Michele Santos Senior Account Executive, Solo Printing
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-santos
What do you do?
I am a commercial print salesperson and work for the best company in the business. In partnering with so many after almost 25 years in this industry, I have seen companies evolve into today’s world using print for all or part of their business goals. Direct mail remains the largest platform to reach target audiences and while things have changed substantially over the years – this fact remains true and I am very grateful to be a part of it.
What investments have you made in your professional career development?
People hear “investments” and immediately think of “money”. I agree with them. The biggest investment I have made to develop and further my career is time and time is money! A close second is “education” – and not in just a classroom. The best teacher is failure. When you fail you learn and when you learn you grow. Time comes first for me because it is never too late to educate yourself, but time is gone forever once it passes.
What investments have you made in your personal development?
They say that “Women can’t have it ALL” but I say they haven’t met the right women. The investments I have made to develop myself personally are the same ones to develop myself in a professional capacity. The time and education you invest in yourself spill into every aspect of your life because those worlds frequently collide. You are one person continuously evolving in multiple settings. As such I have had it ALL, not at the same time all day every day, but ALL is ALL!
How can the industry proactively invest in women, and why should this be a priority?
Industries can’t succeed without investing in their employees. Bringing their people together through training courses, workshops or motivational seminars will only result in a positive work environment where equality exists for all as herstory has proven. women have made incredible strides in the workforce but there is still much work to be done. Fortunately, I had several male allies who encouraged and supported me to pursue my sales goals, but I recognize not all women had the same experience. For that reason, I will continue to work alongside women who seek the same opportunities afforded to men who possess the same level of expertise and capacity. Until that day comes, I have no doubt the ceilings will continue to shatter and the ghosts of the women who paved the way will be reaping the glass proudly!
Get Involved and Get Empowered
Join Girls Who Print in May for TWO in-person events at America’s Print Show
Get your Girls Who Print Gear at our store!
Join our women-only, Girls Who Print LinkedIn Group
Sign up to join our global mentoring program – it’s FREE!
Listen to the Girls Who Print Podcast series playing on Podcasts from The Printerverse.
Subscribe to Podcasts From The Printerverse where you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode.
Printspiration is streaming 24/7/365 through our growing library of original programming for print and marketing professionals at ProjectPeacock.TV
