Azizi is an integrated marketing communication professional with a unique blend of over 10 years of experience in sales, marketing, and advertising. She is also a brand marketer and was an award-winning art director. Her art direction credits include creating content for brands such as BMW of North America, Publix Super Markets, Nationwide Insurance, and AT&T. A self-starter and entrepreneurial leader, she provides innovative solutions, concepts, and ideas that solve challenges and problems in the market place.
She has created and executed large-scale demand generation campaigns inclusive of email marketing tactics, landing pages, and direct marketing communication for Fortune 100 firms with their channel partners. Azizi’s combined local, national and digital marketing experience has positioned her to create meaningful value to the clients she serves.
Please share your career story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Early in my career, I landed at IBM as an Enterprise Systems sales rep. While at IBM, I served in various roles and was selected to participate in their first leadership development program which gave me the opportunity to explore my creative abilities. This led me to pursue a graduate certification in Art Direction at Portfolio Center. I interned at Leo Burnett in Chicago, IL and then I took an Art Director job at a multicultural ad agency where I produced countless Broadcast TV and Print content for major corporations. I received an Atlanta Addy Award for a Publix Black History Month Consumer Print Ad honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
After several years, I took a leap of faith and launched my own business working with a variety of solopreneurs and small-to-medium-size businesses producing video ad, web, and marketing content. I also managed a small freelance staff as needed. In the midst of a recession, I made the decision to get back into the workforce. Even though I enjoyed my creative career, entrepreneurship changed me – providing me more of a “big picture” generalist mindset. I decided to put my newfound skills to use on the account/project management side of the business.
As an entrepreneur and small business owner, relationships became the cornerstone of my business. My ability to listen and connect authentically gave me an opportunity to provide meaningful solutions to clients. I gained firsthand knowledge and the importance of nurturing customer relationships and connecting with customers on an emotional level. This allowed me to become more effective in delivering marketing services. My diverse background in sales, marketing, advertising, and entrepreneurship, makes me uniquely qualified to provide strategic direction, brand communication, and exceptional client management services.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My greatest growth has occurred during adversity. Each step of the way, I have learned my value and worth. I have gained some of my most valuable lessons as an entrepreneur – especially discovering how to survive through a recession. It taught me how to become a problem solver, acquire a keen sense of salesmanship, and develop a generalist perspective.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is making a difference. It’s striving for that moment when what you have said or done has had an impact – creating a ripple effect that stretches far and wide. It feels good to know that the way I choose to show up and share my skills and talents will leave a lasting impression on a person, project, or company.