Welcome
episode #11 Strategies for Success with Gabrielle Shaw. You will meet, continue to learn and be empowered by the amazing guest and Stellar Woman whose story is in issue 5 of the Stellar Woman Magazine.
Gabrielle Shaw started her career in journalism and advertising before founding Gabrielle Shaw Communications – GSC. During her career, Gabrielle has worked with CEO’s from some of the world’s biggest brands on brand purpose, sustainability and reputation management from Howard Schultz of Starbucks to Alannah Weston, Selfridges Group Chair.
In the show, Gabrielle talks about her being empowered from a young age to believe in herself. This has enabled her to be the Stellar Woman that she is today. She started her own business in London at the age 25 (even if she was told to not go into business at a young age). Her question was WHY NOT? She has been in business for 25 years. She went into business after realising that the big agency model wasn’t working. She wanted to reach and serve clients in a better way. Her first pitch was to a coffee shop that reminded her of Starbucks. Seeing the coffee shop, she wished she could work for them. She then decided to send them a note requesting to do their marketing and was told that they already had two marketing agencies at the final stages of the pitch. She was however called to come in as a wild card. She ended up winning the business and beating the two big agencies mainly because she was hungrier and wanted the job more. The coffee shop ended up selling to Starbucks and the next thing she knew she was on the phone with Howard Schultz and being selected to work for Starbucks.
Her agency has gone to win numerous awards. Sustainability is at the centre of the work that she does.
GSC creates possibilities for their clients who are mainly in the luxury category. Their work helps to integrate the corporate vision with culture. They also help clients to understand their market, tell their stories, developing a compelling offer, change mindsets and behaviour of the public. They also help their clients to leave a legacy and contribute to a meaningful future. She encourages collaborations as she believes that they can be very powerful for success for any business.
Gabrielle encourages women to be bold, work hard, be with like minded people and go for what they want.
She defines success as being healthy and happy and having a happy family.
Her key success strategies include focusing your energy on what is important, doing the hard things first, looking after yourself to be more resilient, looking ahead, having a market for your product or service, asking for what you’re worth, clear communications and asking for help.
Think big and ensure that you leave the right world for the future.