Three key learnings from being a Brand Strategist

No one said that being a consultant would be easy, but in retrospect, I doubt that without those everyday challenges, it would be as rewarding as it is. Today, I am sharing with you some details that I have been gathering as part of my work and that I hope can also be taken by some colleagues or friends as a brief reference to what I consider important pillars for brand development. 1.- Balancing Creative Leadership Challenges As a brand consultant specializing in a field that needs to be understood as strategy, I must develop a fine skill to handle the delicate balance between creativity and corporate structure daily. While large corporations prioritize processes (and yes, this is a mistake, guys, I'm sorry) and regulations for accountability and risk management, creativity thrives on breaking the rules and innovating plastic intelligence. My role is to prioritize innovative ideas while respecting organizational dynamics and long-term goals. Over time, I've honed the ability to challenge norms strategically, understanding that persistence and timing often lead to impactful breakthroughs in brand strategy. 2.- Mastering the Art of Active Listening In my experience, effective communication goes beyond speaking—it requires active listening and understanding, which implies patience. I make it my priority to practice empathetic listening to effectively grasp consumer needs, interpret market data, and align internal stakeholders' perspectives, all within a quick conversation. Terms like data analytics, ROI, and market dynamics are essential in my daily work, but those are just technical jargon; the first step is to open the dialogue to understand the human mind and desire behind any organization, and your weapons to use are empathy and collaboration. Clear communication and mutual understanding are the cornerstones of successful brand strategies. 3.- Embracing Change and Growth for Brands As a brand consultant, embracing discomfort is not just about adapting; it's about leveraging change as a catalyst for growth and transformation. The mantra "Fail fast, learn fast" underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience in brand strategy. I help brands pivot and evolve in response to market shifts and changing consumer behaviors, turning uncertainty into a strategic advantage. Even as this sounds very "academic snob," the most real base of any strategy is learning how to bring ideas into a simple reality to go from point A to B, which is as simple as that. This proactive approach shapes the brand's future trajectory, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the brand strategy framework.