By: Megan O’Neal
This is my first official entry as an Olive, so please don’t mind my likely overuse of exclamation marks.
A little background on myself: I am a UCLA alum with a passion for storytelling and a firm belief that only the right photo is worth 1,000 words. I have a Gilmore-worthy addiction to coffee and an equally insatiable thirst for traveling; you can find me using my PTO to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or run a half marathon on the Great Wall of China. When I’m not off checking things from my bucket list, I enjoy cooking, spending time with friends or jogging through scenic San Diego. And this is where I’ll stop talking about myself before this turns into the start of a cheesy Rom-Com.
Though I’ve only been at Olive for a hot minute, I’m extremely excited to be a part of this team and here’s why—there are some stark differences about this group of rock stars that I think deserves a little recognition. So, speaking as a completely objective third party observer with absolutely no personal interest in the matter (wink, wink), this is what I’ve noticed are the key characteristics that make up what it means to be an Olive:
- You should be authentic. Each of these ladies has their own style, whether it’s writing style, learning style or personal fashion. In this office you are given the freedom and encouragement to be your unique self, and I think that’s why this team achieves such incredible results. A fresh range of perspective is what adds depth and makes our campaigns dynamic. Which leads me to my next point…
- You shouldn’t be afraid to use your voice. Being in an environment where your individuality is celebrated builds a space where your ideas, however “crazy” or different, are respected all the same. At Olive, there really is no such thing as a stupid question. We’re encouraged to question, “How can I take this to the next level?” and speak up if we have an idea on how to do just that! Not everything you propose will strike gold, but knowing that it will be given serious consideration makes all of the difference.
- If you don’t have something nice to say, you’re probably not an Olive. I wish someone would make a TV show of this office because the stereotype of PR professionals being mean and snarky couldn’t be further from the Olive way. From hand-constructing Valentines to going around in a circle during a company meeting giving kudos to fellow team members who are crushing it— Olives embody what it means to be a team that supports all of its members and credits success to the entire group.
- You must have karaoke skills. When your jam comes on the office speaker, go ahead and belt out the chorus. Just don’t be surprised if the other Olives start rockin’ out with you!
So there’s my synopsis for the first few weeks at Olive! Stay tuned for more…