At PepTalkHer, we’re on a mission to empower YOU to know your worth and to understand your value in the workplace. And what better way to start than by asking our favourite women in business?
We interviewed Amanda Williams of Yellow Panda about all things career and entrepreneurship. Amanda is the director of Yellow Panda, a modern and innovative PR firm. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Meggie: Hey Amanda, thanks so much for chatting with us today! Let’s get right into it! Can you start us off by describing yourself in one sentence?
Amanda: Hi Meggie, can do! I’d describe myself as a professional attention seeker with 9+ years managing politicians’ and entrepreneurs’ public images.
Meggie: Amazing! Now that we know what you do, can you tell us a bit about how you got to where you are today?
Amanda: Without going into too much detail, I faced a lot of challenges growing up that would either make or break a person. For example, I went to 7 schools and was always the new girl. I survived bullying for the best part of 15+ years, and I ran away from home at 16 because I could no longer live under the same roof as my mother who, may her soul rest in peace, suffered from prescription drug addiction. I had to grow up FAST and had a lot of responsibility in the family home so I didn't have a normal transition from my teens to adulthood. I saw work as an escape so as soon as I was able to get a job, I got one and it was the only time I ever left the house. As a result, I developed an incredible work ethic. I could write a book on all the challenges I have faced in my 35 years, but I am grateful for all the lessons. I wouldn't be as resilient as I am today without hardship. I see it as a blessing which continues to serve me well as an entrepreneur.
“ I wouldn’t be as resilient as I am today without hardship”
Meggie: Wow, very powerful stuff - Shifting gears a bit, what are some of the most impactful and memorable moments from your career?
Amanda: Today was pretty epic so I will start there. I was notified today that three of my clients are finalists in the outstanding leadership awards and you cannot wipe the smile off my face right now. It's worth mentioning this is happening in the midst of COVID-19 so any good news right now is just the ducks nuts! My most memorable days at work are usually a result of getting a win for my client.
Meggie: That’s great to hear! Onto our next question - What advice do you have for anyone looking to build their own brand?
Amanda: To be yourself. I have worn so many masks throughout my life and the moment I surrendered to trying to fit in everything changed. I went from being a people pleaser to being a people magnet and since then, I continue to draw in the most incredible like minded people into my life!
“ I have worn so many masks throughout my life and the moment I surrendered to trying to fit in everything changed”
Meggie: Love that! ! Speaking of advice - How do you prepare for negotiation conversations? We'd love to hear all your hacks & top tips or awesome advice you've received!
Amanda: By default. I always seek to understand a person's motive because I believe once you know what someone wants, you can reverse engineer a way there. I’m also a bit of a prepper. I research and prepare briefs before heading into any sort of negotiation. I have also developed my own survey to collect information prior to meeting with potential clients. This survey is designed to give me clues as to whether the respondent would be an ideal client. I developed it by thinking about the information I wanted from them and then I figured out a way to ask, without being too intrusive. After first establishing the motive, I then look for clues as to what sort of problems need to be solved. I then workshop/brainstorm solutions to those problems before we meet so that I can demonstrate my abilities and capabilities during our meeting. Some people say, don’t give ideas or advice away for free, but pitching a few ideas can go a long way in winning someone over. I’ve also had a lot of success throughout my career offering to do something as a kind gesture first without asking for anything in return. In short, go into all negotiations prepared, show initiative and don’t give up! Not all negotiations go our way, the key is to be persistent.
“Not all negotiations go our way, the key is to be persistent”
Meggie: Preparation is so crucial! OK - last Question! What types of books and podcasts have you been keeping up with lately?
Amanda: I spend all day trawling news sites, listening to podcasts and scanning emails from industry experts. Every day is information overload here, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am a total sponge! I go through phases where I want to know more about something that ties into my work. Right now it's data and analytics and lately I've been spending a lot of time on Harvard Business Review and BandT.
Meggie: Thanks again, Amanda, for taking the time to chat with us today! We appreciate it!
For more content from Amanda, check her out on Instagram @amandapandawilliams and on her website.