I was general manager of a start-up air ambulance business in Arusha, Tanzania. I also have done fundraising for nonprofits, waited tables (and washed plenty of dishes), created marketing communications strategies for charity schools and a tech company, and sold wedding dresses.
Go behind the scenes to learn about the people and the culture that set First American apart.
First American colleagues bring unique backgrounds, cultural traditions, and work experiences to their roles. Having these diverse perspectives is the reason First American has been recognized as a Fortune “Best Workplace in New York” and “Best Workplace for Millennials” for more than five years.
In this series, The Faces of Finance, we get to know First American colleagues by asking them about the career paths, skillsets, and motivations that drive their success.
Read on to hear from Meghan Cleary, Vice President in Marketing, who joined First American in 2019.
What did you do prior to working at First American?
How did you hear about First American?
My friend Laura Le, Executive Assistant, encouraged me to apply for a marketing position, but I was extremely hesitant. I knew nothing about leasing and financing, which I admit didn’t sound terribly interesting to me after working overseas.
Which three things were most important to get to where you are today?
Having a supportive team; feeling empowered to take calculated risks and being allowed to fail; and taking pride in my work without taking myself or the job too seriously.
What does a typical workday look like?
No two days are alike, which is one of my favorite things about my job. I determine the go-to-market strategy for three teams, and each is different. Sometimes I’m working on a social media campaign, or writing emails, or researching cool swag items to send to strategic prospects. Sometimes I might do all three of those things in one day. I am never bored!
What are your favorite projects?
At First American, we look to earn relationships with prospects and clients. I love making sure that my colleagues’ personal brands shine through in their prospecting efforts.
What motivates you?
I really enjoy collaborating and turning ideas into reality.
Is there a challenge you are currently facing?
The world moves fast and the rate of change is difficult to keep up with. Marketing requires a lot of planning, but you also must be willing to pivot and react quickly based on internal and external factors. I’m working on mastering the art of strategic nimbleness.
What would you tell a prospective colleague about working at FAEF?
That it’s a place where you can add value from any role.
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