#33 | Navigating A Major Career Change With Taylor Foxman

This week’s guest is a powerhouse to say the least! By day, she’s VP of Brand Communications and Experiences at Parallel. By night, she’s CEO & Founder of The Industry Collective. Her successful career landed her a PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 recognition, a board position at StepUp, and most recently a Rolling Stone Culture Council membership – how cool!

Above her accomplishments, I admire most her mindset on business relationships, pivoting professionally, and celebrating wins; so, I was excited for the chance to ‘pick the brain’ of one the most talented women in the Communications industry, Taylor Foxman.

Relationship Management (07:11) 

Like myself, Taylor is a natural connector, always thinking of ways to get the people who need each other together, helping them form their personal ‘Avengers Squad’. She loves it so much in fact, she created The Industry Collective – a group of global experts in the spirits industry. “I saw there was no way to connect all the experts I knew, so I used my natural instincts to fill a void I found in the industry I love.” I love that she saw a problem and created the solution.

Of course, relational intelligence goes beyond the boardroom. Here’s ‘Relationship Management 101’ per Taylor: “People want to know you genuinely care. Show up in their lives in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Check in during times others don’t anticipate, during the good and the bad; anniversaries, birthdays, job loss, etc.”

How To Stay Genuine When Pitching (18:30)

Building relationships is important, so is building your business. So how do we pitch and continue to foster a genuine connection? “Be upfront with your intentions”, says Taylor.

She explains, waiting until the end of a conversation could work against you because your partner feels they’ve connected with you, then, you drop a bomb on them about purchasing something. – That doesn’t usually leave a good taste in someone’s mouth. – Getting to the point quickly relieves the stress from you, presents your intentions, and whether or not they decide to support you in that way, you can continue the convo with ease.

3 Questions To Ask Yourself When Shifting Careers (26:45) 

Taylor worked in the spirits industry for 12+ years before transitioning to the cannabis industry in 2019. One would question why leave a secure, comfortable, well-connected position to pursue something completely new? For Taylor, it was a chance to broaden her skillset and strengthen her knowledge. However, she didn’t “leap” without making sure it would be beneficial in the long run.

Here’s what she asked herself to make sure she was making the right decision:

1. How volatile is the job? – Be sure you’re up for any changes the position requires.

2. Why am I doing this? – Always leave for the right reasons.

3. What if it doesn’t work? – Have cushion in place in case your plan doesn’t go as expected.

Mentorship (28:15) 

I believe mentors are one the greatest tools to have in life and business – Taylor’s career shift actually came at the recommendation of a mentor! I’ve learned that mentorship is a two-way street. “Taking info from mentees whether they’re younger, in a different industry, just have different views will help make you a better person,” shares Taylor.

Celebrating Success (36:23) 

I started my entrepreneur journey at 25 and was in a cycle of never celebrating my accomplishments, instead always reaching for what was next. If I could advise my younger self of one thing it would be to celebrate all the wins. I was happy to know Taylor agreed! “I keep champagne in the fridge reserved for special moments. Also, my husband and I order from our favorite restaurant whenever I get a new client. There’s always a moment to celebrate even if it’s something small.”

Creating Positive News (39:19)

Keeping on theme with celebrating success, Taylor has a saying, ‘create good news’, which I 100 percent stand behind. It takes away the uncertainty of waiting for others to validate your success by sharing it yourself. Taylor shares you don’t have to wait for a billboard or tv ad, take advantage of your community and share the good happening in your life and business with them first.

Speed Round Questions (48:46) 

• What have you started using lately that you love? I love the Calm app

• What is the best gift you’ve given yourself in the last year? Investing more in makeup, beauty, and skincare, and making time for myself through running and therapy

• What’s something you’re excited to learn in 2021? Learning to code and learning to speak German!

• What accounts do you follow that you love? Sara Blakely, Michelle Obama, John Legend. I like following people across industries to get different points of view.

Homework: Stop to appreciate something that’s a regular occurrence – savor your coffee, listen to the birds on your walk, feel the sand under your feet.

Next Week:

Erin Shrimpton a business psychologist, coach and consultant some tools to improve our workplace culture. She recently released a LinkedIn course all about preparing for and conquering change! (sounds like something we all need in our life right now!) RSVP here.