A long-time partner and supporter of the Greater Phoenix Chamber’s ATHENA Awards, Ideas Collide is thrilled to participate in the 36th annual award ceremony, which recognizes women in business who exhibit excellence in their field, devotion to the success of others, and initiative in their profession.
Encouraging unity and promoting empowerment amongst women in business, the ATHENA Awards is more than just an award ceremony – it’s a source of inspiration for women across the valley. Since its inception, 65 women have received the award, including our co-founder Rebecca Clyde.
Intertwined in our culture and DNA, Ideas Collide believes in building a community where our team members, partners, and community members feel supported and welcomed. We provide several resources and tools for our women team members to grow and engage, including team benefits (paid leave), internal initiatives (training and development, mentorship), and community connections to advance their network and insight. We value the growth and success of women across all community and business industries.
In light of the upcoming award ceremony, we sat down with Ideas Collide’s COO Karem Planas and Senior Account Directors Rita Rabbani and Brynne Curran to discuss their professional experiences, advice they have for the next generation of businesswomen, and what obstacles remain for women in business today.
Meet Karem Planas
What is the best professional advice you’ve received relevant to your industry?
KP: The best professional advice I’ve received, especially relevant to my background in PR and Marketing, is always to prioritize authenticity and relationships. In PR and Marketing, building and maintaining genuine connections with clients, partners, and colleagues is invaluable. People appreciate sincerity, and it’s the key to fostering trust and lasting partnerships.
What would be your advice to the next generation of women looking to go above and beyond in their profession?
KP: My advice to the next generation of women looking to go above and beyond in their profession is to focus on opportunities to add value and solve problems. It’s crucial to identify areas where you can make a meaningful impact and contribute positively to your organization or industry. Don’t hesitate to step into leadership roles or take on challenging projects. Your unique perspective and experiences are assets that can drive innovation and positive change.
As a female leader, what’s one thing you should never compromise on in the workplace?
KP: As a female leader, one thing I believe we should never compromise on in the workplace is our self-worth and values. It’s essential to stand firm on principles and ethics, even when facing difficult decisions or external pressures. Upholding your integrity will earn respect and set a high standard for those around you.
One of the main focuses of the Athena Awards is mentorship. Who in your own life has had an impact on your professional career, and why?
KP: Mentorship has played a significant role in my professional journey. My parents have had a profound impact on my career. Both Cuban exiles, they understood the value of education, hard work, perseverance, and character. Their example, wisdom, and unwavering support were instrumental in helping me navigate challenges and make strategic career choices. Their willingness to be vulnerable, their championing, and their resourcefulness have influenced my leadership style as well. My mom has since passed, but I often reach out to my dad for perspective when I need to make tough decisions or want a fresh creative outlook.
As a female leader, what barriers have you had to overcome, and what obstacles remain for women in leadership roles?
KP: Early in my career, I was told that a peer whom I outperformed deserved a higher salary because he was head of household and I had a husband with a job at Intel. There has been significant progress made in this area, but if the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions remains, we will continue to face challenges. I admire Ideas Collide founders for our agency’s commitment to diversity at all levels of the organization and for ensuring many perspectives are at the decision-making table.
Meet Brynne Curran
What is the best professional advice you’ve received relevant to your industry?
BC: The marketing landscape is constantly evolving. To keep your brands relevant, you must adapt your strategies to appeal, relate, and reach your target audience – otherwise, your brands risk becoming irrelevant and forgotten.
What would be your advice to the next generation of women looking to go above and beyond in their profession?
BC: I’d tell them to raise their hand for new opportunities, build advocacy among coworkers, and above all, stay curious and ask for feedback. When you operate from a growth mindset and utilize occasional career setbacks as a learning opportunity, you become a stronger leader.
As a female leader, what’s one thing you should never compromise on in the workplace?
BC: Your integrity – when you build trust, encourage open communication, and take accountability for your actions, you inspire your team members to do the same.
One of the main focuses of the Athena Awards is mentorship. Who in your own life has had an impact on your professional career, and why?
BC: It sounds cliché, but I’d have to say my father has had one of the biggest impacts on my professional career. He was the one who encouraged me to try a marketing summer internship after my freshmen year of college, which I ended up loving, and it served as a catalyst to pursue a career in marketing. He’s also inspired me to become a leader people want to work for – by instilling a positive mindset and seeking ways to spark creativity and team collaboration.
As a female leader, what barriers have you had to overcome, and what obstacles remain for women in leadership roles?
BC: Earlier in my career, there were times when I had to navigate through some ‘boys club’ senior leadership cultures but I’d say the bigger barriers I’ve had to overcome have been related to some of my past managers I’ve encountered a lot of different styles from the micro managers to bullies, and while challenging at the time – I’ve learned a lot from those experiences on what not to do when it comes to motivating/coaching direct reports In terms of what barriers remain for women in leadership roles, it really depends on the industry and company culture when it comes to opportunities, promotions and salaries.
Meet Rita Rabbani
What is the best professional advice you’ve received relevant to your industry?
RR: “Focus on the reality, not the drama.” This simple statement helps me weed out the noise and make decisions based on the situation.
What would be your advice to the next generation of women looking to go above and beyond in their profession?
RR: Seek opportunities to mentor and sponsor others along your journey. Building these meaningful relationships has given me great fulfillment in my life.
As a female leader, what’s one thing you should never compromise on in the workplace?
RR: Never compromise your authenticity.
One of the main focuses of the Athena Awards is mentorship. Who in your own life has had an impact on your professional career, and why?
RR: My mom has given me great advice throughout my life. She encouraged me to be true to myself professionally, from my wardrobe to my communication and leadership styles. Her encouragement continues to push me to approach my career with confidence and in my unique way, allowing me to stand out from the crowd.
As a female leader, what barriers have you had to overcome, and what obstacles remain for women in leadership roles?
RR: I’ve focused on staying true to myself in my work despite others’ suggestions or, at times, disapproval. We thrive when surrounded by various personalities, leadership styles, and communication styles. The more people lead in a way that comes authentically to them, the more we pave the way for others to lead in their way, allowing for richer professional environments.
Ideas Collide is committed to the growth of women in business and works hard to encourage professional advancement. Get in touch and learn more about how we drive success and promote equality both inside the workplace and out.
