Our Lead(H)er series features impressive women leaders in the tech industry. In this Q&A, we are featuring Mariah Bridges, Sr. Director, Content & Community at InsideTracker.
Where did you grow up and how would you describe yourself as a child?
I asked my father to answer this question; he said, “Curious, bright, alert, artistic, and stubborn.” – and I grew up in North Carolina.
What did you study in college and what was your first job out of school?
I studied English and Psychology in college. My first job out of college was a professional dance choreographer for competitive dance teams.
Can you share the details on your career path and what were the critical moments that got you to where you are today?
I started a traveling dance convention business at a young age that benefited the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Starting from the ground up, I had to learn (sometimes the hard way) all about building a business, event planning, and leadership. After years of growing that business, I had the opportunity to sell. Then I started planning events and fundraising for nonprofits that eventually led to startups' brand building. Both owning your own company and working in the startup/nonprofit world taught me how to wear multiple hats, organize, and the value of budging. What I didn't know at the time was that community-building skills were etched in everything I did. I quickly learned that my passion and education in psychology was a superpower in the marketing world, so my consulting business took off. I stayed very niche in the endurance/health and wellness space and was lucky enough to grow and learn from some of the best in the wellness marketing space-- which eventually led me to cross paths with the CEO of InsideTracker. Little did I know that everything I had been a part of before then had to lead me to content and community marketing within the biotech space, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What is your current role and responsibilities?
As the Sr. Director of Content and Community, I lead a team responsible for all aspects of demand generation, email strategy, lead nurture workflows, social media, content strategy, community activation, events, and growth. InsideTracker is full of intelligent, talented humans, and I consider myself lucky every day to get to learn and grow with them.
Looking back, is this where you thought you’d be professionally? Was it always your goal to be in this position?
I never thought my career would take me to where I am now, but I’m not surprised by it either. My only career goal has been to help people, grow outstanding communities, and learn along the way. So with that as a goal, I would say I’m right on track.
For people who are looking to be in a similar position, what advice would you give to others in terms of helping them achieve their career goals?
Marketing is constantly changing. You have to acquire and master best practices at the same time you are educating yourself on the latest tactics and trends. And it is critical to always be a student of your industry. The more you know the product, your customer, and the psychology behind how they make decisions, you will have a unique perspective to add to industry best practice tactics.
What are the most important skills that you need to do your job well?
Adaptability, Communication best practices, Creative Problem Solving, Data analysis, and hands down; project management.
What do you find most interesting/rewarding about your work? What’s the most challenging?
Leadership and Management. The greatest joy of my life is leading a team. I consider it an honor to help others grow their talent, career, and help the company to achieve their goals. It, however, is also highly challenging to adjust working styles for each colleague while at the same time working towards the company's immediate growth needs and long-term growth goals.
Are you involved with any professional organizations outside of the company? Volunteer work?
Board Member of Healing Canines
Volunteer Coordinator and Producer for Shop Local Raleigh and WRAL
Run Coach for Girls on the Run
Community Development Volunteer for USO
Q&A
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My family is number one. We love to sail, boat, workout, and weekly walks around the neighborhood with my dog Maverick. When I’m not with my family, I’m usually crossing something off my “Learn list” or traveling — from skydiving license, Ironman racing, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, and more. I love this world of ours and consider myself a constant explorer.
How do you manage stress?
Before you learn how to manage stress, it is essential to have the proper tools in your stress management toolbox (Mental therapy, physical fitness, nutrition optimization, laughter, gratitude, human connection, sleep, mindfulness, positive self-talk, journaling, organization, etc.)
I acknowledge all the tools for stress management, and sometimes I’m excellent at prioritizing them and knowing which tools to use, and sometimes the toolbox is all but completely closed.
Still, some of that is the cost of excelling in your career. There are times you have to push through the stress, as it is nearly impossible to prioritize all self-care and stress management tools every day. So in those times, you focus on the one thing you can do, do it well (give yourself tons of grace), and when that season of your life has subsided, you can double down on the tools in your stress management toolbox. I’m lucky to work for InsideTracker and have access to the platform and an incredibly smart health and wellness community backed by science.
How many cups of coffee do you have in a day?
I go through phases where I’ll walk to my local coffee shop and grab a cup usually 1-2 a week but then sometimes I go months without.
Any book or podcast recommendations?
- Atomic Habits - James Clear
- The Power of Moments: Why certain experiences have extraordinary impact - Chip & DanHeath
- The Secret Lives of Colors - Kassia St. Clair
- Any Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts book
- Huberman Lab Podcast
- How I Built This Podcast
- The Tim Ferriss Show
- And of course, Longevity by Design Podcast
What advice do you have for recent college graduates?
Take time to figure out who you are apart from what others have told you that you should be, then go out and unapologetically be that person.
Invest in your natural gifts, your talent. Because talent finds work, and work finds talent.
It takes time to build up your career but every season of growth has its purpose.
Be humble and know that therapy is your friend.
