BELONG with Stephanie Nadi Olson: Strategic rebellion, chameleon skills, and redefining inclusion
Julie and Casey sit down with Stephanie Nadi Olson, founder of We Are Rosie, to learn how her personal journey led her to create a company that’s revolutionizing the way the marketing industry finds and utilizes talented people (and grew exponentially in just 4 years!). Along the way, we talk communication lessons from our families, how the marketing industry should be leading the way on innovation and social change, and the first question companies really need to ask their constituents to create an environment where people can truly belong.
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TOP TAKEAWAYS:
We’re in the middle of enormous shifts in both how we work and the balance of power between employer and employed. They’re long overdue! They’re also going to take consistent work, because pushback from the powers that be is inevitable. “Strategic rebels” make the difference.
There are far better ways to evaluate talent than old markers of “pedigree” — not only are they more inclusive (and more FUN!), but they have been wildly successful for the Rosies so far.
What communication skills and strengths has your past given you? We hear beautiful stories about Stephanie’s vibrant family and the turning point moment in her childhood that made her the communicator she is today.
Mini-lesson: How to find your inner communication Strategic Rebel. (And check out our Communication Core Values workbook!)
Stephanie Nadi Olson is an advertising executive who founded We Are Rosie in 2018 based on a genuine understanding of what it feels like to “not belong.” Her life experience as the daughter of a refugee has driven her affinity and advocacy for marginalized groups. We Are Rosie is a manifestation of her soul’s calling to create a better way to do business by focusing on the people doing the work. Over the course of her career in advertising, Stephanie has worked closely with big brands and major tech companies and has developed a unique 360-degree view of industry practices and the need for transformation. Using this experience, she has created a human-centered approach to marketing that celebrates diversity and facilitates happiness, while ensuring that We Are Rosie maintains integrity and authenticity every step of the way. Last year, Stephanie was named one of the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ and joined the Class of 2021. In addition, Stephanie was named AdAge Visionary of the Year 2020, was recognized by Adweek in the 2020 Creative 100, was named World Changing Woman 2020 by Conscious Company, and was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 by the Stevie Awards.