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Gabriela, CEO & Founder at Purple Nomad Media: Advize Career Interview

A journey from arriving in the United States six months before college, knowing no English, to founding and leading Purple Nomad Media, a thriving media agency, is Gabriela's inspiring story.

Overcoming significant academic challenges, a strong work ethic secured marketing internships and a full-time position at a top Arizona firm.

Now, as CEO and Founder, a versatile role involves managing client campaigns, content creation, influencer management, and culturally authentic bilingual marketing.

The daily routine is dynamic, involving team meetings, video shoots, client check-ins, and evening networking.

Success requires creativity, strong organization and communication, and the ability to balance artistic vision with client expectations in a constantly evolving digital landscape.

The most rewarding aspect is connecting brands authentically with diverse audiences, particularly Hispanic audiences.

Advice for aspiring marketers includes pursuing paid internships, embracing campus involvement, setting boundaries to avoid burnout, and building a strong network.

The entrepreneurial path, though challenging, is fueled by passion and support from mentors and communities.

Gabriela's experience as an international student highlights the importance of the OPT period and alternative paths like starting a business to remain in the U.S. and build a career.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Gabriela Galeano

CEO & Founder

Purple Nomad Media

Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey

N/A

Business Management & Admin

Advertising, Communications & Marketing

Communication and Marketing

International Student, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student

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Career Path Of A CEO And Founder At Purple Nomad Media

Arriving in the United States six months before college with "not knowing any English," Gabriela overcame significant challenges, working "10 times harder" to excel academically and secure tutoring and teaching assistant roles. This strong foundation led to a marketing internship, a full-time position at a top Arizona firm, and ultimately, the creation of Purple Nomad Media.

Main Responsibilities of a CEO and Founder at Purple Nomad Media

As CEO and Founder of Purple Nomad Media, Gabriela's role is "very versatile, dynamic," encompassing "all the managerial duties" alongside creative and strategic marketing responsibilities. This includes overseeing client campaigns, leading content creation and influencer management, and ensuring "culturally authentic" bilingual campaigns that resonate with target audiences.

A Day In The Life Of A CEO And Founder At Purple Nomad Media

A day at Purple Nomad Media involves a structured approach to client work, beginning with team alignment meetings at 9:30 AM and progressing through strategy sessions, on-site content creation including "a lot of video shoots," and client check-ins. Gabriela's commitment extends beyond daily operations, incorporating evening networking events for community engagement and future project planning, highlighting a proactive approach to career development and business growth.

Most Important Skills For A CEO And Founder At Purple Nomad Media

Gabriela, CEO and Founder at Purple Nomad Media, identifies creativity as a crucial skill, emphasizing the need to "think outside of the box" in a competitive marketing landscape. The ability to manage multiple projects and clients simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and communication skills to foster a collaborative team environment, is equally vital for success in their role.

Favorite Parts of Being a CEO and Founder at Purple Nomad Media

Gabriela, CEO and Founder of Purple Nomad Media, most enjoys "helping brands connect authentically with diverse audiences," specifically Hispanic audiences, through creative bilingual campaigns. This work is fulfilling because it allows for creative freedom, seeing campaigns "come to life," and empowering other Latinas in the marketing industry.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A CEO and Founder at Purple Nomad Media

Gabriela, CEO and Founder at Purple Nomad Media, identifies balancing "creativity with the client's expectations" as a primary challenge, a constant tension between artistic vision and meeting deadlines for seven clients while simultaneously adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of social media trends and tools. The need to ensure all projects are completed efficiently and deliver maximum value for each client adds further complexity to the role.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Media Industry As A CEO And Founder

Gabriela, CEO & Founder at Purple Nomad Media, enjoys the dynamic and non-routine nature of the industry, highlighting the variety from "photo shoots" to "all-day meetings" and "creating videos and content." The ability to be innovative, tell stories, and "think outside of the box" to connect with clients' audiences is what makes the work particularly rewarding.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Media Industry, According To A CEO And Founder At Purple Nomad Media

Gabriela, CEO & Founder at Purple Nomad Media, identifies key traits for success in the fast-paced digital marketing industry: "creative thinkers" who are "fast-paced and adaptable," constantly generating ideas and pivoting as needed, combined with strong communication skills to connect with diverse audiences and maintain internal authenticity. The ever-evolving landscape, with examples like the unpredictable nature of platforms such as TikTok, demands this multifaceted skillset.

What a CEO and Founder at Purple Nomad Media Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Media Industry

Gabriela, CEO & Founder at Purple Nomad Media, emphasizes the critical yet often overlooked need for setting boundaries to avoid burnout, stating that "it's really easy to burn out really quickly" juggling multiple roles. The importance of networking for business growth is also highlighted as a key lesson learned.

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Marketers

Gabriela, CEO & Founder at Purple Nomad Media, highlighted diverse entry-level marketing roles such as "events coordinator," "social media assistant," and "content creator," emphasizing the value of building a portfolio showcasing "everything...in a creative way." The discussion also revealed a growing demand for influencer marketing roles, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the field, encompassing both creative and business-oriented pathways.

Significant Career Lesson From A CEO And Founder At Purple Nomad Media

Starting a business is "really hard," requiring significant patience and long hours, but passion makes the effort worthwhile. A strong support network, including mentors and communities like the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, significantly eases the journey and accelerates growth.

College Experiences That Helped A CEO And Founder At Purple Nomad Media Succeed

Gabriela, CEO & Founder at Purple Nomad Media, emphasizes the importance of paid internships to gain "hands-on experience" and develop skills valued by employers. Further, the pursuit of campus involvement, including tutoring, TA roles, and volunteer work, helped build communication skills and confidence, advising students to "step out of your comfort zone" and embrace the learning process inherent in making mistakes during college.

How an International Student Became CEO Founder of Purple Nomad Media

Gabriela's most impactful experience at WB Carey was overcoming the initial challenge of "not knowing English," requiring "record[ing] classes and...listening to those tapes again," ultimately leading to academic success and cultural immersion through interactions with diverse international students. This experience, filled with "amazing...learning about different traditions and cultures," significantly shaped Gabriela's career trajectory and appreciation for international business.

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