CEO and Owner Anamaria Suescun-Fast reflects on the launch of talkStrategy.
Many people may not know that Trish and I have worked together for nearly 20 years—and we still really like each other. Ironically, or maybe serendipitously, she was the agency account manager at my first job. So today when I consider where we have been—as a team and individually, the word “equity” comes to mind. Equity is a powerful word with special meaning for me on so many personal and professional levels.
Brand Equity.
As a marketer, it’s hard for me to let go of the brand equity The DeBerry Group has built over the past 10 years. However, as we look toward our next 10 years, our evolution speaks to not letting go, but rather building on that brand equity. We are raising the volume around the profoundly strategic work we have come to be known for—whether public relations, crisis communications, public affairs, advertising, or social and digital. talkStrategy reflects who we are now as an agency—a premier integrated marketing and communications agency whose work includes all facets of marketing from strategic development and creative campaigns to turnkey implementation and evaluation.
Team Equity.
Our evolution to talkStrategy formalizes the way we have been operating for the past several years, with me managing the day-to-day operations of the firm. Just as importantly, it recognizes the growth of the agency, our expanded client services and elevates the invaluable contributions of Laura Hotten, Vice President of Creative and Digital; and Kristine Smith, Vice President of Strategy and Accounts. Laura and Kristine are highly accomplished professionals who are wicked smart in their respective crafts. Our greater talkStrategy team is also part of this evolution and deserves a huge shout-out for bringing their A-game every day and walking the talk when it comes to strategic, integrated, and fresh solutions for our clients. We have cultivated a highly seasoned and incredibly thoughtful group of pros who are poised to take this agency to the next level and continue the unparalleled thinking brought forth on behalf of our clients.
Women’s Equity.
Amplifying the voices of the women all around me is a passion near and dear to my heart. I would not be where I am today were it not for the other amazing women who have mentored and encouraged me throughout the years, especially Trish. And, on the heels of Women’s History Month, and Equal Pay Day, this moment takes on additional significance. There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure more women’s voices are raised and heard, and that women everywhere are empowered to achieve their dreams. I will continue embracing my role in support of other women. I am honored to captain talkStrategy, a company that is led by, and powered by, amazing women of all stripes.
Equity of Hope.
On a highly personal note, having just celebrated my 53rd birthday, I would love to share a personal reflection because this moment is not lost on me. When I was a kid, I would think about how “fun” it would be to be the CEO of a bank, in my power suit with my briefcase. And, in middle school, mi mami adorable put a framed poster in my room with a quote that continues to propel me forward: “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” Our hopes and dreams fuel us over years and decades, and we each have aspirations for ourselves, our families, our community. As County Commissioner, Trish is doing what she was born to do, and, as a limited partner of the agency, her original dream for The DeBerry Group has evolved into talkStrategy. No one person’s vision is inherently more deserved than another—so dream big. After all, I’m now a CEO, with a collection of professional pantsuits. (Well, two out of three ain’t bad.)
Now, let’s talkStrategy.