tracy ford (she/her)
creative leader ~ storyteller ~ seasoned writer
from server to servant leader ...
I've held a variety of jobs over the years—and worked alongside a number of co-pals and personalities—and I learned valuable lessons from each and every one. These are just a few anecdotal insights from my journey. If you'd like more details about my actual experience, check out my resume. Or, better yet, reach out and say hey.
newspaper delivery
(aka paper girl)
My very first job was delivering newspapers and one of the stops on my route was a nursing home. To be honest, everyone seemed so sad and it smelled really, really bad. But after running in and out for months to avoid something that was uncomfortable for me, I caught the eye of a woman in a wheelchair, and I realized that she was waiting for me—every day. I usually just dropped the paper and rushed off, but after that, I made sure to stop, smile and say hello. It never went any deeper, but it made all the difference, for both of us.
Life lessons: Giving good service just feels good. Whether you realize it or not, people are counting on you. Feeling appreciated makes you want to overdeliver.
the restaurant biz
You could say I went from delivering newspapers to delivering memorable dining experiences. Serving was hard work, but I was a natural. I took very good care of my tables—and my teammates’ tables too. I didn’t just take orders, I helped people celebrate special occasions (or skip having to cook for the night). I developed a gift for bringing guests what they needed or wanted before they even had to ask.
When I was recruited by Kohl’s, the VP Creative Director I interviewed with looked at my resume and said, “Well, if you waited tables, and you were good at it, you can do anything.” I think he may have been right.
Life lessons: Put others first. Anticipate needs. Read. The. Room.
copywriter, copy editor, copy manager: all-around copy guru
When I landed my first job as a copywriter, I thought I’d be working with the legal team and copyrights—not writing advertising copy and brand campaigns. And I’m a smart chick. The fact that I didn’t know what I was getting myself into yet was eager to hit the ground running and spend the time needed to learn what I didn’t know only endeared me to my first boss.
It also didn’t hurt that I was a good writer. Being able to write well is being able to communicate clearly, effectively and with genuine empathy. That’s more important than ever in the times we’re living in. There’s compassion in being real and conversational, so that’s how I connect with creatives, customers and clients alike. And no matter how great of a wordsmith you think you are, everyone needs a great editor. I have a gift for guiding writers and editors alike through all kinds of copy conundrums until they ultimately get to just the right message. I’m like Siri for brand voice.
Life lessons: You may not be in the place you planned for, but it might be exactly where you’re supposed to be. There’s power in admitting that you don’t know everything, especially if you’re willing to learn. Having strong written and verbal communication skills is a game changer for any career.