Zoé Zeigler’s life is all about balance. The marketing professional doesn’t believe in limiting herself and manages her multiple professional roles with poise and polish. As the Executive Director of New York’s chapter of ColorComm she hosts warm and welcoming events designed to inform and empower women of color. As a Senior Manager at Teen Vogue, she focuses on managing Integrated Marketing & Brand Partnerships and as a blogger she creates compelling content designed to uplift and stand out. We caught up with Zoé to learn about statement earrings, confidence, and the importance of branding beyond your business card.
Name: Zoé Zeigler
Location: New York, New York
Describe Your Personal Style in Three Words: Thrifts, prints and…me
Who Are Your Favorite Designer(s): I love supporting independent designers. Some of my favorites at the moment are DPiperTwins and Lois London. I’m not really into your traditional “labels.” I’ll take nice one-of-a-kind vintage/thrifted item or a cute African printed piece over a big name brand any day.
What Are Your Must Have Accessories?: A statement pair of earrings for sure. I have over 60 pairs displayed like art in my apartment that I rotate wearing daily.
Learn more about Zoé Zeigler below.
What do you love about the Teen Vogue Brand?
There’s so much to love about Teen Vogue. The brand is really committed to representing all young women, not just girls who check a certain box. In my time here, I’ve seen five women of color celebrated on the cover of the magazine. I’ve seen girls own their sexuality confidently and unapologetically across our biggest social channels. I’ve seen thoughtful dialogue take place about everything from global issues to beauty trends to race. The brand inspires young women to embrace who they are, no matter what and I’m proud to be a small part of that legacy.
How have you managed to build relationships throughout your career?
In addition to my role at Teen Vogue, I’m also the executive director ColorComm in NYC, a national professional networking organization for women of color across communications, marketing and media. By championing and supporting other women of color in the industry, I’ve developed so many amazing friendships and professional relationships that have helped me go farther than I ever could have on my own.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
That the career of your dreams isn’t going to magically fall into your lap. Don’t wait for your someone to tap you on the shoulder and ask you what you want to do next. Be proactive about seeking out and positioning yourself for opportunities that align with where you ultimately see your career going. I’ve also learned the importance of building a professional reputation for yourself that can stand on it’s own, regardless of what company you’re attached to. Personal branding is so important. The company you’re with is temporary, but your personal brand will travel with you and open doors for you no matter where you go.
What is your greatest professional asset?
My get s%#t done approach to work. I listen, I observe and I take in the perspectives of my teammates and colleagues…but at the end of the day I know how to make decisions and be decisive in order to move projects forward.
How do you balance your ColorComm duties with your demanding schedule?
That’s a very good question. If I’m being honest, some days I don’t even know. My day job at Teen Vogue is more than a 9-5, so, in order to help ColorComm thrive at the same, I’ve had to learn to be really strategic about how I structure my days. I wake up between 5 and 5:30 AM most days to shoot off emails or get pertinent projects rolling before my “work day” begins. I use my limited lunch breaks to check in and answer emails. I take advantage of bathroom breaks on dates to send a text off to one of my team members. I plan pretty much every moment of my day. I also have a really amazing team that helps me put the vision into action. I couldn’t do it without them.
Who has been your biggest supporter during your career?
There have been so many people have contributed to my career in such an impactful way, it’s impossible to name just one. You need that person who acts as a sponsor and advocates for you when you’re not in the room. You need that person who makes sure you’re taking care of yourself in stressful times. You need that person to just bounce ideas off of and get your creative juices flowing. Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community of very different supporters to raise a boss.
What’s been the greatest moment in your career so far?
Well, I’d say the greatest moments as a result of the career I’ve built was being able to purchase my mom a brand new car last year. Because of what she and my father invested in my education and the seeds they planted as role models, I am where I am today.
What’s been the biggest setback or obstacle on your career path?
Convincing myself that I’m up to whatever challenge comes my way. It’s easy to talk yourself out of taking on big projects and stepping out of your comfort zone. But throughout my career, those challenging moments are where the most growth comes from.
What do you look for in potential employees?
People who are ambitious, eager to learn, strategic and can problem-solve. Of course experience in marketing/PR are important too.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Seeing campaigns I envisioned finally come to life.
What three pieces of advice would you give to aspiring marketing professionals?
1) Be a student of your field. The marketing industry is changing so rapidly. Subscribe to industry newsletters, like Ad Age and Digiday, to stay abreast of the latest and greatest trends.
2) Let strategy lead you. Never loose sight of the goals, objectives and KPIs (key performance indicators) you’re trying to reach in the midst of all the shiny newness this industry has to offer.
3) Mentor others coming up behind you. Not only will they inspire you, but, whether you realize it at the time or not, they will teach you things that will help you remain at the top of your game
What are your current career goals?
To inspire more women and girls – especially those of color – through the work that I do.
What’s in your handbag right now?
eLo organic lip balm, a portable on-the-go phone charger, a pair of Warby Parker glasses, MAC mattifying powder and good ol fashioned paper day planner to keep track of my personal life.
Learn more about Zoé here.
So insightful. Thank you for sharing! 🙂