Emily is the Founder and President of ThinkHatch , a company that provides Fractional CMO services to growing startups and the Marketing Consultant at Innavera. She values her time as a mentor, including for Make Lemonade, a Toronto co-working space.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and what inspired you to start ThinkHatch?
I had over a decade of marketing experience at some of the largest global marketing, media and strategic agencies, but I wasn’t happy. On my personal journey to wellness, I had a few realizations. First, I realized marketing is where my skill set is but the agency model as it existed wasn’t working for me or for many businesses. Second, startups have a huge need for the insights, knowledge and connections of senior leaders. Third, the shareable economy that we are in today should be applied to marketing. So I set out to build a business where Marketing expertise meets mentoring in a shareable economy. And that’s where ThinkHatch, and my role as a Fractional CMO, was born!
What does your typical day look like?
I usually start my work day around 10AM and finish work around 10PM. That may sound like too long a work day and it is! Because I value mental wellbeing, I am always cognizant of scheduling enough ME time during that time period too. I’ve always been a night owl so I routinely return to my work later in the evenings and do some of my best whiteboarding then!
I try to schedule Mondays and Fridays as home office days and usually can be found at a client's office or my co-working space Tuesday through Thursday. Mixed in there are 2-3 industry events per month.
What was the worst piece of advice you've ever received?
I’d have to say it’s “Be an expert in one area!” I don’t believe that this applies to a marketing strategist and big picture thinker. There are SO many aspects to the marketing industry that it is more important that I know something about every aspect and not dwell on being an expert in any one area. Understanding the big picture is way more important! I’ve always viewed my very diverse career background as one of the biggest reasons for my success today!
What does success mean to you?
Having Time Capital! Yes, personal time capital and being able to call my own shots as to how I spend my time. Being an entrepreneur allows me the freedom to make decisions about my time, everything from determining what hours I work to when I take a vacation to when I walk the dog! Not only do I not have guilt living an integrated and balanced work and life schedule but I love it!
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build yourself back up?
I have a few sayings that, for me, are words to live by. “This too shall pass.” and “You can’t change anyone! You can only change your reactions to someone else's actions.” are ones that helped me through some mental health challenges and have stuck with me. When it comes to the challenges of business “A setback is just a setup for a comeback.” resonates with me. How true is that?!
Do you have any morning routines or evening rituals to help you stay balanced?
My partner works nights, so I usually start my day with a cup of coffee in bed chatting with him and getting caught up. It's a great way to start the day! Later in the day, I make time for our 4-legged love, Sir Douglas. We go for a long walk by the lake to tire him out and relax me. Nothing better than time with my two loves.
What are your top 3 marketing tips for new entrepreneurs?
Network. Network. Network. Always remember you never know where you’ll meet your next best business connection.
Have a very focused long-term strategic vision and goals, then develop short term plans to meet your longer term goals.
Stay focused and dedicated because hard work will always pay off.
Learn more about ThinkHatch.
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If you liked this interview, you might like our recent interview with Nadya Okamoto, founder of PERIOD.
