ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Hey Trailblazers! Welcome back to Women in Tech Trailblazers. Tiffany Benitez here, and today's guest had us taking notes before we even hit record. Meet Addie Ventris, a senior marketing strategist and brand architect with nearly 20 years of experience across defense tech, economic development, and consumer retail. She builds brands for a living and today she is building yours.
We get right into the thing nobody talks about enough: imposter syndrome and the guilt women feel about sharing their wins. Addie flips the whole script. It is not about saying "look at me." It is about saying "look at what I created and here is how you can do it too." That one shift changes everything about how you show up in your career.
Addie also drops a formula that is simple enough to start this week. Three wins and one lesson, tracked and shared on your own terms. "Think of your self-promotion as a living, breathing resume." And the lesson piece? That is where the real community gets built.
There is also a conversation in here about the gap between doing great work and being known for great work. Spoiler: those are two very different things, and only one of them gets you promoted.
Here are the key takeaways:
(4:08) What authenticity looks like without the mask
(5:48) Why talking about your wins feels so hard
(7:22) The branding piece most people ignore
(8:36) Why your work needs a personal cheerleader
(11:28) Getting comfortable with being seen
(14:26) The three wins and one lesson method
(18:16) Building an elevator pitch people remember
(19:29) Why your title is not enough
(22:12) Writing down wins when you forget your value
(23:49) Doing great work vs. being known for it
(27:03) Keep going, keep growing
(28:01) Why women need to open doors for women
(29:39) Choosing the circle that reminds you
Addie closes with something we are still thinking about: make space at the table for the woman next to you. Say her name. Refer her name. Three times. If you are ready to be seen for the work you are already doing, do not miss this one. Subscribe, share, and we will see you next time, Trailblazers!
About Addie Ventris
Addie Ventris is a marketing strategist and brand architect with over 19 years of experience across defense technology, economic development, and retail. She spent more than a decade leading marketing operations at Tactical Electronics, building strategies for tactical and military audiences. She also served as Director of Marketing for the Tulsa Initiative at the George Kaiser Family Foundation, supporting workforce development and economic growth efforts. Today, Addie works as a strategic marketing consultant, helping brands connect strategy, execution, and growth.
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About Tiffany Benitez
Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.
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Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be considered other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.
