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MaryAnne, Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners, LLC: Advize Career Interview
A Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate with a double major in journalism and graphic communication, MaryAnne's career journey showcases remarkable adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit.
Starting with newspaper roles and culminating in the creation of the award-winning *Alamosa Citizen.com*, the managing partner's path reveals a multifaceted career encompassing freelancing, work with major clients, and ultimately, the leadership of Zepol Media Partners, LLC. This role blends design and branding with unexpected challenges in budgeting, HR, and regulations.
The interview highlights the importance of adaptability, a strong work ethic, and continuous learning in a constantly evolving industry.
A dedication to visual problem-solving, a commitment to fostering an equitable workplace, and a willingness to learn from others are recurring themes.
Students interested in media, design, or entrepreneurship will find MaryAnne's experience both inspiring and informative, particularly the advice on finding entry-level positions and navigating the challenges of a dynamic field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
MaryAnne Talbott
Managing Partner
Zepol Media Partners, LLC
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
none
Creative Writing, Journalism, Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts
Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Creative
Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path Of A Publisher And Art Director At Alamosa Citizen
MaryAnne's career path, beginning with a double major in journalism and graphic communication at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and progressing through various newspaper roles—"working my way up to being one of the editors"—demonstrates a commitment to the field, culminating in the creation of *Alamosa Citizen.com*, a digital news source that recently won nine awards, showcasing adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit amidst industry upheaval. The journey included freelancing, work for the 2008 DNC host committee, and experience with major clients such as the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation, reflecting a versatile skill set and impactful contributions to various communities.
Main Responsibilities of a Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners
As Managing Partner and majority owner of Zepol Media Partners, LLC, MaryAnne's main responsibilities include serving as "the art director for everything," handling all design and branding. However, the role also unexpectedly encompasses "budgeting, HR for two employees, state regulations, and dealing with the IRS," highlighting the multifaceted and often unanticipated demands of entrepreneurship.
A Day In The Life Of A Managing Partner At Zepol Media Partners
MaryAnne's day as a small business owner at Zepol Media Partners, LLC begins with managing online content for alamosa citizen.com, including "stories, photo galleries, and video elements." The remainder of the day involves juggling diverse client projects, such as a brochure for the Tom Lee Institute, alongside administrative tasks like payroll, budgeting, and training new staff in advertising.
Most Important Skills For A Managing Partner At Zepol Media Partners LLC
MaryAnne, a Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners, LLC, emphasizes adaptability as the most crucial skill, stating that "everything changes," requiring professionals to be "flexible" and able to apply core skills—such as composition, writing, and distilling information—in diverse ways, while technical skills can be acquired.
Favorite Parts of Being a Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners
MaryAnne, Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners, LLC, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role is "making things," transforming "chaotic information and pictures" into cohesive wholes, a skill honed from early experiences creating daily newspapers to now crafting client websites. This creative process, from start to finish, provides MaryAnne with a deep sense of accomplishment.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners
MaryAnne, Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners, LLC, finds the biggest challenge of her role is "dealing with the business side of the business," specifically the constant need to focus on revenue and client relations, contrasting the predictable income of employment with the demanding entrepreneurial responsibilities. This contrasts with her personality, admitting difficulty with conflict resolution and preferring to avoid difficult conversations.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Media Industry as a Managing Partner
MaryAnne, Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners, LLC, finds the most rewarding aspect of her career to be "finding solutions to problems," particularly in visual presentations, while also enjoying the ever-changing industry landscape and the opportunity to learn from younger, digitally native staff. This continuous learning and creative problem-solving are key aspects of what makes the work so fulfilling.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Media Industry, According To A Managing Partner At Zepol Media Partners
MaryAnne, a Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners, LLC, identifies curiosity about "how things work, why things are the way they are," and flexibility as key traits for success in the industry. The ability to embrace a strong work ethic and view the work "as a craft" is also crucial, demanding hands-on dedication and proper execution.
What a Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners wishes they had known before entering the Media industry
MaryAnne, a Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners, LLC, reflects on a crucial lesson learned: the media industry is constantly evolving, requiring continuous adaptation and the acquisition of new skills; as they put it, "the industry you trained for is going to die and you're going to have to pivot". This highlights the importance of lifelong learning for sustained success in a dynamic field.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Content Creators
MaryAnne, a Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners, LLC, emphasizes the importance of a willingness to work and learn in entry-level media positions, stating that "the most important thing is just to be willing to work." Success comes from being a versatile team player, readily absorbing knowledge from all colleagues and actively seeking opportunities to contribute, regardless of specific job title, to become "indispensable."
Key Career Lesson From a Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners
MaryAnne, Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners, LLC, emphasizes the importance of humility and continuous learning throughout one's career, stating that "you can be an expert in something and still have big, huge holes in what you can do and what you don't know." This continuous pursuit of improvement and knowledge, MaryAnne suggests, has been a significant factor in their professional success.
College Experiences That Helped a Managing Partner at Zepol Media Partners Succeed
MaryAnne's success stemmed from hands-on undergraduate experience, specifically "working at the newspaper," and a double major in graphic communication, which complemented their passion for typography despite a lack of drawing skills; this combination provided a strong foundation for a career in media.
How Identity Has Influenced a Managing Partner At Zepol Media Partners' Career
Early in the career, the managing partner experienced having their ideas "tossed because of who" they were, a frustration that fueled a commitment to assertiveness. This experience informs their current leadership style, focusing on championing others' ideas and creating an "equitable workplace for everybody," leveraging their identity to foster inclusivity.
Advizer Personal Links
zepolmedia.com, alamosacitizen.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryanne-talbott
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