In our 2020 issue, we’re shining the light on some outstanding leading ladies for all their accomplishments and contributions to society.
ERIN CAMPBELL
SVP, Strategy and Digital at Saatchi & Saatchi X
Erin lived all over the U.S. before her family settled in Jonesboro during her teen years. Because her most formidable years were spent in the South, she considers herself a proud Southern girl, minus the accent (though that might be debatable depending on who you ask). She’s lived in Northwest Arkansas for almost 20 years and has been married to husband, Brandon Campbell, for 14 years, and they have one son, Everett, who is 4. She’s worked at Saatchi & Saatchi X for over 12 years and loves creating game-changing Shopper Marketing ideas for clients, retailers and shoppers that solve problems and drive business.
Education:
B.A. Journalism, University of Arkansas
Have you stayed on a straight path to your career goal?
I have never, and still don’t, have a specific career goal, like I want to be a CEO or CMO one day. Instead, I feel like I am on a never-ending career path to find meaning, purpose and personal development. As long as I continue to learn, improve and provide value, I am open to where the career gods want to take me.
Did you always know what you wanted to do?
No, not in the slightest. I didn’t even know the strategy function existed when I was in school, and since I was in school before Facebook and the iPhone, digital was a nascent term. I have learned the digital function on the job and evolved with the industry. Sometimes I am amazed at how I found a job, by accident, that allows me to harmonize my love for art, humanity, empathy, data, technology and science.
Best part of your job:
It sounds so trite and yet is so true. I work with some of the most curious, passionate, innovative people. I get goosebumps sometimes multiple times a day when I get to witness or be a part of those people coming together and using their collective power to create game changing ideas, break boundaries and blaze new trails.
One thing you’d love to master:
Being comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Quality you admire most in women:
Women have massive mental and emotional capacity. They get stuff done. They see things differently. And they do it with such heart. Now, if we could all be a little easier on ourselves!
What nonprofits are you involved with, and why?
Lately my season of life, full-time professional and mom to a young son, I have found time to be a scarce resource. While we give to many organizations across NWA, I yet to find my niche in how and where I can give my time. As my son ages, I feel more convicted to expose him to need in this world and am resolving for 2020 that our family serves together.
What do you do for fun?
I love working out at Nooma Studios in Rogers. They have classes that combine yoga, cardio, Pilates and free weights. Oh, and it is in a room that is heated to 100+ degrees. Something about the heat and sweat makes me feel so strong and accomplished.
I love hanging out with my husband and son. We make seasonal bucket lists and try to go on frequent, local adventures that will broaden our experiences and make lasting memories.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My mom. Hands down. She is strong, independent, and her own woman. One day, maybe, I will reach her fierce status.
Personal Mantra:
This is somewhat of a new mantra but I love it. My workout instructor at Nooma, says “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” It is so simple and so true and so applicable to my physical, mental, spiritual and emotional journeys of personal development. This reminds me to lean into the discomfort with curiosity and anticipation, knowing it will grow me, instead of running away screaming with fear (which I want to do most days)!
Best advice you’ve ever received:
One of my first mentors had me read “The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck. The first line of that book is, “Life is difficult.” The idea is that life is a journey and along that journey we are faced with a series of difficult choices. Each choice has a consequence, and we need to thoughtfully make a choice based on the consequence we can most live with. This has motivated my decisions to make firm work-life boundaries, as I am not willing to compromise my family-first value to expedite my career climb. I know these decisions are hard, sometimes painful, and I have peace that I am doing it for a greater purpose.
Advice you’d give to other working women/moms:
Embrace the gray. I have constantly struggled and strived for “rightness” with a two-dimensional ideology of success or failure, right or wrong, all or nothing. The reality is life isn’t so black and white. When I give myself the grace to look at the need in the moment, the resources I have, the energy I possess, I do the best I can and that is enough. It is not a success or failure. It just is. And that is okay.
Best part of your day:
To wake my son up every morning, I crawl into his bed while he is still sleeping. Sometimes I think my heart might explode when I hear his sweet, sleeping breath and feel his warm, cozy body. These precious moments help me start my day with such perspective and deep gratitude. (The hardest part of my day: getting out of that warm, cozy bed!)
How are you practicing self-care?
I set strict boundaries and priorities to ensure I have the time I need to find physical and mental space. This includes promptly leaving on weekdays to cherish family time. I make exercising and sleep a priority so my body and mind have a fighting chance to manage day-to-day stress. And I purposefully disconnect by doing monthly social media fasts every quarter. Sometimes the best self-care is not what I think I want (i.e., scrolling to find the next cool influencer on Insta) but what I most deeply need (to truly disconnect from the external, digital world).
Any hobbies?
I love reading — self-help, business, parenting, and the occasional fiction. Right now, I am reading “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World” by Cal Newport. Next, I am planning on reading “UFOs: Generals, Pilots, and Government Officials Go on the Record” by Leslie Kean.
I also am an expert bath taker with bath salts, candles, a Spotify spa channel, glass of wine and a good book.
My husband, son and I love to go hiking and go on scavenger hunts in the wild.
Surprising fact about you:
We catch and release spiders in our house. We have this cool contraption that helps us catch them. It even has a magnifying glass so we can get an up close and personal look before we release the little guy or gal back into the wild.
Do you still seek out mentors or mentees?
ABSOLUTELY. I have several formal and many more informal mentors that I learn so much from. I also love mentoring young women and building deep, meaningful relationships as they navigate life. I learn as much from my mentees as I do my mentors.
How do you stay motivated?
Knowing my purpose, my deeper “why” and my core values. And that tomorrow is a new day with a fresh start to try again.
Thing you’re most proud of:
Being a mom to my son and intentionally working to raise him to be a loving, accepting, inclusive and gracious young man with purpose.
You can view Erin’s page in the Leading Ladies segment of the 2020 3W Magazine here.