Anne Fouss Director of Marketing and Business Development, Kenwel Printers Inc.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annefouss/I

What do you do?

I spearhead the company’s marketing initiatives to drive sales and elevate brand awareness. I develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies. I utilize graphic design, video editing, web development, and photography tools to develop marketing materials and create content for social media and the company website. I write press releases and cultivate media relations. I engage in business associations, chamber of commerce events, and other community activities on a regular basis.

What investments have you made in your professional career development?

I would describe my investment in my career as all-encompassing with experience in client services, local store marketing, advertising, promotions, public relations, graphic design, and photography. I attended college and obtained a degree in Organizational Communications with related studies in Art. After college, I moved to a larger city – Chicago to work and learn more about the business of advertising/marketing. When I moved back to Columbus I invested in learning more about the creative side – graphic design/media. I have worked for large (global) and small organizations both in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. I have taken the initiative and made myself vulnerable. I have participated in leadership programs and taken on volunteer projects to learn and grow.

Most recently, in my current role, I have submerged myself in the graphic media industry – the “Printerverse” – consuming everything I can about the print industry while doing my job. I have paid out of my pocket for leadership workshops and sales/marketing coaching. When given the opportunity, I contributed to written round table discussions about the industry. I meet regularly with industry peers to share knowledge and seek inspiration. I make a point to connect with experts in the field to gain a better understanding of what works and leads to success.

I stay connected with our local affiliate to keep a pulse on the industry locally and collaborate on ideas. I reach out to educators and make a point to connect with the up-and-coming workforce.

It has been brought to my attention, the things I choose to do – I do with my whole heart.

What investments have you made in your personal development?

My personal development overlaps with my career development. In my time away from work, I have volunteered my time sharing my organizational and creative skills. I have read/listened to podcasts about business, and ways to be a better communicator. I have attended workshops, invested in technology and tools, made connections in the community – and learned from others.

Perhaps more personally, I have built and maintained relationships throughout every chapter of my life. I have nurtured my spiritual growth and inner peace by helping others and giving thanks. I try to stay proactive in maintaining my physical and mental health. I have spent time caring for and enjoying my family, getting together with friends, watching movies, and when possible playing tennis, traveling, and doing art/creative projects.

How can the industry proactively invest in women, and why should this be a priority?

Those who have not invested or are inconsistent with their investing in women in the printing industry workforce, take the time to listen to what we have to say and think. Be open to our perspective. Include us in conversations, meetings, etc.  Provide women a seat at the table. Be encouraging when we offer ideas and show initiative. Communicate respectfully when you disagree. Take the time to explain what is causing any form of a disconnect. Give us a chance to take on some challenges. Have our back if they don’t go as anticipated. Act like we are on the same team. Support and compensate us for our efforts. Provide the appropriate resources and tools, etc. for us to do our job well.  Be respectful. Be kind. Do not tolerate bullying behavior.

While I am a firm believer in the need for more investment in women to become leaders, my thoughts apply to all humans – taking time to understand and help each other. To keep the industry going we need to create work cultures that are inspiring to the future workforce and support everyone working together.

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