We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Serena Hernandez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Serena below.
Hi Serena, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
The most important thing I have taught myself: Being the only one in the room is an ADVANTAGE rather than a hindrance.
I’m not ignorant of the fact that being the only one in the room can present unique challenges, especially as a 25-year-old woman in a Gen X male-dominated industry. However, I have learned that integrity and authenticity have been powerful attributes that have helped me be effective and successful in any setting. Embracing my individuality and staying true to my values has allowed me to bring a fresh perspective to the table and showcase my knowledge and experience.
By maintaining integrity in my actions and decisions, I’ve established trust and credibility with colleagues, superiors, and clients. Authenticity, honesty, and transparency have fostered multiple strong relationships for me, paving the way for effective collaboration and open communication.
More particularly, in a business setting, being authentic helped me stand out and be memorable. I believe that embracing my true self not only boosted my confidence but also inspired others to do the same, or that is what a lot of my colleagues and friends have told me!
As a young woman, I recognize the significance of breaking stereotypes and challenging norms. By staying true to who I am and being unapologetic about my uniqueness, it has opened many progressive doors and cut out the ones who don’t believe in those ideals.
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 am 7 year driven and ambitious marketer in tech, fueled by my passion for innovation and leadership. I thrive on tackling challenges head-on, seeing every obstacle as an opportunity for growth and creative problem-solving.
With a fearless mindset and unwavering determination, I strive to empower others, driving meaningful change and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the tech industry. As a visionary and a catalyst for progress, I am committed to shaping a future where problems are merely stepping stones to success.
This mindset allowed me to take on many opportunities, including being owner of my freelance marketing agency, Drip Creative. I work with clients of all backgrounds, but have a knack for creating compelling multi-channel marketing strategies.
When I am not working on my business, I hold a full-time role as a Product Marketing Manager for a FinTech company, NMI, and volunteer my time as VP of Marketing and Operations for San Antonio Young Professionals.
As you can tell – I love to stay busy!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Integrity, authenticity, and the ability to be a fast learner and adaptable to change.
Integrity has been the foundation of my actions and decisions, allowing me to build trust and credibility with colleagues, superiors, and clients. Being authentic has also played a crucial role in my success, as it allowed me to stay true to my values, embrace my uniqueness, and bring my genuine self to every situation, creating meaningful connections and fostering a positive work environment.
Being a fast learner and adaptable to change has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Embracing a growth mindset has enabled me to continuously improve and evolve, acquiring new skills and knowledge in response to dynamic business environments. The ability to adapt has allowed me to navigate uncertainty and thrive in ever-changing landscapes.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to prioritize developing these qualities and skills. Focus on building a strong foundation of integrity and authenticity, as they will be the guiding principles that steer you toward success and fulfillment (trust me on this). Stay true to your values, even in the face of pressure or adversity, and let your authentic self shine through in every endeavor.
Lastly, don’t feel like you have to keep up. Learn at your own pace, and soak up all the knowledge you can from people who have done it before. Don’t reinvent the wheel, just improve it.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Throughout my journey, both positive and negative experiences have played a crucial role in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge necessary for success. While good experiences have provided valuable support, mentorship, and encouragement, it is the bad experiences that have been the most instrumental in my growth.
Rather than being discouraged by setbacks and bad leadership, I have learned from them and used them as catalysts for improvement. Each challenge has been a valuable lesson, pushing me to reassess my strategies and make necessary adjustments, ensuring that I don’t repeat cycles of mistakes.
Embracing the lessons from both positive and negative experiences has been pivotal in shaping me into a more resilient, adaptable, and successful individual.
Contact Info:
- Website: wwww.dripcreativedigitalmarketing.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dripcreativemarketing?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-hernandez-81b515167/
- Other: San Antonio Young Professionals: https://www.instagram.com/sayoungprofessionals/
