For this featured member, impact strategist Avery Blank, the biggest risk imaginable is missing out on an opportunity. A self-proclaimed “bulldog ballerina,” she is fearless and driven, elegant and persevering, a solid example of how to chart one’s career with passion and integrity, how to work for a client or company without getting worked over. The scope of her experience speaks as much to her talent as it does to her insatiable curiosity. We are so excited to introduce you to her here.
Tell us your work story : Who are you and what do you do?
I help organizations advocate and strategically position themselves for opportunities. I am a Contributor with Forbes and the World Economic Forum, as well as an advisor to The Wilson Center’s Women in Public Service Project.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
Taking control of my career and steering it in a direction where I could leverage my legal training and combine it with my passion for strategy, leadership, and women’s issues.
What is the hardest challenge you’ve faced, work wise?
Owning my integrity and saying “no” to people in power about things I felt were inappropriate.
What advice do you have for other women who are looking to make a career change but are afraid or lack confidence? How is it on the other side?
“Risk is losing the opportunity, not failing in the attempt.” This is the mantra by which I live my life. Rethink risk. The risk may be greater in staying put than making the change that you want. You know more than you think. And you are smart enough to figure out what you don’t know.
Do you have any advice on how to craft a winning pitch?
Learn as much as you can about the organization (potential client) to identify their challenges and priorities and be able to address them.
What continues to draw you to your chosen field and what do you hope to accomplish in the years ahead?
One of my core beliefs is fairness. This is what energizes me to support women in male-dominated professions and organizations that are committed to the advancement of women.
If you could tell your younger self one thing about what this professional journey would be like, what would you tell her?
“Your degree does not define you, it enables you.”
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
Focus on them, not you. Think about how you can add value to the client, user, or customer.
How do you make work work for you?
Doing work that I am passionate about.
Do you want to be a Second Shift Featured Member? Submit your photo and fill out the questionnaire today!