'You Don't Have to Fit In,' Says Andreia Abud
Andreia Abud discusses the value of diverse life experiences in marketing and shares guidance for early-career professionals.
In an interview on Marketing - The Podcast, Andreia Abud discusses social inclusion in the advertising and sales industries. She explains how diverse backgrounds enrich corporate environments and advises early-career talent to embrace their personal journeys.
Andreia Abud, CMDO at Felina and board member at CONAR, spoke with Bruno Gimenes on Marketing - The Podcast about the role of social inclusion initiatives and educational programs in bridging new talent with the advertising, marketing, and sales industries. The discussion is part of a broader episode focused on transformations across media and business.
Diverse experiences and responsible inclusion
Assessing the entry of professionals from vocational degrees and underrepresented backgrounds, Abud emphasizes that diverse perspectives directly enrich communication team outcomes. For her, educational backgrounds should not be restricted to those who attended private schools or elite traditional universities, as varied life experiences offer vital insights for creative work and strategic thinking.
"Value your story, because when you enter a space, you don't have to fit into it. You have to add to it, right?" Abud highlights. According to her, inclusion initiatives require structured follow-through so organizations are truly equipped to welcome and develop this talent: "I think there is a huge responsibility when taking on an initiative like this, because it's not just about inclusion, but about mentoring and ensuring that work environments have the capacity to support people." Abud also reinforces the need for stronger direct ties between educational institutions and companies.
Professional mindset, resilience, and focus
When asked about key skills for those looking to advance in media, advertising, or sales, Abud argues that commitment and resilience carry more weight than purely academic knowledge. "It's much easier to explain technical or academic concepts than it is to build essential qualities like resilience, self-confidence, trust, self-worth, and honesty," she explains.
She recalls instances of mentoring professionals who felt hesitant in unfamiliar corporate settings: "I've seen situations with programs at Macan where people would say, 'Look, Andreia, I just don't feel comfortable going into that space.'" In response, Abud advises professionals to recognize the value of their hard work and confidently claim their space. In the video above, you can watch the full conversation and explore her detailed advice for emerging industry talent.