Orlena Nwokah Blanchard is a marketing maven with an extensive resume touting 20 years of experience. During her prolific career, she has garnered the titles of business leader, media executive, and multicultural marketing expert. Blanchard has worked for several Fortune 500 companies including Time Warner, Andersen Consulting (Accenture), and American Express — helping each of them build value within their organizations. The Wharton School of Business MBA is now building value as the president and COO of the JOY Collective, a strategic marketing and production company based in Washington, D.C. At JOY, Blanchard leads marketing strategy and planning with clients such as the U.S. Naval Academy, P&G, and The Coca-Cola Company. Blanchard also serves as the executive director of the Black Media Matters Consortium, an association founded by BET Networks and other leading Black media companies to help advertisers optimize marketing to African American consumers.
Rolling out sat down with Blanchard to discuss the keys to her success and what keeps her at the top of her game. Find out what wisdom this expert had to share below.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
I enjoy the type of work I do, I love the people I do it with, and I appreciate the opportunity to use my talents and intellect to do work that makes a difference
How did you determine your career path?
I matched my strengths and skill set with my passion points.
Describe the essential qualities of future business leaders and innovators.
Nimble, curious, fearless, effective communication and ability to help others maximize their full potential.
How do you keep that spark of innovation in your business and personal life?
I study global business trends, I surround myself with people of all ages and experiences, and I experiment in life and in business.
What goal setting methods do you use and how do you evaluate your success?
I set life goals based on things I want to accomplish in my lifetime personally and professionally. I then set realistic and measurable mini-goals that help me get there over time. I give myself deadlines and I write everything down (I still love old-fashioned pen and paper!). I evaluate my success based on effort, commitment and impact, even if the results aren’t exactly what I intended.
Name three books that changed how you saw life and that you recommend to others.
The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall. Just Mercy by Brian Stevenson. The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte
Why is lifelong learning important to you?
I subscribe to Albert Einstein’s philosophy, “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it,” so I find that lifelong learning helps me gain wisdom and wisdom helps me make better decisions in life and in business.
What are the three most important factors of being a successful woman?
Owning your womanhood (don’t try to emulate a man). Find or establish a community of women of uplift, support, and advocate for each other. Don’t be afraid to fail.
What social media or digital tool has made the biggest difference in your life and why?
Facebook. It has broadened and deepened personal and professional relationships on a global level.
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
[It would be to add] more compassion.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Be a better listener. I’m working on it.
Who or what motivates you and why?
To live God’s purpose for my life.
What are the dos and don’ts for young women in business?
Do: Ask for what you want.
Do: Invest in your own development and coaching.
Don’t: Compare yourself to others.
Don’t: Be afraid to try something new.
How do you successfully grow from business failure?
- Don’t hold on to the disappointment.
- Use the lessons you learn to build a foundation for your next endeavor
- Don’t make the same mistake twice!
Who are your three most successful female role models, and why?
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – As the first female finance minister of Nigeria she was fearless and brilliant in her efforts to make headway in an incredibly tough political and economic environment.
- Sheryl Sandberg – Not because of “Lean In” but because of the transparency, grace, and vulnerability with which she shared the greatest loss of her life as a high profile business leader in the public spotlight.
- Princess Diana – Her genuine commitment to making the world a better place was rooted in a place of pure compassion and empathy – something the world could use more of.
