Managing with Purpose
Written by: Kelley Cox, Director, Growth (she/her)
Summer is an exciting time—vacations, outdoor adventures, year-end planning, and interns! We always look forward to participating in the Publicis Health Internship program, which provides an opportunity for the next generation of marketing professionals to get hands-on experience in healthcare marketing and work in a hybrid work environment with our teams across all our offices.
And it’s not only a time of learning for our interns, but also an important opportunity for our teams to work with young talent who bring fresh perspectives. We spoke with the managers of the Razorfish Health summer interns to reflect on their unique experiences and share what they’ve learned from this year’s group of talent.
Paula Cuerquis // Manager, Growth
Dado Lam // VP, Group Creative Director
Conner Woods // Director of Strategy
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1. How long have you been in a people manager role? What is the most critical part about being an effective manager?
PC: Being a people manager has been a recent—but exciting—development in my career. During the summers of 2021 and 2022, I had the privilege of being the manager of two amazing interns; I was also involved in overseeing a part-time associate this past year. So far, one thing has been clear: being a manager does not mean having someone else to help you ease your own personal workload. I’ve come to quickly learn that being a manager is a second job. As managers, we also wear the hat of teachers. It’s imperative to be patient, clear, and forward-thinking. I’ve found success by putting emphasis on how I can be a better teacher, so that I am giving my intern all the necessary tools they need to accomplish their tasks. Expecting them to have all the necessary skills from the get-go is counterproductive. Teach before you ask.
DL: I’ve been a people manager for over ten years. I’d say the most important part of being an effective manager is relatability. Being able to put yourself in their shoes provides a unique perspective to learn what their strengths are, what they need help with, and how to provide the best feedback or guidance.
CW: I’ve had a people manager role now for just about a month and a half, and so far I think the most critical part about being an effective manager is communication! Regular check-ins and keeping yourself available help your team know that they are always supported.
2. What takeaways do you have from working with this year’s interns? How have your experiences from the past 2+ years helped you meaningfully connect?
PC: Being in a hybrid environment is difficult. Being a new employee in a hybrid environment? You’ve got your work cut out for you. Something I encourage others to focus on is the importance of quality time and meaningful moments. Being virtual has allowed us to brush off critical personal time and small talk. Some might argue that this likely increases their productivity. In my opinion, if you don’t cultivate these personal relationships, you’re setting up a failed culture. Authentic relationships can only help bolster the workforce.
DL: Working with this year’s intern has been very enjoyable, and it’s been refreshing to work with such young talent. They’re very mature and capable, and our industry is in very good hands with the up-and-coming generation of creative minds.
CW: My biggest takeaway so far has been that people learn best when they are passionate about something. It’s taught me to make sure that my team members have the time and space to do the work but to also to pursue the areas they are interested in. My direct report has different interests than me, and what has forged a bond between us has been learning about new things together!
3. What is the most valuable advice you received early in your career? How do you think it applies to young professionals today?
PC: Hot take, but one piece of advice that I carry with me often is that learning things you don’t like is a step in the right direction. Growing up, I felt a lot of pressure to find the “perfect” job. I’d feel insecure compared with my peers who “loved” what they were doing. I felt like I was doing something wrong. Looking back, I’ve come to value that everything that I disliked about previous roles is a huge growth opportunity. Sometimes it’s more impactful to find out what you don’t like, because it gives you the chance to try new things and to constantly learn and evolve. For all the young professionals who feel similarly, don’t forget that you can always change the narrative. Don’t like something? Great—pivot.
DL: Early in my career, I was told to not be afraid or intimidated with my creativity. It’s easy to be intimidated, but great ideas come from anywhere, and I think that advice it will always apply. If there’s an ounce of doubt or fear behind your work or the way you present your work, it will show.
CW: When I first started at Razorfish Health, one of the most important mentors in my career once told me to “dance like no one is looking.” His point was to not worry about the fact that I was new to the work, but rather to be myself at 100% and simply try! I can’t imagine a better piece of advice for people entering the workforce today. Diversity creates a more diverse thought. It’s now more important than ever for employees to be who they truly are without reservation. When you can be yourself to the fullest, your work and your happiness reach the fullest potential!
4. What has working with this year's intern class taught you about yourself and the work we do?
PC: I can honestly say that I am a Type A individual who struggles with delegating. Working with my intern has shown me the value in trust—not only for you but for your peers. Trust that your peers will provide great work and they will deliver. Especially with early careers, empowering them to believe they can produce great work (even if they are fresh out of college with no “real-world experience”) is essential to cultivating their growth mindset and confidence.
DL: Mentorship has always been a passion of mine, so if anything, it reinforces my love of sharing what I’ve learned in my career and paying it forward.
CW: It’s reinforced to me how, fundamentally, our work always requires a team. Regardless of differences in experiences or backgrounds, more minds means more perspectives, and more perspectives means better work and a better work environment!
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Internships are a vital opportunity for everyone involved. Yes, our interns learned a lot, but as you can see our interns weren’t the only ones who gained something new. Our managers approached their day-to-day in new ways, found different ways of communicating effectively, and tapped into advice that has helped shape who they are and will now be carried on to the next generation of marketing professionals.
We can’t wait to see what this group of interns does next, and we are already looking forward to next summer’s new talent!
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Are you just graduating college? Are you wanting to make a career change? Or maybe you’re looking for a place to start your career? Check out our open roles to see if we have something that sounds like you. We know you are not your resume, we understand you are not your work, and we respect that you are so much more than a job description. You are you. So come be you and do you with us.