Reflection, Resolve, and the Courage to Dream Big

Reflection, Resolve, and the Courage to Dream Big

By: Marilynn Stratton, CPSM, Chapter President, SMPS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

As we approach the end of the year, we naturally find ourselves in a moment of duality—looking back at what we have built and looking forward to what we have yet to become.

Serving as your Chapter President for these first 100 days has been a profound honor. When we started this term, we set out with ambitious goals to elevate our programming and deepen our connections. Thanks to the tireless work of our Board of Directors and our incredible volunteers, we haven’t just planned for the future; we have actively shaped it.

The First 100 Days: Innovation and Impact

I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together in such a short time. We didn’t just stick to the status quo; we pushed boundaries:

• The Business Leaders Symposium: We successfully launched this "first of its kind" event for our chapter, creating a high-level forum for strategic dialogue that our industry desperately needs.

• Leading with AI: We dove headfirst into the technological revolution with our quarterly AI training series, moving beyond prompt creation. We’ve already tackled AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and Market Research, and explored how to elevate Data Visualization using AI tools.

• Commitment to DEI: Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program is delivering tangible value, from practical education on ADA Compliant Layouts to upcoming networking opportunities specifically designed for DVBEs.

From Foundation to Strategy: My SMPS Journey

Reflecting on these successes reminds me of the role this organization has played in my own career. SMPS initially helped me solidify my foundational skills—the nuts and bolts of marketing. But over time, the network of colleagues and the high-caliber education pushed me toward something greater: strategic thinking.

The support I found here encouraged me to think outside the box—and often, outside our industry—to identify what’s coming next. It gave me the confidence to evolve from a marketer into a strategic leader. I would not be where I am today without SMPS.

A Challenge for the New Year: Become Your Best Self

As we look toward the coming year, I want to challenge you. Often, we default to setting "New Year's Resolutions"—vague promises that often fade by February. I am not interested in resolutions. I am interested in alignment.

For those of you who are struggling:
If you feel burnt out or lost, stop forcing yourself to grind. Instead, remember what you are passionate about. What do you love doing? When do you feel absolutely energized and alive? That feeling usually occurs when you are doing something you are amazing at and love with your mind, body, and spirit. Find that sweet spot again.

For those of you who are thriving:
I encourage you to dream bigger. What is the next level? As a CMO, it might seem like I’ve reached the "top" of the career ladder, but I refuse to stand still. I am constantly challenging myself to keep climbing, to keep innovating, and like Alice, to believe in six impossible things before breakfast! For me, this could look like taking our national firm international, constantly retooling my skills to remain at the forefront of global trends, expanding my role beyond the confines of the job description, or pushing my involvement in organizations to the next level of leadership. Where is your next challenge?

Your Action Plan: The "Best Self" Framework

To help you navigate this, I’m sharing a strategic activity plan I’ve developed to guide people in their growth journey. Use this four-step guide to audit your career over the holiday break:

1. Know Thy Self (The Audit)

Before you can move forward, you must understand your starting point. You need to identify your specific gifts, character traits, values, and weaknesses. Each is equally important in determining where your true passion lies.

• Action: Write down three times this year you felt "in the flow." What skills were you using?

2. Gather Reinforcements (The Network)

No one succeeds in a silo. Success requires that you align with allies and identify mentors who can offer advice, direction, and motivation.

• Action: Identify one "gap" in your current skillset. Who is the one person (mentor or peer) you can call to help you fill it?
  

3. Make a Plan (The Strategy)

A dream without a plan is just a wish. You need to move from abstract ideas to SMART Goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Action: Define one specific "Vision" for the next 12 months. What are the three actionable steps you will take to get there?
  

4. R&R (The Sustainability)

This is the most overlooked step. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Work-life balance is not just about "happiness and joy"; it is essential for mental wellness, productivity, and avoiding burnout.

• Action: Schedule your "unplugged" time for the coming year now. Treat it with the same respect as a client meeting or proposal deadline.

The Path Forward

Whether you are rebuilding your energy or launching a massive new initiative, the goal is the same: to be unapologetically and authentically you.

Thank you for an amazing start to this year. Let’s dare to be extraordinary in the next one.