Hiring managers will say, “we only hire grown ups.” I’ve said it myself. We mean people who are professionally mature, hold themselves accountable, and put in the work with little oversight. I’m definitely those things. But I’ll be the first to admit it– I’m not done growing up. I’m incredibly curious, I can be blind to limitations, and I’m always looking to learn from who’s next to, above, or under me.

You’ll hear me say “It’s ‘cause of where I grew up” a lot. That’s Pittsburgh, PA — the greatest city on Earth. But it’s more than just where. I grew up around lots of strong women who taught me a no-nonsense work ethic. I also grew up as part of a microgeneration where we learned how to type on a typewriter before the learning the Apple IIe. I made a website on Geocities but still used disposable cameras. And, thankfully, social media was invented after I graduated college.

I also mean how I grew up in my career, surrounded by an amazing ad community. I cut my teeth with agency legends that made me unafraid to build things with my hands, rummage through attics for authenticity, burn my fingers in test kitchens, and ride bikes with my eyes closed just to know how it feels. All so I could pour authentic experiences into my work.

More than anything, I’m excited to see where I’ll grow up next.