6 Career Lessons You Need To Hear From Ally Bank CMO Andrea Brimmer

The constantly evolving nature of the job market can be intimidating to those trying to stand out and find success. Many end up using this opportunity to pursue an unconventional path, which can end up being the key to reaching their goals.

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In the case of Ally Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer Andrea Brimmer, the challenges of her career path show that the climb to C-suite can be a transformative path and not always simple.

“There’s no linear path right to the top,” said Brimmer in a Live Richer Podcast episode . “You need to take a lot of left turns and a lot of right turns because you accumulate a lot of different experiences throughout that journey.” In the interview, she discusses how the challenges of following this winding career path still resulted in great career and personal growth.

Here are six unexpected lessons she learned along the way that can help you excel in your career.

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Accept the Unexpected

Brimmer had previously spent 20 years in advertising before joining Ally Bank, formerly GMAC Bank. She faced a major pay cut and a demotion in exchange for the opportunity to build her own marketing organization from scratch. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks for what could be a transformative opportunity.

“I never would’ve been prepared for the things this job has thrown at me … if it wasn’t for the accumulation of really interesting and odd experiences that I had along that journey,” she said.

There are many routes to success. Brimmer advises taking intentional turns in your career to accumulate diverse experiences. Each twist and turn can contribute valuable skills to your professional toolkit and experience.

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‘Embrace the Slop’

“Embrace the slop,” said Brimmer. “All the good stuff happens in the gray.” Brimmer strongly believes that a lot of progress can be made in uncertain situations and that striving for perfection can be very limiting in a career.

“I never would’ve been prepared for the things the world has thrown at brands if it wasn’t for the accumulation of really interesting and odd experiences that I had along that journey,” she said. Embracing the chaos can lead to innovation and teach you to bounce back in the worst of times.

Leverage Your Skills and Keep on Improving

As a former varsity collegiate athlete, Brimmer applied strategies learned in soccer to her business career, such as competitiveness, leadership, and teamwork. Unique experiences, even those outside of your industry, can provide valuable skills that can be transferable later down the line.

In Brimmer’s time as a varsity soccer player, she learned that, “You have to draw on your intestinal fortitude and get it done. And that same thing happens, as you know, in business all the time.”

She believes maintaining an insatiable appetite for improvement will benefit your career. “I think from sports, I have an insatiable appetite for never settling,” she said.

Brimmer credits her constant drive for improvement and new projects to her desire to keep Ally Bank innovative and culturally relevant. Always be on the lookout for improvements you can make personally and in your career space. You never know what you can learn from other brands, people or businesses.

Make Bold Moves

Under Brimmer’s leadership, Ally Bank pledged to spend equally on men’s and women’s sports, which significantly boosted the brand’s valuation and trust metrics. This bold move essentially created a path of growth for Ally Bank, and it’s something that can be applied to any career. “I think it was just the right thing to do in the world and it helped us show up in the right ways in many regards.” Don’t be afraid to make those changes that are important to you because you could be unknowingly speaking up for many who will support your initiative.

Seek Mentorship

She emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship throughout your career. “Having great mentors in the banking industry was so helpful to me,” she recalled. “So yeah, I’m a big believer of not only having a mentor but being a mentor as well.” Guidance and support go both ways, and it can accelerate your professional growth while helping others gain your valuable insights along the way.

Use Your Position for Good

Brimmer takes pride in charitable initiatives and the positive impact her company has had on underrepresented communities. “I just look at the way that we have changed people’s lives and we’ve changed the communities where we work and we live,” she said. Look for unconventional ways to make a difference beyond your job description. It can be very gratifying and could even lead to professional recognition as well.

Brimmer’s journey from athletics to advertising to banking demonstrates that success often comes from embracing the opportunities presented to you, even when they don’t fit a predetermined career plan. By incorporating these unconventional strategies into your career approach, you can set yourself apart and create a unique path to success that’s completely your own.

Remember, your dream career may not follow a straight line. You may find yourself somewhere different from where you envisioned, and that’s okay. Be open to unexpected turns, new experiences, and always strive for growth. Your drive and willingness to take the road less traveled could lead to extraordinary professional opportunities and personal satisfaction.

Amen Oyiboke-Osifo contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 6 Career Lessons You Need To Hear From Ally Bank CMO Andrea Brimmer