Get to know us: Ivy Lee, VP of Marketing
Image credit: Sensibill
In Part 2 of our Leadership Series, we introduce you to Ivy Lee! Read on to learn more about Ivy and what led to her role as VP of Marketing at Sensibill.
Favourite food: Chips (multitude of flavours)
Favourite place: My home with my family
Last book you read: Currently reading Becoming by Michelle Obama. I highly recommend Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Favourite quote: “Be like water” - Bruce Lee
Tell us about yourself (you know, where you grew up, what you studied in college, your hopes and dreams, that sort of thing!)
I’ve spent the past 20+ years in technology marketing, and have worked for multiple companies during their height - including Microsoft in the 1990s and BlackBerry in the 2000’s. Currently, you’ll find me raising three teenage boys with my partner, Jamie. It’s so hard to keep the fridge full! When I’m not working, I love watching sports, doing yoga, and cooking. Food is big in my family.
What was your very first job in marketing?
My first role was working the bilingual help line at Microsoft. That role taught me the value of empathy in delivering exceptional customer service, but it also spurred my passion for working in technology!
What drove you to pursue a career in marketing and technology?
While at Microsoft, I found myself progressing and taking on new roles within the company, leaving a good impression after each internship to secure new roles within the company. As I progressed, I moved into product and channel marketing, and knew that marketing was my calling. When it comes to tech, I love the pace of it and the impact it has on our daily lives.
What was your first big career accomplishment or win?
I’m incredibly proud to have played a role in helping build the BlackBerry brand from its inception to becoming a global, household name. It might surprise you to hear this, but we were a little company with no budget, competing against giants like Motorola and Nokia!
We used creative marketing and strong brand fundamentals to create a phenomenon, and I could really feel the impact of the brand we created when I was in Manhattan and everyone was walking around with a BlackBerry. I knew we created something special.
What’s the most important thing, in your opinion, that a company can do to support its employees?
Match a person’s career ambitions with the goals of the company for a win/win! I believe that, 9 times out of 10, both can be accomplished. When you help people grow, they are engaged and committed to the success of your company.
Top 3 accessories on your desk right now?
I have this wooden sculpture of a wise man that used to belong to my father. It reminds me to constantly learn and seek wisdom. It also reminds me of my dad’s work ethic; he owned and ran his own restaurant for 44 years. I saw the pride he had in his work and it’s inspirational. I also have a jade plant that symbolizes wealth and prosperity while also giving off some much needed oxygen! And, of course, coffee. Coffee is amazing. Why is it soooo good?!
Any causes you’re passionate about? Why did you want to join Sensibill, and what do you hope to accomplish here?
Enabling and coaching teams is a passion of mine - it brings the greatest satisfaction because you get to see people grow in their roles and careers, which is incredibly fulfilling! I’m also passionate about supporting diversity and inclusion and women in leadership, and that’s why I joined Sensibill. We believe in and actively support both values.