any creative field.

How do you handle professional challenges and setbacks?

Like what Laurie and Renee have mentioned, challenges may take you out of your comfort zone, but they’re important to help you grow. Treat them as stepping stones, not roadblocks! (As Taylor Swift sings, “Everything you lose is a step you take.”)

Before acting, take a moment to breathe and assess the situation. This gives you time to weigh your options, strategize ideas, and ultimately craft a path that aligns with your goals. Working with Laurie has also taught me to avoid making excuses and, instead, confront problems directly. People appreciate accountability over excuses, so be transparent and open with your failures as much as your success.

What advice would you like to share with women entering advertising, marketing, and communications?

I’d like to share Elle Woods’ timeless wisdom from Legally Blonde: “You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”

This message is a powerful reminder for women to trust their capabilities, embrace self-confidence, and believe in their potential. On this day, celebrate your achievements! Support one another, and continue breaking barriers. Your contributions make a significant impact on shaping these industries for a brighter and more inclusive future.