Trying to be heard when you're the youngest in the room or newest is difficult and often times scary. Learning to speak up and out on a topic or idea that you're passionate about is important to a business' success. In our first virtual YoPro Talks event, YoPro leads Amy Lust and Jen Hinders talked with fellow young professional and PBS colleague Nicole Eley-Carr. Nik is the Senior Manager, PBS Digital Content Strategy & Partnerships working working hand-in-hand with PBS and public media partners to deploy creative strategies that target diverse audiences.
During this talk Amy, Jen and Nik focused on discussing how they got buy-in for initiatives like YoPro and Black Culture Connection (BCC). Through Nik's work with PBS producers, member stations and community partners, she was able to launch the diverse content initiatives she now leads. Interestingly, while it started as an interest or "side-hustle" for Nik, the BCC, has become part of PBS' larger content programming strategy. Nik gave insights on how to pitch ideas, find partners and use set-ups as drive for future success.
Throughout, Amy and Jen shared how they got buy-in from advocates and leadership for YoPro through pitching to leaders. They covered how they got involved in the initiative and how they are building awareness for and a brand around YoPro, both inside PBS and among station leaders. This is all in spite of it being different from their day-to-day roles. While the full conversation is available below; here are some takeaways from the conversation.
Takeways:
Amy - Everything you want to do, anyone wants to do - starts will a small yes. YoPro started with a small yes, and you just take that, work hard, make it the best it can be and then eventually, hopefully you’ll get a slightly bigger yes. And grow that yes to be bigger. No one starts with a million dollar yes.
Nik - Remember that you’re not alone. Build your network with partners who strengthen your vision, leadership that advocates, critics who straight talk, and peers who lift you up when the going gets tough…. and the going always gets tough! It’s worth it. Keep pushing.
Jen - You have a mouth, use it. That may sound a little generic, but you can really apply the concept to anything. If you have a thought, question, concern, interest, or whatever...it's your job to share it. People are not mind readers (managers included) and you are own best advocate. If you don't trust yourself enough to value those instincts, how can you expect others to.
During this talk Amy, Jen and Nik focused on discussing how they got buy-in for initiatives like YoPro and Black Culture Connection (BCC). Through Nik's work with PBS producers, member stations and community partners, she was able to launch the diverse content initiatives she now leads. Interestingly, while it started as an interest or "side-hustle" for Nik, the BCC, has become part of PBS' larger content programming strategy. Nik gave insights on how to pitch ideas, find partners and use set-ups as drive for future success.
Throughout, Amy and Jen shared how they got buy-in from advocates and leadership for YoPro through pitching to leaders. They covered how they got involved in the initiative and how they are building awareness for and a brand around YoPro, both inside PBS and among station leaders. This is all in spite of it being different from their day-to-day roles. While the full conversation is available below; here are some takeaways from the conversation.
Takeways:
Amy - Everything you want to do, anyone wants to do - starts will a small yes. YoPro started with a small yes, and you just take that, work hard, make it the best it can be and then eventually, hopefully you’ll get a slightly bigger yes. And grow that yes to be bigger. No one starts with a million dollar yes.
Nik - Remember that you’re not alone. Build your network with partners who strengthen your vision, leadership that advocates, critics who straight talk, and peers who lift you up when the going gets tough…. and the going always gets tough! It’s worth it. Keep pushing.
Jen - You have a mouth, use it. That may sound a little generic, but you can really apply the concept to anything. If you have a thought, question, concern, interest, or whatever...it's your job to share it. People are not mind readers (managers included) and you are own best advocate. If you don't trust yourself enough to value those instincts, how can you expect others to.
