Marilyn Barefoot embodies this philosophy, having transitioned from the structured environment of major advertising agencies to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and the courage to follow one’s true calling. Her decision to leave the corporate world was driven by her desire to make a significant impact on her clients’ work, something she found challenging within the confines of a large organization. Her outspoken nature and innovative ideas needed a space where they could thrive, leading her to establish her own company.
Launching her business was not without its challenges. Marilyn faced skepticism and the struggle to be taken seriously in a competitive industry. However, her determination and unique approach of putting “skin in the game” by guaranteeing client satisfaction helped her build credibility and trust. Over the years, she has honed her leadership style to be direct, human, and adaptable, fostering an environment of open communication and mutual respect. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation, including the integration of AI into her creative processes, ensures that her work remains fresh and impactful.
Marilyn’s story is one of resilience, continuous learning, and unwavering commitment to her passion. As she looks to the future, her plans to write a book, travel, and collaborate with other creative leaders reflect her ongoing drive for growth and excellence. Beyond her professional achievements, Marilyn’s personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and her recognition as a Mighty Woman in Business highlight her strength and determination. Her love for dogs adds a personal touch to her multifaceted personality, making her a truly inspiring figure in the industry.
Inspiration for Transition
Marilyn was inspired to transition from working at major advertising agencies to founding her own company because she felt she wasn’t a great fit for a corporate role. She often spoke up and spoke out, which didn’t align well with the corporate environment. Additionally, she had a strong desire to make a significant difference in her clients’ work, something she found challenging to achieve within a large corporation. “I wanted to create a space where my voice could be heard and my innovative ideas could flourish.” This drive to make a meaningful impact led her to take the bold step of starting her own business.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Marilyn faced when launching her own business was getting people to take her seriously. To overcome this, she put skin in the game by ensuring that every client and prospective client knew that if they were not thrilled with the outcome of her session, she would not send them an invoice. This approach helped build trust and credibility. She also focused on delivering exceptional results and building strong relationships with her clients. By consistently exceeding expectations and demonstrating her commitment to their success, she was able to establish a solid reputation and grow her business.
Leadership Style
Marilyn defines her leadership style as human, direct, and no-nonsense. She is known for saying what she means and meaning what she says. While her basic style has remained consistent over the years, she has learned to adapt it to the personality of the individual she is working with, making her leadership more effective and personalized. “I believe in empowering teams and fostering an environment of open communication and mutual respect. I encourage team members to take ownership of their work and support them in their professional growth. This approach has helped her build a cohesive and motivated team.
Creative Processes
To ensure that her creative processes remain fresh and compelling, Marilyn is always reading, learning, taking new courses, and reinventing her creative tools. She has recently started focusing on AI as a support tool for her work, integrating it into her innovation sessions to enhance creativity and efficiency. Marilyn believes that continuous learning and staying curious are essential for maintaining a competitive edge. She also collaborates with other creative professionals to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives. By staying open to new technologies and methodologies, Marilyn ensures that her creative processes are always evolving and delivering impactful results for her clients.
Balancing Life
As a founder and hands-on leader, Marilyn manages her time by embracing the philosophy of working hard and playing hard. She believes that running her own business provides the flexibility to balance personal and professional life, as long as time is managed effectively. She acknowledges that achieving a perfect balance may not be possible, but flexibility is key. “I prioritize my tasks and set boundaries to ensure I can dedicate time to both work and personal activities. I also practice self-care and make time for hobbies and interests outside of work. This approach helps me maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.”
Staying Ahead
Marilyn believes that staying ahead of trends is challenging, but being aware of them and adapting to change is crucial. She emphasizes the importance of having a curious mindset, always wanting to learn and explore more. This approach helps her stay relevant and deliver impactful results in a constantly evolving industry. Marilyn regularly attends industry conferences, participates in workshops, and engages with thought leaders to stay informed about the latest trends and developments. She also encourages teams to do the same, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. By staying proactive and adaptable, Marilyn ensures her business remains competitive.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Marilyn advises aspiring entrepreneurs and creative professionals to follow their passion, whatever it may be. She believes that not following one’s passion can lead to eventual misery. For those who are unsure of their passion, she offers tools to help figure it out and is happy to share her insights and experiences. Marilyn also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. “I want aspiring entrepreneurs to stay true to their vision and remain committed to their goals, even when faced with setbacks. By staying focused and dedicated, they can achieve success and make a meaningful impact in their industry.”
Future Ventures
Looking ahead, Marilyn is working on incorporating AI into her innovation sessions as an adjunct tool to human-led creative ideas. She also has aspirations to write a book, travel more, and collaborate with other creative leaders to share best practices. These ventures reflect her continuous drive for innovation and collaboration. Marilyn is excited about the potential of AI to enhance her creative processes and deliver impactful results for her clients. She is also passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences with others, and sees writing a book as a way to reach a wider audience. Her future plans are a testament to her commitment to growth and excellence.
Additional Details
Marilyn’s work extends beyond innovation and creative problem-solving. She also focuses on strategic planning, storytelling, and presentation skills, and she delivers keynotes and moderates events. Creativity is at the core of all her offerings. Additionally, she is a breast cancer survivor and was selected by The Message as a Mighty Woman in Business for their inaugural Mighty Women List in 2022. Marilyn also has a deep love for dogs. Her diverse range of skills and experiences make her a versatile and dynamic leader. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their goals and is always looking for new ways to add value to her work.