Women’s History Month: A Q&A with Two of Chicago's Leaders in Public Affairs
Mary Patrick (left) and Peggy Austin (right)
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we get to know two women leaders from our own backyard – Mary Patrick, our own CEO, and Peggy Austin, President and Founder of GoldStar Communications and a frequent partner to JT. See their philosophies for success and why it matters so much to both of them to support women leaders in communications and in every industry.
Mary Patrick, CEO and Manager Partner of Jasculca Terman Strategic Communications
Q: How has your experience at JT shaped your career and how do you think JT benefited from having women leaders like yourself on their team?
I have been at JT for 37 of the 39 years of my career – starting as an account executive and working up the ranks to managing partner and now CEO for four years. Rick and Jim have always been great mentors and motivators, demonstrating a do-whatever-it-takes to meet and exceed our client goals while always caring about balance and the whole person. At JT, I have never felt like a “woman” leader – I have always felt like a valued partner, like my ideas mattered and my skills were recognized, and that leadership opportunities were completely genderless. Just look at all the strong and accomplished women in senior roles at JT!
Q: Describe your leadership style and how you “lead” others.
I hope it is by example and always, with a collaborative spirit. I don’t ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t or haven’t done myself. I am passionate and enthusiastic about the work we do at JT – the great depth and breadth of critical issues we manage, and the creativity and strategy we bring to the table – and I strive to share that passion with everyone at the firm. I care deeply about recognizing good work, and I also want people to have a life, and I hope that comes across in the way I intersect with JT teammates, partners and clients. I also wanted my daughters – now 27 and 24 – to know and see that too; that you can be a dedicated mom and a dedicated leader in your field.
Q: What strategies do you think companies can implement to promote inclusion in the workplace?
Recognizing both gaps and opportunities is an important first step, and that we are not perfect and can always improve. We work with a lot of clients on these important issues, and it starts with recognition and intentionality to do better. It’s very important to listen to all of your employees and have them and their concerns, ideas and suggestions be an integral part of a more inclusive culture. And, communicating openly about the pitfalls and next steps matters.
Q: How can women support women in their organizations?
At JT, we strive to build and maintain a collaborative, not competitive, culture – that anything we do is better with other thoughts and voices weighing in. Building people up, recognizing good work, nipping problems in the bud and directly, and having open lines of communication are some of the work philosophies that matter to me across all genders. We are better together.
Peggy Austin, President and Founder of Goldstar Communications
Q: What inspired you to start your own company and what impact do you hope to make through GoldStar Communications?
While working at CBS2, I fell in love with working on marketing campaigns that had an impact on people's health, clients such as American Heart Association, Gift of Life, the American Red Cross and more. I determined that this was all I wanted to do, so I branched out on my own to start GoldStar Communications and dedicate our firm to only work with clients who made a difference in people's lives. We were very fortunate that Walgreens believed in my business plan and decided to be our first client. Now in our twelfth year in business, not only have we expanded to a nationwide footprint for Walgreens, but we have grown to include multiple health-related brands and non-profits to help adults, teens and seniors, and also Black & Hispanic communities all over the country in raising awareness and helping with solutions to various health issues.
Q: Who are some women who have inspired you and how have they shaped your career?
The number of women who have inspired me are too many to name. Aside from my strong mother who gave me a solid foundation of honesty and integrity, I would say the women leaders in my church. As I was deciding on whether to leave my six-figure income to start a business in the height of the recession, I was fortunate that one of the assistant pastors in my church was also an executive coach and leader in diversity. She inspired me to step out on faith and was not only great in advising me spiritually, but professionally as well. Spiritual guidance has been key to my development and growth as a person, and in my business growth as well. One of our unique selling propositions at GoldStar is our faith-based business model providing privileged access to a valued consumer base. I am also constantly inspired by the women CEOs in our communications industry. As I continue to partner and work with women-led firms, I watch, listen, and learn, constantly inspired by their leadership and style
Q: Do you think companies would benefit from having more women in leadership positions?
Thank you for this question. This is a no-brainer. Companies would absolutely benefit from having more women in leadership positions. I have found in my career that diversity at the top is key to business success. What's important about women leaders is, not only do they serve as role models for other aspiring young women in the company, they also serve as role models for young girls seeing strong women in leadership positions. It's now widely known that women leaders come to the table with a different perspective on life and in business.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders?
I always advise young women to find their passion in life and learn all they can in that field. If you're a problem solver, graphic designer, strategic thinker or creative writer, be sure you are seeking the right position that brings you joy. I advise women to not only be a good listener but be observant as well. It's one thing to listen to what your supervisors say, but it's another thing to watch what they do and how they handle business. Seek training opportunities and always be learning. Lastly and most importantly, never take a position solely for the money. In most cases, it will not last long and will not bring you happiness. Protect your brand and reputation. Stay true to your passion and the money will come to you.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
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