Thought leadership in the multicultural marketing space, a passion for community, and entrepreneurial initiative help me be a well-rounded, visible executive.
Having served as board chair of one of the largest not-for profits in Boston, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), helped me feed my passion for creating pathways out of poverty. Leading ABCD through its most significant transition and dealing with succession, executive compensation, board governance, and the appointment of a new CEO, and managing the media during the transition of a legend, was a growth experience.
On the entrepreneurial side, I wrote and published A Black Woman’s Guide to Networking in 2011. I strategically accept speaking engagements that meet three important needs: 1) Positively position BCBSMA and the multicultural marketing and disparities work I do; 2) Advance the causes I am passionate about; and 3) Give me an opportunity to share my networking and leadership expertise.
My advice to women is to volunteer, leverage opportunities to speak, share your expertise, and tell your story. Don’t assume that others know what you do, or what you bring to the table. Tell them!
On the Importance of Doing the Inner Work
I learned a long time ago that my job is just one dimension of my life. My fulfillment comes from the combination of an exciting career, work in the community, and feeding my varied passions. I’m a very spiritual person and I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and that everything in my life is working together for good. Each experience strengthens a different muscle.
Each morning I start my day with two things—prayer and exercise. Prayer is for my spirit and my mind. I exercise is to keep my body in optimal health. I get stressed, like everyone else, but these practices really help to keep me centered. I advise others to find the rituals that work for them. With all the positivity in the world, difficulty will come. When it does, my mantra is, “Assume positive intent and keep moving.”
I am also truly blessed to have the support of a wonderful husband of 23 years, Darryl Mayers, and two beautiful daughters, D’Anna and Danielle.
On Finding Success and Staying Competitive
Innovation, thought leadership, and a cultural competence are important for success. As a marketer, it is about relevance and the quality of our relationship with the healthcare consumer. We must provide culturally competent solutions, services, and experiences that ultimately enrich people’s lives and support their desire to achieve optimum health.
On the Importance of Role Models and Mentors
By far, my mom had the biggest impact on my career and my life. She was a woman with a clear vision and a plan. She taught me to dream big, have faith, stay positive, and value relationships. I drew inspiration from her example to write my book, A Black Woman’s Guide to Networking. While her physical body departed this world way too soon, her legacy and values live on.
On Facing Challenges
The biggest challenge was transitioning to the health care industry after growing up in financial services. I’ve had a number of reinventions along the way, but that was by far the biggest one.
Juliette’s Advice to Young Women Starting Careers
Start networking now! It’s never too soon to build relationships, and I’m not talking about the number of “likes” and “friends” one has on social media. It is important to establish meaningful in-person relationships. They will sustain you through the ups and downs of life, as well as position you for career success. It’s not just who you know, but who knows you and can provide a reference or speak positively about you.
