Power Women 2021: Lucie Pathmann
SVP of Corporate Marketing
Westrock Coffee
What’s your secret to success?
I don’t really have a secret. I believe success is about how a person sees themself, not about how others see them. I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors as well as great teammates around me throughout my career. Without those, as well as the support from friends and family, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today. I hope when I’m done, I will look back and think I was somewhat successful. But right now, I feel like I still have a lot I want to do and learn.
What attracted you to your career?
When I participated in the college program at Disney, part of the program included weekly classes on marketing, and it was fascinating to me. When I returned to the U of A, I immediately changed my major to advertising. Luckily, my mom didn’t kill me for losing almost 60 hours and supported my decision!! We now laugh and say it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I absolutely love that I work in a discipline that is constantly changing and that I get to learn something new every day and use it to help tell the story of our brand.
How did you get started in your field?
My first job after college was with CJRW, where I was a media assistant. Over time, I became the main media planner/buyer for our client, Alltel. My client hired me and that’s how I got my start working in marketing.
What do you love best about what you do?
I love the creativity in what I do. I’m a curious person, and that curiosity is constantly fed in my work. It’s fast paced, and no day is the same. I like having goals and having something to work toward and with my work, there’s always a deadline, timeline and something to plan for, which is what drives me and keeps me focused.
What advice would you give to a young
woman starting her career?
Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Always believe it can be done and that you’re the one that can do it. The person in charge of making things better is you.
How did your education prepare you for your
career?
I learned the basics in my schoolwork, but my internships were where the real learning happened. Those prepared me for the “real deal” when I graduated. I also had a great advisor at the U of A. She had been in the real world and taught us about how marketing and advertising worked day-to-day. She took a lot of time with each of her students, giving us real life examples which expanded on what was in the textbooks.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud?
Seeing younger people I’ve managed become successful leaders in the field. There’s no greater accomplishment than to see someone grow as a professional knowing you had a small part of it.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
My friends and family help keep me balanced. I won’t say I maintain work/life balance, but I’m much more aware of it now than when I was younger. I try to make time for my family and friends more than I did when I first started my career, however, I love what I do, so it doesn’t feel like work to me. It’s just a part of who I am and my life.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
I can’t recall any obstacles. Everyone has challenges; it’s all about how you approach them. I’ve learned that with each challenge you learn and hopefully grow as a person, so obstacles usually turn into opportunities.
Do you have a favorite quote?
My mom has always told me, “When God closes a door, He always opens a window. Look for the window.” I love this quote because it forces you to look for the good when things aren’t going your way.
