As I sit here, reflecting on the journey of building The Mediatwist Group from scratch, I am reminded of the values that I refuse to compromise on as a woman running an agency - and it's a list that has been tested, refined, and proven to drive real results.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I've had to fight to establish myself and my agency, and it's been a journey of discovery, growth, and perseverance. Through it all, I've learned that it's not just about achieving success, but about doing it on my own terms, with integrity, and with a commitment to the values that matter most.
Introduction to My Non-Negotiables
When I co-founded The Mediatwist Group with my partner Chris, we made a conscious decision to build an agency that would be different from the rest. We wanted to create a culture that was collaborative, creative, and committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients. As a woman in leadership, I knew that I had a unique perspective and approach that could bring value to our clients and our team. According to a study by McKinsey, companies with diverse workforces are 35% more likely to outperform their less diverse peers (McKinsey, 2015). I was determined to build an agency that would be a beacon of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Power of Empathy and Active Listening
One of the values that I refuse to compromise on is empathy and active listening. In a world where everyone is talking, it's easy to get caught up in the noise and forget to listen. But as a leader, I know that listening is one of the most powerful tools I have. It allows me to understand my clients' needs, to connect with my team, and to build strong relationships that drive results. Research shows that empathetic leaders are more effective at building trust and driving engagement (Harvard Business Review, 2019). As I always say,
"The most powerful thing you can do as a leader is to listen, not to speak. When you listen, you open yourself up to new ideas, new perspectives, and new possibilities."
The Importance of Transparency and Accountability
Another value that I refuse to compromise on is transparency and accountability. As a leader, I know that I am responsible for setting the tone and direction for my agency. That means being transparent about our goals, our challenges, and our successes. It also means being accountable for our actions and our results. According to a study by Gallup, employees who are engaged and accountable are 26% more likely to achieve their goals (Gallup, 2020). At The Mediatwist Group, we prioritize transparency and accountability in everything we do, from our client relationships to our internal operations.
Building a Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As a woman in leadership, I am committed to building a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their background, identity, or perspective. Research shows that diverse teams are more innovative, more creative, and more effective at solving complex problems (Forbes, 2018). At The Mediatwist Group, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in our hiring practices, our client relationships, and our community engagement.
Putting it All Together: Actionable Takeaways
So what can you take away from my story? Here are a few key lessons that I've learned along the way:
- Prioritize empathy and active listening in your leadership approach
- Be transparent and accountable in everything you do
- Build a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion that values and celebrates everyone's unique perspective
- Don't be afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo
- Always stay true to your values and your vision, even when it's hard
Aimee Lankford is the co-founder of The Mediatwist Group, a woman-co-owned marketing agency that helps brands dominate. Visit mediatwistgroup.com or follow @mediatwist.
Key Takeaway
Uncompromising values in agency leadership. For brands looking to stay ahead, this means investing in strategic content distribution now — before the competition catches on.