Newman of Simpson Gumpertz: Challenges help you grow

Name: Alexis Newman, MBA Title: Senior Corporate Marketing Specialist Company Name: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. Yrs in Comm. Real Est.: 9 years In the last 12 months, which project, transaction, honor or accomplishment are you most proud of and why? Being elected to the 2014-2015 board of directors for the largest chapter of SMPS (Society for Marketing Professional Services) was a proud accomplishment for me, in large part because I felt it solidified my place among my peers in the A/E/C industry. As director of communications for the New York chapter, I am constantly presented with challenges that help me grow both personally and professionally, and I have the opportunity to lead a committee of amazing, talented volunteers. I was also recently promoted to senior corporate marketing specialist at my firm, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger. What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? Having come from a purely scientific educational background, my biggest fear was allowing my lack of industry knowledge to hold me back professionally. I soon conquered this fear by taking the next step in my pursuit of applicable knowledge. I completed a fully-employed MBA program, graduating with an MBA in Marketing (with Honors) from Pepperdine's Graziadio School of Business & Management. What is your favorite quote? I have two favorite quotes: i."The question isn't who's going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." ~Ayn Rand ii."I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life." ~Maya Angelou What are you doing differently in 2014 that has had positive impact on your career? I am facing challenges head-on on by taking on tasks that I am not 100% confident I know how to do. It has definitely helped me grow and learn and I feel that it has contributed to my recent professional accomplishments.