We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Toni Ferrara a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Toni, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience has always been in my DNA, but I will also credit my amazing support system in my family, my life experiences, as well, to shaping me and my adaptability. From a young age, I wanted to succeed in everything (even walking and tying shoes) and no one was going to tell me otherwise. Some call it stubborn, I call it determined. I know that my fierce determination has only grown as I’ve gotten more seasoned and wiser in life experiences and in my career. Even now, I will always out hustle and out work anyone in the room. Call it what you want, I call it confidence. That definitely was derived from having a supportive family growing up that taught me important lessons with a side of tough love. I was an entrepreneur out of the womb. From selling handmade jewelry in elementary school with my best friend Melody to lemonade stands on the corner of our street with my brother and friends, I loved the thrill of creating, marketing, and selling. In my family, there were no “participation” trophies and if you wanted something, you had to put in the work to get it. My father taught me (and my brother) that failure was apart of the process and to not be afraid of it. To see it at as an area of growth worthy of overcoming rather than an obstacle to quit or throw in the towel. I think lessons like that definitely build resilience in your character. Knowing that I had their love and support even when they may not have agreed with my life decisions built confidence in understanding that they would bet on me to win, just as much as I would. Some people look at my life and say “you’re so lucky” but what they don’t see is the hard work and sacrifice that it has taken to get here. I love the quote by the Roman philosopher Seneca, “Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity”. I am proud of my work ethic and being resilient to change. It’s the mindset shift of I can handle whatever life throws at me. I’ve survived a lot in my life and no matter what I’ve gotten through it. Remember, always bet on the house, the house (YOU) always wins!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a storyteller with the superpower of building brands. In the realm of public relations, there is an unsung hero who weaves narratives, crafts compelling messages, and helps brands find their voice in a crowded marketplace. That hero is ME, a powerhouse publicist (and her passionate team) that is armed with the superpower of building brands through the art of storytelling. As a dedicated publicist, I am driven by the immense power of storytelling and its potential to shape perceptions, influence opinions, and build lasting brand loyalty.
Through carefully crafted narratives, I bring brands to life, transforming them from mere ideas to authentic, aspirational, and relatable products that the consumer wants, craves, and needs. I dive deep into the essence of a brand, uncover its unique story, and artfully communicate its values, vision, and purpose. By infusing the brand narrative with emotion, authenticity, and relevance, I create a compelling and memorable experience for the audience. PR has evolved into an indispensable tool for establishing credibility, managing reputation, and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders. It’s the relationships with editors, producers, and celebrity/influencers that even in a digital world is priceless.
Ferrara Media has expanded its services to content creation and social media management in 2023, offering support for talent and brands in the social media space. It’s really become a mission of mine to educate brands on how to optimize their press beyond their feature in a publication. PR is only one component of a successful marketing strategy. We live in a time where getting this exciting news to the masses is both instant and impactful if done strategically.
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?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my success would have to be:
1. Curiosity with a Growth-focused Mindset.
Curiosity is a powerful driving force for continuous learning and growth. Stay curious about the world around you, embrace new ideas, and seek out knowledge in diverse areas. Cultivate a growth-focused mindset, which involves believing in your ability to learn and improve over time. Embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and view failures as opportunities for growth.
My advice is to always be a student. I had a wise professor in college that always encouraged us to be a student of something. He would always say, “you don’t know, what you don’t know, but it can be taught to you, if you are willing to engage in lifelong learning.” It sounds intimidating but it’s really an easy practice. I challenge you to read daily, explore new subjects, take courses or workshops, and seek out mentors or experts who can guide you. Stay open-minded and embrace new experiences to expand your knowledge and skills.
2. Effective Communication Skills.
Effective communication is essential in all aspects of life. It involves not only expressing your ideas clearly but also actively listening, understanding others’ perspectives, and adapting your communication style to different audiences. Strong communication skills can help you build relationships, collaborate effectively, and convey your thoughts and ideas persuasively. My advice to becoming an effective communicator is to practice active listening, empathetic communication, and create clarity in your written and verbal communication. Seek feedback from others and be open to refining your communication skills. Engage in activities such as public speaking, writing, and participating in group discussions to polish your abilities.
3. Adaptability and Resilience:
The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and bounce back from setbacks is crucial in navigating the ups and downs of any journey. Develop resilience by cultivating a positive mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and maintaining a sense of flexibility and adaptability in the face of adversity. My advice is to embrace new experiences, step out of your comfort zone, and approach challenges with a solution over problem mindset. Build a support network of mentors, peers, or colleagues who can provide guidance and encouragement. This last part is really key: show up for yourself in your daily life, whether it’s your morning ritual, your workouts, meditation, hot girl walks, to even something as simple as making your bed, the more confidence you build from completing your daily routine, the more confidence you have in handling anything life throws at you.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
In my journey to overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success, I have been fortunate to have a diverse support network that has played a significant role. Each person in this network has contributed in their unique way, offering guidance, expertise, and support when I needed it most.
Mentors:
My mentors have been invaluable in providing guidance and sharing their wisdom. Their experience and perspective have helped shape my decision-making, navigate complex situations, and challenge me to grow. Their mentorship has provided me with valuable insights, encouragement, and a sense of direction as I strive to achieve my goals.
Colleagues:
Working alongside talented colleagues has been instrumental in my development. Collaboration with peers who share similar ambitions and a passion for growth has created an environment of continuous learning. Through shared experiences, feedback, and constructive discussions, my colleagues have challenged me, expanded my knowledge, and pushed me to improve my skills.
Business Partner:
Having a supportive business partner has been a game-changer in my journey. Our shared vision, complementary strengths, and aligned goals have allowed us to tackle challenges together, leveraging each other’s expertise and ideas while expanding our network to better serve our clients. The partnership has provided a support system, fostering creativity, resilience, and problem-solving in the face of obstacles.
Attorneys:
My attorneys has played a crucial role in providing legal guidance and expertise, ensuring that my decisions and actions are compliant with the law. Their knowledge and advice have helped me navigate complex legal matters, mitigate risks, and protect my interests. Their expertise has been instrumental in shaping the foundation of my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: ferraramedia.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ferraramedia
- Linkedin: .linkedin.com/in/toniferrara/
Image Credits
Ferrara Media
