Clay Ostrom

What do I love most about my work?

Solving complex problems and helping people get clarity around the direction and unique qualities of their business.

What do I think is the biggest misconception newcomers often have about my field of work?

That brand strategy is just about pretty visuals, ____ and helping them see the importance of strategy and research.

What do I think is the biggest threat to my industry and/or field of work?

AI is a threat on some level for every strategic and creative role. We're embracing it and finding ways to leverage AI to support and elevate our work.

What is your personal approach for maintaining work-life satisfaction?

In terms of entrepreneurship you get all kinds of amazing benefits around freedom and control of your time ‚______ but it comes with the cost of risk and having to work extremely hard. I'm a big believer in setting limits on my time and making sure I keep a health balance with family time, exercise, meditation, and getting outside.

How do I think people in my field should adapt to stay relevant throughout their career?

One of the most valuable things to invest in is understanding people and psychology. Tech advances extremely fast, tools and tactics change frequently, but people overall stay largely the same. If you can get good at understanding how people behave you'll have a level of job security for your career.

Looking back, what's one thing I wish I knew about my field before I started?

That research is both a way to ground your work and get incredible insights about your customers and it's a fantastic trust builder with new clients. It removes the guesswork and gives you real data to inform decisions and recommendations.

What POV do I bring to the table that challenges the status quo of my industry?

NEEDS REFINEMENT - HOW DOES THIS CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO?

That there are ways we can quantify and measure the value of brands and use that to intelligently improve our respective positions in the market.

Insights on what working in my specific role within my field entails, including common practices and expectations.

Insights into work environments and cultural standards of my industry, crucial for working effectively in diverse settings.

Insights on the various routes and opportunities for advancement in your industry, including the steps and decisions required for progression.

Strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being.

Insights on the necessary training, skills, and qualifications for success in my field, along with strategies for navigating educational pathways.

Insights on new technologies impacting your field and how to stay current, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation.

Strategies for successful collaboration in team settings and project environments, focusing on teamwork and cooperative problem-solving.

Insights on developing and promoting a personal brand within my industry, emphasizing the importance of a unique professional identity.

Strategies on the use of social media platforms for career development, networking, and personal branding.