Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. We frequently spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.
This Q & A is with Lisa Sepulveda the President of Global Client Management at Edelman. She has 25 years of consumer marketing experience, most recently president of Global Consumer Marketing at Weber Shandwick. Lisa oversees the top 17 global clients of Edelman and is responsible for over 30 percent of the firm’s global revenue.
She has a wealth of award-winning consumer branding and consumer healthcare experience along with deep management and client relationship skills. This combination has helped her establish strong relationships with organizations such as the CDC, The American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen.
1) What was a pivotal moment of reinvention for you?
My mother died at a very young age, and in 2012 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even though I am now closing in on my five year recovery mark, this was a pivotal moment and a time for me to think long and hard about where I wanted to be for the balance of my career. I have always been exceptionally passionate about my work – but it was at this time I knew I needed to follow my heart and return to my Edelman home and take on the global client role I have now. My biggest motivation has always been to do what my mother never had the chance to do, but wanted so much for both me and my two brothers. My parents remain a driving force in all aspects of my life along with my two spirited daughters, Sara a junior at FSU and Megan soon to be joining the ranks of Syracuse, Newhouse School. And of course, my husband Andrew who was my high school sweetheart and who always champions and supports all I do.
2) Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?
The reality is that I find value in the relationships I have in different areas of my life every single day. Richard Edelman, president and CEO, Edelman, and Matt Harrington, global COO, Edelman have been unbelievable mentors from the start of my career and every day since. Gail Heimann, President, Weber Shandwick is one of the most creative and incredible women in PR – it was wonderful, and always inspiring, working with her. I have had the chance to work with, and learn from, so many colleagues, clients and many of the strongest women in the industry.
3) What is your biggest goal right now?
My biggest goal is to continue to do great work within the halls of Edelman, forge new meaningful relationships, nurture our treasured partnerships and continue to mentor the young women coming up today. At the same time, I work hard every day to maintain the critical balance between work and play. I wouldn’t be as good at my job if I didn’t have time with family and friends, long days at the beach and quality time to unwind, think deep and simply kick back.
4) What cause do you most want to advance?
My breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 does not define me but I have made it my mission to be a sounding board for those recently diagnosed, as there was nothing more valuable to me at the start of my journey. There is incredible power in the authenticity of connecting with someone who has a shared experience and can impart personal wisdom to help power forward. October 2015 marked the five year milestone for me. I walked in the Avon 39 this past October surrounded by my friends and other survivors. Our team, Titans in Tiaras, exceeded our fundraising goals (by a lot!) and had an amazing time connecting with each other, and friends and family throughout the walk. I’ve committed to participating in a different breast cancer event every year since diagnosis.
5) What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Growing up my mom always told me, “Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.” This is the greatest advice since it does not lower the bar but certainly helps me to manage expectations. Every day cannot be perfect, but this advice has helped me celebrate achievements and milestones, big and small.
I would also share with all women getting started in Communications Marketing that anything is possible. I know it may sound cliché, but it couldn’t be more grounded in truth. This is our time. We have the ability to sit at the table with an impressive share of voice. Be bold. Be brave. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Build a community of smart minds, confidants and advisors. No one is expected to go it alone. Be available and always give back.
6) What is your “keep me going” quote?
“The best revenge is massive success.” – Frank Sinatra
7) What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?
While I would love to clock an hour or two more each night, I have never been a great sleeper. I won’t say sleep is overrated, but I do make the most out of my 5 a.m. rise and shine. I always start the day, bookended by my puppies, and tackle the email inbox I was too tired to look at the night before. Two or three mornings a week, I get to a 6 am spin class. And, before they were off to college, I always made a point to be home as many mornings as possible to get my girls off to school.
8) What song can’t you get out of your head?
I am passionate about music, lyrics and quotes. Music motivates me and often drives my day. Some favorites: Closing Time: “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end”; 2 AM: “Just breathe”; Girl Almighty: “Let’s have another toast to the girl almighty” (makes me think of my girls and significant girl power) and Rosalita: “Someday we’ll look back on this and it will all seem funny!”
And my favorite, Good Life: “Please tell me what there’s to complain about.”
Check out Lisa Sepulveda’s full 40 Over 40 profile here!
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