Chapter Forty Eight: Strategy, Learning, and Having a Seat at the Table

Chapter 48 feels like the right moment to talk about strategy. Over the last year, I have been thinking a lot about what it actually means to be strategic and how I can continue building that muscle. I keep coming back to the same questions. How do I make an impact. How does marketing speak for itself. How can it advocate for change and support systems that help organizations grow in meaningful ways.

One thing this year reinforced for me is how important it is for marketing to have a seat at the table. Working within a smaller organization like the Protected Areas Trust made that very real. Everyone knows everyone, conversations are accessible, and ideas can move quickly. That closeness creates space for impact, but it also requires you to advocate for yourself. I have learned to be clearer about where I want to focus my time, what I want to learn, and how I can contribute in ways that stretch me rather than keep me comfortable.

Learning and development has been a big theme for me this year. Of course, there are responsibilities to manage and projects to deliver, but this project intentionally created room for growth and capacity building. Not just for the teams we supported, but for me as well. Being able to set aside time for learning, reflection, and skill building felt different from a more traditional nine to five role where the focus is often just getting things done. In many workplaces, knowledge sharing and development exist, but they are not always prioritized. Here, they were part of the system.

That has shaped how I think about my future. I have been reflecting on the idea of a stage or a short immersive learning experience where you spend time embedded with another team or organization just to learn how they work. Almost like Take Your Kid to Work Day, but for adults. I love the idea of learning by observing systems, processes, and decision-making up close. It feels like a more honest and human way to grow professionally, and something I want to advocate for wherever I go next.

This chapter feels less about wrapping things up and more about understanding what I am taking forward. Trusting my growth, valuing learning, and being intentional about strategy are all things I know I want to keep practicing.

The Good
Enjoying the warm weather while Toronto is buried in snow.

The Challenge
Starting the handover process and closing projects thoughtfully.

What’s Next
Closing the chapter together with a small farewell and a lot of gratitude.