In Their Own Words with Mary Toy
As the rapidly evolving advertising industry continues to innovate , Mary Toy – a former Track & Field Athlete at Boise State University – continues to draw upon her experiences as a competitive athlete to help her agency and its clients execute superior business to business and business to consumer campaigns. No stranger to understanding what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of athletics, Toy had two older brothers, David (U of Washington) and Maury (UCLA) who played Pac-10 football. The principles learned in team sports & individual excellence have allowed her to launch a very successful career with global advertising agency, The Publicis Groupe. In this edition of In Their Own Words, Mary, an executive with over 15 years of experience in the advertising industry, tells us how her days as a student-athlete have guided her ability to successfully execute strategic plans while managing the complex relationships between the client and her agency team.
What is your current title and how long have you been in this position?
I have worked with The Publicis Groupe for 15 years. Most recently (the last 5 years) as Senior Account Supervisor.
Tell us what your specific role is with the organization?
As an account supervisor I am responsible for managing and mentoring a team of account executives and coordinators as well as leading the creative team that consists of copywriters, art directors and digital producers. My main job function is to act as the primary liaison between the agency and the client, to provide strategic planning and execution while overseeing day-to-day program and budget parameters and the project timeline.
The planning and concepting aspect of providing the client with a strategically sound idea that is designed to meet their goal, their budget and of course speak to their intended audience. Ideas and communicating with people in meaningful and relevant ways is what advertising is all about.
While the creative team is largely responsible for the creative look and feel, I still have an opportunity to contribute to the creative process and the method used to deliver the message.
At the end of the day (or campaign) its really nice to say “I was a part of this successful campaign and why it worked”.
What was your first “REAL” job?
My first job out of college was as Project Coordinator for the Director of the Student Union at Boise State University.
In this role, I provided job search and professional skills advice to graduating students who were transitioning from college to the “real world”. I looked forward to working in group settings where I would offer advice and answer questions on subjects ranging from resumes/cover letters, interviewing, networking, internships, and professionalism on the job.
As a former student athlete, I was also able to interact with groups of current student-athletes offering advice and insight on issues specific to and unique to that group, as they managed their time in the classroom with their time on the court or field. Offering specific pointers on how to relate their time as a student athlete into “real-world” experiences that any job recruiter and potential employee would find appealing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this job as a transition from being a student to entering the workforce, but it also had it’s challenges. I had to report to 3 people, all with a very different management style. I quickly had to figure out which set of directions from whom was a priority and which could wait. Not easy to do without guidance.
Has being a competitive athlete helped you in your current role or during your career? If so, please tell us in what ways.
Absolutely! Participating in competitive sports from an early elementary age through the collegiate level helped shape and form my outlook and approach to doing my job and advancing my career.
There have been and continue to be so many similar aspects to both. Dealing with and managing co-worker and client expectations is the same as managing those from a teammate depending on you for a ‘win’ and/or a successful outcome. You have to bring your best to the field or to the office to do well.
You learn to time manage and the fundamentals of team work, tools you need everyday at the office.
What do you miss and what don’t you miss about being a competitive athlete?
I miss the structure and routine of working out and staying in shape. Its so easy to find excuses not to get to the gym or leave the office for an outdoor workout, there’s always something on a tight timeline/deadline.
I do not miss the intensity of the workouts and some of the injuries from competing. But then again…no pain, no gain, right?
What was your most memorable moment as an athlete? What was your most embarrassing moment?
This a hard one, but I would have to say it was actually during my senior year of high school and winning the state title in track and field in the shot put. There was something very fulfilling thinking that at that moment I was the best in the whole state, not just my division. I was proud to stand by my coach, my teammates and my family and friends with my medals and trophy and to know they all helped me get to that point.
How often do you workout? What type of things do you do to stay active?
There was a while when I did not workout regularly for 2 years. I couldn’t believe I’d let that part of my life go. I hated being that far out of shape, and not having a better balance between career and family obligations and fitness. So now I’m working out 4-5 times per week, my trainer is whipping me back into shape!
Do you have a mentor (or mentors) that has helped you along the way?
Professionally I had 4 really amazing people around me providing guidance and advice. Personally, there have been countless importance people in my life from my parents, siblings, coaches, closest friends and teachers. Spiritually, my pastor has grounded me, reminded me and challenged me to be the best person I can be. I fall short, but the pursuit has made a huge difference in all life.
If you knew then what you know now, is there anything that you would do differently in your career?
The only thing I would do differently is seek out a mentor earlier in my career than I did. Having someone you can turn to for professional advice and know that person only has your best interest at heart is a wonderful thing. I have had several truly wonderful professional influences and their input and guidance was invaluable.
Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
My parents and my pastor.
Do you have any advice for young professionals and/or former student-athletes hoping to have a successful career after sports?
Take everything you learn from your sport and use it to your advantage. Lessons learned from your coaches, your trainers, studying film and your opponent. Learning to lose and how you handle it is JUST as important as learning to win. You were smart enough to figure out how to juggle the classroom and the field/arena, you are certainly smart enough to apply those talents to the pursuit of your career.
Beyond those simple pointers, reach out and seek a mentor, someone you may not know well, but who you know is a leader in their field and understands what it takes to be successful in that particular field. Usually that person will be flattered that you sought them out and will let you know upfront how much time they can make to advise you and guide you. But be willing to do the work, and work harder than the next person. The mentor isn’t going to do it for you, but they will stand behind you offering that extra support you may need.
Favorite Book: Gone with the Wind
Favorite Movie: Imitation of Life
Hobbies: Going to or watching all types of films; white water rafting, reading
Favorite Place to Vacation: Hawaii
What’s playing on your iPod? Adele’s “21″
Android or iPhone? iPhone
Mac or PC? PC user, but Mac lover
Favorite TV Show: Lost & La Femme Nikita (original on USA network)
Favorite Restaurant: The Reef in downtown Boise
Favorite Quote: “But I’m almost always right” by Mary Toy