Words That Changed My Life
The Words That Stay With You
"Don't come to me with problems—come to me with solutions."
When my boss first said those words, they rewired how I approached challenges. Years later, I still carry them with me.
It's fascinating how certain pieces of advice stick, even when their full meaning doesn’t sink in right away. Looking back, I can see how those words shaped my approach to life, business, and leadership. It’s almost like our brains quietly store these lessons, waiting for the right moment to resurface.
Early in my career, I had a habit of regularly updating my boss on the businesses I was working on and sharing the challenges we were facing. Until one day, as I walked into his office, he stopped me:
“Kate, don’t come to me with your problems; come to me with your solutions.”
I can still feel the weight of those words. From that moment on, I never entered his office again without first thinking through a solution. That shift in mindset changed how I lead, collaborate, and make decisions—less reactive, more intentional.
Why It Matters
Words are powerful, often more so than we realize. A passing comment or a remark made during a stressful moment can stay with us for years. I’ve come to understand that it’s not just the words we remember, but also the ones we choose to use—or not use.
For example, I’ve started to avoid the word “busy.” It’s a lazy placeholder, an easy answer when we don’t take the time to reflect on what we really mean. Instead, I try to be intentional—am I fulfilled, overwhelmed, energized? The words we use shape our perspective, our brand, and how others perceive us.
In this video, I dive into how the words we choose shape our lives and brands. Have a watch:
The Ripple Effect of a Few Words
Sometimes, it’s not just one phrase but a recurring idea that has a profound impact. One of my mum’s favorite expressions has always been:
"Sleep is the biggest healer!"
Did I pay attention to this in my twenties? Not really. But now, as a business owner, I see the truth in it. Rest fuels clarity. And clarity fuels better decision-making, sharper thinking, and, ultimately, stronger creative output.
Words don’t just shape individuals—they shape brands, too. The right words can sharpen a company’s message, making it unmistakable and memorable. And just like in life, it’s often the simplest, most intentional phrases that leave the biggest impact.
Me and my mum.
The Words That Show Up When You Most Need Them
What fascinates me most are the words that show up exactly when we need them. Some, like my mum’s advice, have been with me since childhood. Others, like my boss’s challenge, arrived at pivotal moments.
Then there are the unexpected ones. Like the time I was feeling stuck in my business—when a key client didn’t renew, and doubt started creeping in. At that precise moment, I picked up my phone and saw a post from a female business leader I admire. It read:
"You never know what’s around the corner."
Those words were a lifeline, a reminder to stay curious, to keep going even when the path isn’t clear. They reaffirmed what I already knew but needed to hear again: the best ideas, the right clients, the next big opportunity—it’s all ahead.
Pass It On
Words shape us. They push us forward, hold us back, and define our paths. They also define brands—what they stand for, how they connect, and the impression they leave behind.
What’s one piece of advice that’s stuck with you through the years? I’d love to hear your stories.
If you’re searching for the right words to define your brand, this might be the conversation you need.
P.S. One of my all-time favourite phrases to share: 'When someone inspires you, don’t wait to tell them. Tomorrow is never promised.'
How I Landed My First Job (and lessons learned along the way)
Jones Knowles Ritchie’s former offices at 128 Albert Street, Camden Town, London.
Sometimes, The Breakthrough Comes Just After You’re Ready To Give Up.
Having graduated from a top UK university, I had a clear vision: a career that combined my passion for creativity and consumer behavior. I also needed to make a decent salary with real career prospects—enough to afford a bachelor pad in London, even if it was just a tiny room with a fridge, bathroom, and kitchen sink. Advertising checked all the boxes.
Freshly graduated, I was ready to take on the world. I researched the top agencies (JWT, Saatchi & Saatchi, etc.), identified graduate account coordinator roles, and started applying.
But competition was fierce. Each agency had only 2–4 graduate positions, with hundreds of applicants vying for them. After the first round, only 15–20 hopefuls were shortlisted for interviews, and fewer still made it to the final rounds.
Watch the video below to see how I turned my early setbacks into the start of my branding career.
I sent out 20 applications and got just one interview. The odds weren’t in my favor, and I knew I needed a new approach.
Fighting for a Foot in the Door
A year before I graduated, my mum bought me a book on How to Get Into Advertising. At the time, I brushed it off—I thought I had everything figured out. But as my options dwindled, I found myself reaching for that dusty book.
One recommendation stood out: contact recruitment consultants. However, there was a catch—they typically only worked with candidates who had industry experience. Despite the slim odds, I decided to give it a try.
The book suggested purchasing a directory listing of advertising recruitment agencies and cold-calling them. That’s exactly what I did.
Photo of my mum in her twenties.
Breaking Recruitment Rules
I spent hours calling recruitment consultants, repeating the same pitch:
"I’m looking for an entry-level account coordinator position in an ad agency. Do you have any openings?"
The responses were identical: "Sorry, we only recruit for candidates with actual experience."
Each rejection stung a little more. Until the 25th call.
The 25th Call
That call was to Wendy Braverman and Associates, and it’s one I’ll never forget.
I delivered my usual pitch, and the woman on the other end politely replied, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think we have anything that will work...” Then she paused.
In the background, I heard someone mention something to her. When she came back on the line, she said, “Actually, my colleague just flagged an entry-level account coordinator position at a branding and design agency. Are you interested?”
I had no idea what a branding and design agency was. It wasn’t the advertising world I’d envisioned, but I didn’t hesitate.
"Yes!"
After interviewing with Wendy’s team, I was off to 128 Albert Street in Camden Town to meet the agency.
Years later, I learned Wendy had become known as the “ultimate advertising yenta (matchmaker)” in the industry. It gave me goosebumps—it felt like fate had led me to her.
Recently, I read a tribute to Wendy, who had sadly passed away, and was struck by the impact she had on so many lives—mine included. Wendy didn’t just help people find jobs; she helped them find their place. Her ability to connect people to opportunities they didn’t even know existed was a true gift.
The Interview That Almost Wasn’t
Let’s recap: I was about to walk through the door at 128 Albert Street in London and interview with a firm who would become the top branding and design agency in the UK, having no clue what branding and design was.
(Note to future graduates: Please, do your research on the industry and the company before an interview. It’ll help.)
The interview was a blur of questions, many of which I had no idea how to answer. When I was asked about my thoughts on corporate identity, I thought it was something B2B-related!
It wasn’t going well.
Then, I was asked one last question:
"What’s your favourite quote?"
That one, I knew. I answered immediately:
"It’s a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done. It’s a far, far better place I go, than I have ever been."
— Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
The man who interviewed me smiled. Dickens was one of his favourite authors.
I got the job.
Some Things Aren’t Coincidence
It wasn’t just a job—it was the job. I’ll share more about it in a future post.
Looking back, I know these moments weren’t random.
My mum giving me that book.
Calling Wendy Braverman.
Being asked about my favorite quote.
Landing in the branding and design industry.
I was meant to be here.
Lessons From the Journey
That first job changed everything.
And here’s the thing: businesses go through the same journey.
Just like job seekers, brands often start with a vision, apply the conventional wisdom, and hit a wall. They struggle to break through, not because they lack potential, but because they haven’t refined their message—their true differentiator.
In the same way that Wendy connected me to the right opportunity, brands need clarity to connect with the right audience. They need to distill their core identity and communicate it with impact.
That’s what we help businesses do today—cut through the noise, refine their story, and position themselves for the opportunities they’re meant for.
If you’re feeling stuck in your brand’s journey, maybe you’re just one insight away from the right breakthrough.
Have you ever had a career moment that, in hindsight, felt like fate? I'd love to hear it!