Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Emily Carter, Founder @EC Media Management
How could you describe your career path in a few words?
Non-linear! I didn’t intend to get into marketing, I initially wanted to be a commercial photographer, but life had different plans for me.
While pursuing a BA in Photography, I discovered your interest in marketing through an additional module that I completed. This ignited a passion for marketing, and this is when I began freelancing. After graduation, I decided to pursue marketing full-time, which led me to where I am today.
I would also say that my non-linear career path highlights the importance of being open to new opportunities and following your passions, even if it means veering away from your original plan. A willingness to pivot and try new things has allowed me to discover a new career path that aligns with my interests and skills.
It also goes to show that education can take many forms, and it's possible to gain skills and knowledge outside of formal education. By taking additional modules in marketing, I was able to develop a new set of skills that I have since built a successful career on.
What was your most challenging experience, and it has changed your mindset?
Starting to freelance full-time during a global pandemic was a challenging experience that demanded a great deal of adaptability and resilience. The decision to become a full-time freelancer amid such economic uncertainty and increased competition required a significant shift in mindset.
One of the most significant challenges was learning to re-evaluate quickly. With the pandemic's rapidly changing landscape, it was essential to be able to pivot and adjust my strategies. I had to be ready to respond to new opportunities and challenges when needed.
Learning to be extremely adaptable was critical during this time. I had to be comfortable with change and embrace it as an opportunity to grow and learn. Instead of fearing or resisting change, I had to see it as a chance to expand my skills, take on new projects, and connect with new clients.
As a result of this experience, my mindset has shifted significantly. I am much more open to new experiences and opportunities, and I'm not so afraid to take risks. I understand that change is inevitable, and it's how we respond to it that determines our success. I've become much more comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity, knowing that I have the resilience and adaptability to navigate any challenge that comes my way.
When you get surprised by unusual or uncertain contexts, what do you think?
As a freelancer, I've had my fair share of surprises and uncertain situations! It's essential to manage the feelings of being overwhelmed and stay calm and level-headed which requires a certain level of mental toughness and the ability to think objectively despite the circumstances.
When I come across an unusual or uncertain context, the first thing I do is try to assess the situation objectively and gather as much information as possible. I think of the resources I have available and try to determine the best course of action based on that information.
One critical lesson I've learned as a freelancer is that we can only do what we think is best with the information we have at the time. There will always be a degree of uncertainty, but it's important to make decisions based on the information we have, even if it's not perfect.
In uncertain situations, it's also helpful to reach out to other people for support and advice. It’s essential to build a network of colleagues and friends who can provide guidance and support during challenging times.
