The world of marketing agencies is dynamic, demanding, and constantly evolving. What does it truly take to thrive in such an environment? How do seasoned professionals navigate its challenges, and what lessons can be gleaned by those just starting out? In a unique episode of the Moxie Creative podcast, “An Interview with Our Intern: Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable,” the usual hosts stepped back as our summer intern took the reins.
Macki, an incoming senior at the University of Minnesota Duluth and Moxie’s marketing and accounts intern, led the conversation. Just three weeks into her internship, Macki bravely sat in the host’s chair, flipping the script to ask her burning questions to Taylor (co-host) and Mo (senior graphic designer). This episode offers a candid look into agency life, career paths, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.
Getting Started: Fun Facts and Early Dreams
Macki kicked off the episode with some lighter questions, giving listeners a glimpse into the personalities behind the brand:
- Walkout Song: Taylor, not a big sports person, chose “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler as her karaoke song, and potentially her walkout song. Mo, a former college wrestler, recalled a metal song by Sum 41 but would now choose “Intergalactic” by Beastie Boys for a “cool vibe.”
- Most Used/Favorite Emoji: Taylor’s most used is the laughing/crying emoji, with the sassy girl in the purple shirt as her favorite. Mo’s most used is also the laughing emoji, but he “hates the shrug” emoji.
- Childhood Aspirations: Mo knew from a very early age he wanted to do “something with art,” learning graphic design was a job in high school. Taylor wanted to be a teacher but opted for a communications route in college, now recognizing the immense challenge teachers face, particularly as a mom herself.
Career Reflections: Advice from the Trenches
Macki then delved into more reflective questions, prompting Taylor and Mo to share hard-earned wisdom from their careers:
- Advice to Their 21-Year-Old Selves: Taylor wished she had gotten comfortable putting herself out there and growing her network earlier, not caring “what anybody thinks about me.” Mo advised finding a more targeted internship, perhaps with a snowboard or action sports company, and seeking mentorship, reflecting on his “long way” through his career. Both acknowledged the underlying theme of being okay with taking risks and being uncomfortable.
- Common Marketing Misconception: Taylor stated that marketing doesn’t always directly bring in money, but that doesn’t make it a “money trap.” It’s about brand awareness, ensuring your business is top-of-mind when a customer is ready to buy. Mo added that advertising gets a “bad rap” often because of “bad advertising,” and that targeted ads can be useful.
- Lessons Learned the Hard Way:
- Taylor’s Struggle with Criticism: Early in her career, Taylor struggled with constructive criticism, taking everything personally. She learned to separate herself from the work, understanding that mistakes happen, and the focus should be on “how do we fix it?”
- Mo’s Print Disaster: Mo recounted a major error where 10,000 copies of a university document were printed with a “keyboard mash” in the headline, highlighting a lack of oversight. He learned the importance of everyone on the team working together to avoid such mistakes. His personal lesson was missing rounded corners on two out of 50 boxes of business cards for a “huge company,” serving as a reminder to meticulously check details.
- Career Risks That Paid Off:
- Taylor Joining Kelly at Moxie: Taylor met Kelly three times over several years before finally joining Moxie. Despite financial considerations at the time (with her son being almost one), she took the risk, which “clearly paid off” as it was “the perfect fit for my family.”
- Mo Returning to Agency Life: Mo had previously worked in-house and freelanced, not expecting to return to an agency due to past mental health concerns related to industry egos. However, Kelly’s offer to join Moxie, a place with a supportive team, was a risk that “really has paid off.”
The Rewards and Realities of Agency Work
Taylor and Mo also shared what they find most rewarding and challenging about their jobs at Moxie:
- Most Rewarding:
- Mo: Loves helping small businesses and non-profits, making their “stuff look good,” and seeing their efforts help the community, including raising money for non-profits. He enjoys seeing his work around town and receiving positive client feedback.
- Taylor: Finds it “really cool” to see clients “awestruck” by the creative designs, knowing the “heart and soul” the team invests. She particularly enjoys being the “bridge” between clients and the creative team, figuring out the strategy and making ideas happen.
- What’s Actually Hard:
- Taylor: Managing Client Expectations: Navigating client expectations with the many moving parts of an agency can be tough, especially when needing to course-correct or deliver news clients may not want to hear.
- Mo: Staying in Scope and Explaining Fundamentals: It’s challenging to stick to project scopes when creative ideas flow. Mo also finds it difficult to explain fundamental marketing needs (like why a logo is needed before a website) to clients who don’t have a marketing background, as they may not see the value in building a “solid foundation.”
Creative Block: Both agree creative block is real. Mo pushes through by starting work and organizing. Taylor quickly shifts to more “mundane” tasks if a creative project isn’t flowing, to maintain momentum and meet deadlines.
Macki's Takeaway
At the end of the episode, Macki reflected on her biggest takeaway from her first few weeks at Moxie: “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
She shared how stepping into new situations and meeting new people—while intimidating at first—is ultimately what helps you grow. What stood out the most? How seamlessly the Moxie team works together and how genuinely welcoming the environment has been.
Tune In and Get Inspired
Are you navigating new challenges in your career or business? How do you push past discomfort to achieve your goals?
Moxie Creative thrives on embracing new challenges, learning from every experience, and building strong, supportive teams. If you’re looking for a partner who understands the journey of growth and the importance of a strong foundation, let’s connect. Because pushing boundaries is how brands start strong, stand out, and stay bold.
