Meet Mary Ladd

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mary Ladd. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mary , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism stems from a blend of humor, connection, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging. Growing up, I had an ancestor who hand-stitched my Sunday best, making me feel special and part of something larger. Even as a fidgety kid, eager to giggle and share stories with friends, those thoughtful outfits taught me the power of showing up with brightness and joy. That sense of belonging blossomed over time into a love for people, listening to their stories, and embracing each unique moment.

This outlook has fueled my work on projects that unite people, whether through books that unite readers or events that create vibrant, memorable experiences. I thrive in big teams where we can build something fun, amazing, and inspiring. My event brain loves a good challenge, and I trust my ability to solve any issue, no matter the scale. I was once assigned to walk around an urban area and find parking spaces for machines and vehicles that would be used to build a stage for an elaborate celebrity performance. I found the spots, made a new community buddy, and came back with a (free) huge box of cupcakes given to me by yet another new community buddy that I met in the process. They both appreciated my friendly nature and willingness to talk, listen, and laugh together.

Being part of a community where I can collaborate and problem-solve keeps me optimistic. I enjoy observing the quirks and dynamics that make each team, event, or gathering unique. Every interaction teaches me something new, reinforcing my belief that we all belong and have something valuable to offer. This sense of humor, shared purpose, and resilience creates a steady optimism that keeps me moving forward, ready to face whatever comes next.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m an event planner, communications professional, and editor, organizing the 30th-anniversary celebration for The Writers Grotto, a creative haven in San Francisco dedicated to community support and storytelling. I also have other non-profit and corporate event clients. Creating events that foster meaningful connections is deeply fulfilling, and this milestone celebration is a beautiful opportunity to unite people around a shared purpose.
In my editorial work, I’m excited to collaborate with UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center this year. I recently enjoyed editing Elizabeth Chur’s timely debut book, The Joy of Talking Politics with Strangers. This thought-provoking book encourages open dialogue and fosters understanding across diverse perspectives. I edited The Long COVID Reader, a comprehensive collection that combines personal stories and poems for those affected by Long COVID. This book is the first of its kind. It aims to shed light on the ongoing challenges of Long COVID, offering understanding and valuable information to readers navigating this complex journey. A stranger told me she nearly crashed her car when she heard one of our authors reading on NPR Radio’s California Report. This showed how relevant and compelling this material can be since it allows readers to feel seen and heard.
My work also takes me into the world of food and travel writing, where I get to spotlight places and experiences that celebrate culture and heritage. I’m currently working on stories about eateries and museum cafes that serve Native American cuisine, and soon, I’ll be staying at a San Francisco hostel for an SF Gate travel feature, adding a local perspective to the visitor experience.
Stay tuned for a can’t-miss Substack, written by yours truly and launching by early 2025! What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to create connections—through events, writing, and editing projects that inspire people and bring them closer together. Whether crafting memorable events or sharing stories, I love helping people feel part of something meaningful.

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?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the greatest impact on my journey are adaptability, curiosity, and a strong sense of community. Each of these has shaped my path in unique ways.

1. **Adaptability**: In event planning, editorial work, or anything communications-related, you have to be ready to shift gears, troubleshoot, and adjust on the fly. My advice for developing adaptability is to embrace every experience—even challenges—as an opportunity to learn and grow. Try to view setbacks as pivot points rather than obstacles, and focus on building resilience by stepping outside your comfort zone regularly.

2. **Curiosity**: Curiosity has driven my work, whether I’m exploring new cultural perspectives in a food story or editing pieces that delve into the science of well-being. For those starting out, stay curious by actively seeking knowledge, reading widely, and asking questions. Spend time with people who inspire you and take on projects that push you to explore new topics or skills.

3. **Community Focus**: A strong sense of community has grounded me and made my work more meaningful. I thrive on creating experiences and content that unite people at events or through storytelling. I advise finding ways to give back and connect with others early on. Volunteer, network, and show up for community projects—each connection you make helps create a foundation for lasting relationships that will enrich your career and your personal life.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I focus on grounding myself and breaking things down into manageable steps. I start by taking a few minutes to breathe deeply and clear my head, which helps me feel more in control. Then, I prioritize tasks, identifying one or two things I can tackle immediately, even if they’re small. This action-oriented approach helps me gain momentum and feel less daunted by everything on my plate.

Asking for help is so difficult, yet I keep reminding myself that it’s okay to make mistakes. Yes, that means making mistakes every day, even! Instead of beating myself up for being human, I’ve learned to congratulate myself for showing up and trying. Letting go of perfection has been liberating, allowing me to move forward with more self-compassion.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, my advice is to embrace small steps and celebrate even the tiniest wins. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. The path becomes clearer when you allow yourself to move forward incrementally, accepting that mistakes are part of growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maryladd.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryladdsf/

Image Credits

“Together” image of Mary emceeing for Elizabeth Chur’s book event: Elisabeth Fall

Long COVID Reader book cover image: Kevin Barrett Kane

Long COVID Reader team image: Lydia Sviatoslavsky