Recently, I attended the World Diversity Leadership Summit (WDLS) where I received information from some of the greatest minds working in the field of diversity and inclusion. While there I had an opportunity to speak with one of the marketing worlds most dynamic individuals, Heather James. Heather earned her bachelor’s of science degree in Accounting from Penn State University, and attained her MBA from Clark Atlanta University. Her high-powered positions in the impressive organizations that Heather has been affiliated with, speak for themselves. Heather has worked as a brand manager at the Coca-Cola Company a SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF), and is currently the president and CEO of FLAIR Branding & Image Management, LLC. Heather took the time to share how her MBA degree has accelerated her ascension to marketing success. –al weems
Would you agree or disagree with the following statement: Success is 99 percent perspiration and 1 percent inspiration. if not, what does your success equation look like?
I would agree that the statement has merit within the context of success. What I do know is that one must be motivated and inspired to achieve personal excellence, which definitely requires a bit of blood, sweat, and tears. My success equation is a two-sided equation which is: P.I.E. = S.T.E.P.S. or Performance + Image + Exposure = Strategy + Tenacity + Energy + Perseverance + Self-Awareness.
How do you define success?
Success is a personal journey.
Name a book that has helped you in your professional development and explain how it helped you.
The Successful Executive’s/Manager’s Handbook.
There is a set of books that I treasure and continue to use as a reference in my professional development. These two books have served as tools in my tool kit in evolving from a middle manager to an executive. More importantly, when I was a brand manager at the Coca-Cola Company, they were given to me by a mentor, who is one of the most genuine individuals that I have been touched by in my life travels. He is a precious gem in the universe and his daughter’s are so fortunate to have him as their father.
Also, I do an annual “check-in” on the following three books: Confidence by Rosabeth Moss Kanter; Dale Carnegie’s Combined Edition of How To Win Friends & Influence People; How to Stop Worrying & Start Living by Dale Carnegie, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey
How has being a member of the NBMBAA helped you professionally? Have you encouraged colleagues to join the organization? How did you convince him or her to join?
Being a member of the NBMBAA has helped me in three major ways: executive development via the NBMBAA Leadership Institute®, corporate connections with the most respectful organizations and networking with the best and brightest.
Yes, I have encouraged colleagues to join the organization as soon as they have committed to an MBA program. The best statement that I use to influence a prospective member is to show them my gold card — my NBMBAA Life Member card, which I carried in my wallet and advise them that ‘National Black’ is the place to prepare for coming opportunities.
How do you unwind after a busy day?
An appointment with NYSC and a meeting with one of my favorite magazines.
What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Domestically, the Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida. Internationally, Paris, France.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, how has mentoring impacted your career?
Yes, I have several different types of mentors. Due to being a product of INROADS, I have served as a mentor since 1993. Mentoring has impacted my career tremendously. Being mentored has helped me to identify the red lights, amber lights, and green lights.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
“Business: This is a contact sport called football… be prepared for the big game!”
