Nadine Leonard
managing director, Heartbeat
Talk about the last time you experienced a fist-pumping victory moment.
We always strive for courage, but in a recent pitch we took a pretty significant risk – consciously – and it paid off.
When was the last time you endured an “agony of defeat” moment? What did you learn from it?
Another pitch – yes this is an emotional roller-coaster industry. We thought it went incredibly well, but then got the surprising “thanks, but no thanks” phone call. The lesson? Being the challenger agency disrupts the expected, and sometimes that can cause discomfort.
How long ago was the last time you recharged your batteries?
The beach – always – is my place to recharge. In the summer, it’s easy living so close to the ocean, but this time of year it means school breaks. So February and that’s it.
What do you find frustrating about working in healthcare marketing?
It’s an industry that got spoiled with tons of profits coming from mediocre marketing simply because demand was huge. And it seems to be a habit that has been hard for many to shake.
To ensure pay parity and career advancement for women, I will…
Continue to focus my energy on good work from good people, regardless of gender, and yet recognize that sometimes women may need more explicit permission to be bold in their ideas and opinions.
What are your words to live by?
Gratitude is the root of happiness.
What is one thing you would tell young women starting their careers in healthcare marketing?
I am a big fan of having a point of view, so my advice is to get smart, be intellectually curious, form, and then dispute your own hypotheses – it’s a great way to develop confidence.
Favorite drink?
Less the drink than the place – vodka soda with four limes with my toes in the sand.
