Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisabeth DiCicco.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Elisabeth. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m originally from the Greater Boston area. Went to a small all-girls school for high school where I was able to travel to England and Italy… found travel to be life-changing for me. Went to Boston University for undergrad, and studied again in London my last year in college. Started my first job out of school with Starwood hotels – was always attracted to travel. But for the type of career I was interested in (Marketing, Account Management – working directly with clients and internal cross-functional teams), I needed to move into an advertising agency. So, a year later, I accepted an entry-level position with Digitas – I’m still part of the organization (in a different agency within the larger holding company). The same week I started with Digitas I also started a part-time MBA program at Northeastern University. A year and a half later, I finished my MBA and then transferred with my company to the NYC office – I was 25 years old and it had been a dream of mine since I was 4 years old to live in NYC. I lived and worked there for 6 years. I then was offered an opportunity to transfer to the London office – so, I happily accepted and lived and worked there for 3 years.
When I decided I wanted to come back to the States, I also decided I wanted to move into a different type of role within my company. So, I then transferred to Digitas Health in NYC. It was a hard transition initially, but it was the right one for me long-term. I lived in NYC for another 6 years but moved back to Boston in June 2016 to be closer to family (I have 2 nephews ages 5 and 3). I’ve continued to stay with my company – although it wasn’t the plan for me to continue being in NYC and Philadelphia, I’ve been commuting there weekly… actively trying to change that balance but it’s been a challenge. It’s hard to build a life in a city when you don’t actually work there. I’m now at a crossroads because I’m good at my job and worked hard throughout my career, but I’m looking for my personal life to grow (relationship, my own family). Also, because I’ve traveled a lot in my life, when people came to visit I’d play “tour guide” and absolutely loved it. After moving back to Boston, I joined a volunteer organization called Boston by Foot that leads walking tours in the city. I love it, love history and love meeting new people and sharing stories. So, I’m now trying to figure out how to bring in more of the travel aspect I like but doing that in the city I live in. Change is hard, and none of us have a crystal ball, but for me, I feel like I’m at another big transition point in my life… just trying to do it in a way that works for me but doesn’t close doors or burn bridges I’ve worked hard to create.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not smooth – life doesn’t always go according to plan… but that doesn’t mean it’s not the right path for you. I believe that you can put up with most things for about a year, but if you’ve been unhappy doing something for a year, it’s time to make a change. I’m the worst with this, but there is an element of faith you need to have in yourself, and that things will work out… it won’t likely play out in the way you thought… but you’ll learn while on the journey.
Please tell us about your business.
I am a Vice President of Resource Management for Publicis Health (manages staffing, determines the right casting for a need while balancing the financial aspect of the business, all while trying to address the career desires of the employees). Because of my time in Account Management leading the client relationship while also directing the internal cross-functional teams, I know the different roles well, as well as what clients are looking for. I actually helped introduce the function into a number of the agencies within Publicis Health (it was already an established function in Digitas Health but there are a dozen other agencies within the Health division). I am known for being a great historian (I’ve seen it all), and I’m a problem-solver. I’m good at listening to all sides of the situation and then objectively and diplomatically recommending multiple solutions and potential outcomes to consider. I’m also good at relating to others – although I’ve always been very strong with the financial side of the business, ultimately I know it all comes down to people, making sure they feel heard, and empowered.
Who have you been inspired by?
My Mom – she is loving and honest and always watching out for others. My Dad – whose work ethic I inherited… he believes you shouldn’t do something unless you do it well. My dance teachers – I studied dance for 20+ years and they taught me discipline and that with hard work you can continue to grow and love what you’re doing. My English teacher in 9th grade – she is the one who led class trips to England & Italy that changed my life… she is an inspiring teacher and now the dean of my old high school. And I’ve had two bosses in my career that influenced how I thought about my career and journey… one told me early on that I’m pure potential and that stuck with me. The other always encouraged me to carve out the path I want – that can be a lot scarier to do and easier said than done, but only you can make you happy.
Image Credit:
my dog Castro, Karine, Andy, Kari, Erin
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