Meet Erica Bailey

We were lucky to catch up with Erica Bailey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Erica, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a pivotal part of my professional journey. Initially, I thought I was alone in experiencing these persistent feelings of self-doubt. It wasn’t until a meaningful conversation with my friend and colleague, Tony Stark Policci, that I realized many of us grapple with this issue. This revelation was eye-opening and prompted me to delve deeper into understanding imposter syndrome and strategies to overcome it. One key approach has been to surround myself with people who not only uplift me but also trust deeply in my abilities. By choosing to be around colleagues, mentors, and friends like Tony who provide not just support but genuine acknowledgment of my contributions, I find a constant reminder of my own worth and skills. Although I still experience moments of imposter syndrome, I now recognize these feelings, accept them, and move forward with a positive mindset, remembering the value I bring to others. This environment of positive reinforcement helps to counteract any doubts, reinforcing my confidence and allowing me to focus on my growth and achievements.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As the co-founder of CWG Digital, alongside my husband and business partner, Jayson Bailey, I have the privilege of steering a dynamic full-scale marketing agency that specializes in taking brands from concept to market. We’ve been nurturing and growing this company for over 15 years, applying our expertise to help small to medium-sized businesses enhance their online presence and forge meaningful connections with their target audiences.

Storytelling for social media is one of our primary core strengths at CWG Digital. We excel in crafting compelling narratives that deeply resonate with audiences, driving engagement, and fostering brand loyalty. This strategic approach transcends traditional marketing; it’s about elevating brands and creating captivating content that nurtures lasting relationships.

In addition to our marketing endeavors, I’m passionate about contributing to meaningful change through our work in the nonprofit sector. Our efforts have spurred policy changes and industry reforms, demonstrating the profound impact thoughtful marketing can achieve beyond business success.

I also host the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast, interviewing pioneers who have introduced groundbreaking products and solutions. This platform is dedicated to learning, inspiration, and empowerment, encouraging our listeners to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys with confidence.

Excitingly, I am also a producer of a documentary that we plan to submit to various film festivals, with the ultimate goal of having it acquired by Netflix. This project highlights our commitment to storytelling across platforms, from digital spaces to cinematic expressions that have the potential to reach global audiences.

Looking ahead, CWG Digital is poised to launch new digital tools designed to provide deeper insights into consumer behavior and expand into new markets. Each of these initiatives is driven by our mission to help businesses grow and make a substantial impact in their communities and beyond.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey as an entrepreneur, I can pinpoint three qualities that have been instrumental in my success. Firstly, my MBA with an emphasis in organizational behavior has been invaluable. It equipped me with the skills to understand how people interact with brands and companies, which is crucial in creating effective marketing strategies.

Secondly, my openness to learning from others has played a pivotal role. By keeping my mind open to new opportunities and perspectives, I’ve been able to continually grow both personally and professionally. This willingness to learn is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about embracing growth and innovation.

Thirdly, my ability to be comfortable with discomfort has driven me to take massive action. This mindset has often led me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue ambitious goals, resulting in many of our company’s breakthroughs.

For those starting their journey, my first piece of advice is to always be learning. The world is full of resources that can provide new knowledge and insights—take advantage of them. There is truly no limit to what you can discover and how it can propel you forward.

Secondly, define your ‘why.’ This is the foundation upon which you can build your entire professional and personal growth strategy. Knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing not only provides clarity but also fuels your motivation and drives your actions. It’s the bedrock for sustained success.

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?

I owe a great deal of my success to several key figures in my life. First and foremost, my husband and my parents have been indispensable. They have consistently been my rock and my biggest cheerleaders, always there to guide me through failures and celebrate my successes. Their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my resilience and perseverance.

Additionally, my clients have played a crucial role in my professional development. They inspire me to think big and act boldly, challenging me to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry.

Lastly, the incredible guests on my podcast, hailing from all corners of the globe, have significantly broadened my perspective. Each interview is an opportunity to learn from their life lessons and experiences, which I absorb with immense gratitude. These interactions not only enrich my knowledge but also enhance the strategies we deploy at CWG Digital, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation and effectiveness in our field.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@emilypearlphotography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Perspectives on Being an Optimist

We’re often asked if we’ve seen a pattern of success among the many thousands of

Leadership Development
Mastering Communication: Stories & Lessons

“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.”

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,