For young professionals like myself, the marketing industry can often seem overwhelming — a dynamic field filled with accomplished veterans and constant innovation. That's precisely why development opportunities are invaluable. In fact, my primary takeaway from SMPS Amplify last year was this:

Work harder on yourself than you do on your job.

The path to becoming a marketing leader is built upon fine-tuning your mindset, nurturing your skills, and establishing a healthy work-life rhythm — setting the foundation to thrive in areas you love to be a part of, even when challenges present themselves.

And how do we go about that? There’s no one set path. But I did get some excellent guidance at Damion Morris’ session on the twelve powers of a marketing leader.

Twelve Powers of a Marketing Leader, Presented by Damion Morris:

1) Tackle Only Big Issues

Our work must reside in the value creation zone (V-zone) — the sweet spot where client needs and company needs converge. Here, we focus our energies on significant issues, those that promise the greatest impact and align with both our clients’ aspirations and our company’s goals.

2) Side with the Revenue Camp

The best marketers don’t just discuss marketing, they speak the language of revenue, turnover rates, and company profitability. It’s imperative that as leaders, we not only understand the inherent value of our work but also are willing to accept the burden of proof — demonstrating and communicating its value effectively.

3) Work Only with the Best

Mobilizing as a marketing leader becomes significantly more effective when you are part of a team that not only aligns with shared values and goals but also brings unique talents to the table. Having a diverse and skilled team amplifies the resources available to your organization, enhancing the quality of service provided to clients and partners alike. It’s rewarding to state your team's expertise, but it's even more satisfying to have a team whose collective efforts consistently produce tangible, impressive outcomes.

4) Hit the Heart and the Head

It’s no secret that storytelling is one of the most important skills a communicator has access to. What's important to recognize, however, is that this skill can be applied internally just as effectively as externally, to inspire teams and mobilize colleagues. Share real-life stories that offer hope; get into their heads as well as their hearts.

5) Walk the Halls

We won't change the world by sitting at our desks, we must go out and engage people to make things happen. Make a regular habit of taking a few moments of your day to make the rounds and interact with team members. Who knows, you might spark a conversation that leads to a new idea, resolves a challenge, or informs your strategy.

6) You Go First

Set the pace and be the change you want to see. Lead from the front and act as a role model for others. Demonstrate the behaviors and mindset you expect from your team, and be proactive in addressing challenges and jumping on opportunities.

7) Get the Right Mix

Build a powerful tribe, aligned around a common goal, that includes a mix of team skills, styles, and personalities, including yours.

8) Cover Them with Trust

Empower your team by fostering trust and confidence, encouraging them to take initiative and ask for forgiveness if things go wrong, rather than for permission before they do anything.

9) Let the Outcomes Speak

Love it or hate it, being a leader means wearing the judge’s hat. It's our duty to set high standards, objectively assess performance, and uphold accountability. However, this role also brings the joy of celebrating successes, recognizing achievements, and sharing in the collective triumphs of our team.

10) Fall in Love with Your World

You need to know your stuff! Knowledge of your audience, consumers, products, services, industry, best practices (the list goes on) is how you inspire yourself as well as others. Seek inspiration in everyday experiences and use them to motivate others, build upon new ideas, and identify trends and innovative strategies to support your next approach.

11) Know How You Inspire

Understanding the roots of your influence is crucial for any marketing leader. The deeper your understanding of why and how you inspire people, the better you can harness these abilities to motivate and engage others. Reflect on your leadership style, seek feedback from your team, and identify and amplify your most effective qualities.

12) Aim Higher

The path ahead is rarely smooth, but successful marketing leaders aim high and hold on to their dreams to make things happen. Even against the odds, we must remember to Think Big.