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Julia Martin is the Director of Field Marketing for Avanade. She has spent over 20 years working with large technology services organizations to deliver best-in-class marketing programs that drive go-to-market strategies and transform the customer experience.
Outside of work, Julia has a passion for home design and interiors and puts that passion to work for a local organization that transforms the spaces of the formerly homeless by reclaiming and re-purposing gently used household items and furniture to create a “Home.” She lives in Chicago with her husband and three children.
Spotlight Questions:
Q: How do you balance your work life and home life?
A: I am very intentional about my work/life balance. I think balance is elusive and difficult, and you must constantly tinker with it to achieve satisfaction. I believe you have to be purposeful about what you spend time and effort on and what you choose not to do.
Q: What was the best advice you ever got?
A: As a female coming into technology, a very male-driven area, I was a bit passive. I didn’t want to seem like a self-promoter, but that didn’t serve me or the company well. I tell people now, don’t wait for what you want. Ask for it. Now my policy is to speak up for what you want. Ask for it. Be your own best advocate.
Q: What do you read or listen to for fun and inspiration?
A: The Moth podcast, a popular show focused on the creative process of storytelling. By tuning in to the stories, I'm able to hone my own storytelling abilities. Not only that, the tales are humorous and captivating.
Q: Have you reached your full potential? What has held you back from reaching your full
potential?
A: I hope not! I certainly don't wish to stay within boundaries! I always strive to challenge myself, acquire new knowledge, and venture out of my comfort zone.
Q: Where do you see feminine influences in the workplace today?
A: We have a lot of strong women in marketing. There are a lot of role models. There are many women to admire at Avanade.
Q: Is perfection possible?
A: In my opinion, striving for perfection is a dead end. If you think of yourself as perfect, there's nowhere to go from there; growth cannot come from perfection. I've often found that the most valuable lessons came from mistakes and imperfections.
Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of WITI.
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