We were lucky to catch up with Taylor Cheek-Mundy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Taylor, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of a strong work ethic. My mother, Leslye, epitomized these qualities as a corporate powerhouse, blazing trails in boardrooms dominated by faces that didn’t mirror hers. Joining her at “Take Your Daughter To Work Day” at Nike’s World Headquarters, first instilled in me the understanding that success is not about conforming to expectations but about confidently asserting oneself and contributing unique perspectives. In a professional landscape where diversity is still evolving, I’ve learned to embrace my identity, recognizing it as a strength rather than a limitation. Upholding standards of excellence for myself, I’ve cultivated a personal brand anchored in integrity and diligence. Through every challenge and triumph, I’ve honed my ability to effectively communicate, collaborate, and excel, ensuring that my presence in any room leaves an indelible impression of competence and professionalism.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Throughout my career, I have focused on brand storytelling and fostering connections between these brands and their customers. Over the past decade, I have enjoyed collaborating with esteemed global companies, and I am proud to have seen my work featured in numerous publications.
In the aftermath of 2020, like many others, I felt a stirring entrepreneurial drive. It prompted me to question why I couldn’t apply the marketing prowess that major conglomerates hired me for to my own endeavors. Therefore, in 2021, my namesake marketing agency, Cheek & Mundy, was born.
During my time living and working in Amsterdam, Netherlands, I surveyed the corporate landscape, noticing a trend where success seemed disproportionately tied to budget size rather than genuine customer connection. This realization struck a chord, particularly amidst the upheaval of the global pandemic, a time when countless layoffs were sparking a new wave of entrepreneurs who were bringing innovative companies to life, with community at the center of their brand’s ethos.
I wondered how these startups could level the playing field against industry giants. This sparked a fire within me to redefine marketing practices and establish a strategic agency with a clear mission: to democratize the power of marketing and uplift emerging innovators. At the core of Cheek & Mundy lies a deep-seated belief that every exceptional product deserves its moment in the spotlight, regardless of the brand’s size or financial resources. My unwavering dedication is to cultivate an environment where no brand is left in obscurity. Our ultimate aspiration at Cheek & Mundy is to dismantle the barriers obstructing success and pave a path for every brand, regardless of scale, to thrive and make a lasting impact on the global stage.
As for what’s next, the agency was on a hiatus but will resume accepting new clients as of March 1st. Additionally, we’ll be attending the annual SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, this year. Anyone who wants to follow our journey can do so on Instagram @CheekandMundy or visit our website at CheekandMundy.com.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the three main things I try to take with me, and please note, easier said than done.
- Do not let the internet rush you. Support friends and your network but avoid comparing your journey to theirs. This prevents self-doubt and allows for more genuine personal growth. Enjoy social media for entertainment, not as a measure of success. Also, don’t take yourself or your brand too seriously; have fun with what you do and what you decide to create. Leave the “beige social media trend” of perfection at the door.
- Cultivate one to three defining “personal brand characteristics” that you will consistently exhibit in every job, essentially crafting a verbal resume that will leave a lasting impact on your career. For example, my traits include follow-through and loyalty—qualities known by all who’ve worked with me. These traits enhance interpersonal relationships, which are just as valuable as quantitative accomplishments. They foster strong network connections with current and former colleagues.
- Make continuous learning a priority. Stay updated on industry trends because innovation evolves rapidly. For instance, marketing has evolved from mail-order catalogs to seamless online shopping experiences. Invest time in exploring podcasts and reading books about your field to stay ahead. Remember, your market won’t wait for you to catch up.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past year, my most significant area of growth has been challenging myself to redefine success beyond my professional achievements.
Throughout my nearly decade-long tenure in corporate America, I discovered the danger of constantly linking my personal worth to my career successes. While those competencies and achievements temporarily boosted my self-esteem, they were ultimately transient. The insatiable hunger for more led to stress, exhaustion, and burnout. I realized I no longer wanted to buy into the rat race mentality.
Transitioning from corporate tech to working for a series-A startup and delving deeper into my entrepreneurial journey has provided me with a fresh perspective and has forced me to slow down a bit. Untangling your sense of worth from your work can actually propel your career forward. It fosters resilience, allowing you to bounce back swiftly from setbacks like redundancy or missed promotions. Resilient individuals inherently trust themselves more and adopt a broader life perspective. While I’m still actively practicing this mindset shift, I’ve become more disciplined in managing my workload, setting clearer boundaries in the workplace, and, importantly, choosing to work with companies that align with my values rather than solely focusing on financial compensation or industry perks. This practice ultimately boosts confidence and fosters personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cheekandmundy.com/
- Instagram: @cheekandmundy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheekandmundy/
Image Credits
Graphic Design Credit: Visionise Design
