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Shannon, Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy: Advize Career Interview

A career journey from high school shadowing to a Brand Program Manager role at Grow Therapy, this individual's path showcases a strategic progression through entry-level marketing positions and agencies.

The work involves ensuring brand consistency across platforms, collaborating with creative teams, and telling the compelling story of Grow Therapy.

A blend of creativity and strategy, coupled with strong interpersonal skills, are highlighted as crucial for success, along with the ability to navigate the challenges of rapid company growth.

The most rewarding aspect is the meaningful impact of increasing access to mental healthcare, a mission that resonates deeply.

Advice for aspiring professionals includes seeking diverse experiences, picking battles strategically, and identifying companies that value and empower careers.

The interview reveals valuable lessons about navigating corporate environments, the importance of strong evidence-based advocacy, and the evolving landscape of the mental health industry.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Shannon Tremaine

Brand Program Manager

Grow Therapy

University of South Australia, 2015

Bachelor of Marketing and Communication, University of South Australia

Marketing

Healthcare

Communication and Marketing

Worked 20+ Hours in School

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of a Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy

Shannon's career journey began early, with high school shadowing at a TV station and a college marketing assistant role, followed by "officially outside of college" roles as an account coordinator at a TV station and within marketing agencies, eventually leading to their current Brand Program Manager position at Grow Therapy after relocating internationally. This path reflects a progression from entry-level roles to increased responsibility and strategic contributions in marketing.

Main Responsibilities Of A Brand Program Manager At Grow Therapy

Shannon's main responsibility as Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy is ensuring brand consistency and compelling storytelling across all platforms, including social media, PR, blogs, and advertising. The goal is to make sure the "story of Grow Therapy" aligns with the actual customer experience, resulting in a cohesive and authentic brand image.

A Day in the Life of a Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy

A typical day for the brand program manager begins with a mindful routine, then involves numerous meetings with creative and marketing teams—"copywriters, designers, videographers, photographers"—to ensure project alignment and deadline adherence. The role also includes keeping senior leadership informed on project progress.

Most Important Skills For A Brand Program Manager At Grow Therapy

Shannon, a Brand Program Manager, highlights the crucial balance of "equal parts creativity and strategy" needed for the role, requiring the ability to envision a brand's transformation while aligning with business objectives. The position's success also hinges on strong interpersonal skills, as the role necessitates collaboration with various teams and "asking for a lot of favors," demanding effective communication and relationship-building.

Favorite Parts of Being a Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy

Shannon, a Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy, finds the most fulfilling aspect of the role to be "telling stories in a meaningful way," specifically by making providers feel "seen and heard" as part of a community and contributing to a vision of "what could be." This work allows Shannon to leverage their passion for the company's mission in a impactful way.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Brand Program Manager At Grow Therapy

Shannon's biggest challenge as Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy is scaling their role alongside the company's rapid growth from 40 to 260 employees in 18 months. Maintaining "passion for getting something done" while adapting to shifting priorities and "moving with the flow of the company" is key to navigating this challenge.

Favorite Parts Of Working In Mental Health As A Brand Program Manager

Shannon's favorite aspect of the mental health industry is the alignment of "brand, and...the marketing storytelling side of things" with the deeply meaningful work of increasing access to mental healthcare; this allows Shannon to combine professional passion with a strong belief in the positive impact of their work, making even challenging days worthwhile.

What Type Of Person Thrives In Branding, According To Grow Therapy's Brand Program Manager

Shannon, a Brand Program Manager, highlights that success in the industry requires a blend of "creativity," "ambition," and strong interpersonal skills, noting the need to be "good with people" given the collaborative nature of the work and the fast-paced environment demanding innovation beyond the "status quo." The ideal candidate possesses a keen interest in fields such as "film, TV advertising," allowing for effective storytelling within a constantly evolving brand landscape.

What A Brand Program Manager At Grow Therapy Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Healthcare Industry

Shannon, a Brand Program Manager, learned that navigating the corporate world often requires compromise; "sometimes it's easier to go with the flow than to die on that hill," requiring flexibility and resilience when facing pushback from various teams on ideas. This involves trusting leadership and adapting to changing circumstances.

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Marketers

Shannon, a Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy, suggests that entry-level marketing roles such as "marketing coordinators, associates, assistants," or account-related positions like "account assistants, account coordinators" are good starting points for undergraduates interested in the creative industries. These roles offer a pathway into advertising or marketing agencies.

Significant Career Lesson From a Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy

Shannon, a Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy, learned the importance of "picking your battles," balancing passionate advocacy with strong evidence to support proposals. This strategic approach, involving providing "as much info as possible," helps determine when to persevere and when to adapt to the ever-changing startup environment.

College Experiences That Helped a Brand Program Manager at Grow Therapy Succeed

Shannon's college success stemmed from actively seeking diverse experiences, including internships, a study abroad program, and multiple capstone classes, describing these as "invaluable" in developing skills and connections. A mentor program and part-time work further solidified this foundation by enabling real-time application of academic learning, setting the stage for their current career.

How Identity Influenced a Brand Program Manager's Career at Grow Therapy

Early in the career, a significant difference existed in how Shannon was treated compared to male colleagues; however, this has improved in recent years. The advice given to younger professionals is to "get out" of companies that don't value them and to "interview back" to find companies that will "boost" and "empower" their careers.

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