INTERVIEW WITH NADEZHDA BEAUMONT (MARKETING MANAGER AT MOSAIC FOSTER CARE

Personal Journey 

WIDD Network: How did you discover your passion for Marketing and what steps did you take to pursue it? 

Nadezhda: My passion for marketing really developed from my passion for acting. I adore networking, presenting and being in front of a camera (so UGC is right up my street). Having completed a degree in theatre, I came back home a little lost as to what I was going to do- I was a classic example of “I'm going to be an actress when I grow up” who was now, well, grown up and very much bewildered as to how I was going to be an actress. Starting in visitor attractions as an actor, I worked my way through the ranks until I found myself managing the performance team at SeaLife London. Here I managed a diverse team, creating informative content and diving (pun intended) into the world of social media. Covid and motherhood led me to transition, and I can confidently say, I’ve found my passion in marketing. It’s all about storytelling, connecting, and embracing the unexpected – much like a captivating performance. I am now a Marketing Manager who aims to help brand elevate their content, utilising social media to tell the stories of their clients and build trust. I am a big believer in self-development and so even now I am constantly learning.  

Challenges and Growth

WIDD Network: What has been the most challenging aspect of your career, and how did you overcome it? 

 Nadezhda: Honestly, I find mastering the delicate dance of work-life balance challenging, especially since re-entering the workforce after maternity leave. Add in a tiny human who needs you and doesn’t understand why mummy is always on her laptop and it becomes a challenge. Striking that balance is really important to me, both professionally and as a mother aiming to set an inspiring example for my daughter. I want my daughter to see that her mother is tenacious in her career and extremely ambitious. Yet I am acutely aware of my responsibility to shape someone else’s childhood. Navigating this complex balancing act, alongside the unique challenges faced by working mothers, has been an ongoing journey of growth and development for me.  

Mentorship and Learning

WIDD Network: Have you had a mentor who played a crucial role in your career? How did they impact your professional development? 

 Nadezhda: My journey in the marketing industry has been shaped by some incredible role models, both personally and in my professional life – true ‘girl bosses’ who define excellence. Being able to witness, learn and implement their work firsthand has been profoundly inspiring. I have also been so fortunate to have some of the most incredible trainers, managers, coaches and leaders who have helped to shape the way I see leadership and manage a team.  Additionally, my upbringing and family are wonderful sounding boards, with a mother who is a true powerhouse having worked in the magazine industry both online and offline and a sister who has a degree in marketing, both have instilled a strong work ethic in me. They are my go-to for valuable advice, drawing from their own challenges and triumphs.  For aspiring marketers, I highly recommend reading Marcus Sheridan’s ‘They Ask, You Answer’ especially if you are wondering how to create a content strategy which brings in leads. It was a real game changer for me when starting out.  

Diversity

WIDD Network: What's your take on diversity? 

Nadezhda: Diversity is something I am really passionate about. I think without having a diverse workforce you will never truly be able to understand who you are targeting. Inclusivity and awareness are also really important to me. A diverse workforce isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about truly understanding and connecting with peoples lives and unique experiences. I firmly believe in giving marginalised voices the space they deserve to be heard. Being diverse is a wonderful thing. It is an essential thing. Something to be recognised and celebrated. I also think that whilst progress has been made, we have some way to go yet in terms of diversification. I could engage in conversations about this topic endlessly.

WIDD Network: What has attracted you to WIDD Network? 

Nadezhda: I was instantly attracted to the WIDD network as a haven to find likeminded individuals, sharing experiences and fostering mutual growth. Building others up and shining a spotlight on each other is important. I feel like as women we have enough to compete with, having a space for celebration and support in navigating the complexities we encounter is appreciated and needed.   

Industry Insights 

WIDD Network: What trends or developments in the industry do you find most exciting or challenging right now? 

Nadezhda: I am really excited about the rise of more authentic content. I know authenticity is a buzzword for 2024 but honestly, I love that anyone can make content now and we are more focused on the ‘realness’ rather than unattainable standards we had been seeing a few years ago. It is refreshing to challenge the consumerist view that constantly urges us to want what others have.  I want to see real people, doing real things. I love the shift to authentic user generate content from the more curated and manicured content of the past decade. On a related note, I think it will be interesting to see where AI goes. If you are interested in learning about AI developments, I would suggest giving the AI collective headed by (one of the most forward-thinking men I’ve met recently) Nadio Granata whose passion for making AI accessible is infectious.  

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

WIDD Network: What advice do you have for young professionals aspiring to excel in Marketing? 

Nadezhda: Trying new things is like adding an exciting new ingredient to your favourite recipe. All the basics are there but adding in something new can elevate the dish – in this case you are the dish. I think people are scared of failing but in my opinion, this is where we grow. Tried a new trend and it got good engagement? Great! A piece of content you thought would really deliver didn’t deliver – even better! You can use this learning to develop and make you and your practice better. I’m all for failing forwards. When the environment is right, people feel comfortable and confident in trying new things, that's when we know we have hit the sweet spot.  

We try, we learn, we implement for next time.  

When networking, I believe in the power move of ‘faking it till you make it’. Pretend you are confident. I know it's sad but I like to do the super(wo)man pose in the mirror before I meet with clients or go into job interviews. A trick I learnt from a general manager.  

Legacy and Future Goals

WIDD Network: How do you envision the impact of your work in the long term, and what legacy do you hope to leave? 

Nadezhda: My dream is to set up my own social media marketing agency with a laser focus on helping female leaders and business owners find their social voice. Picture this: women returning to the workforce after embracing motherhood and fierce female entrepreneurs stepping into the startup arena, both feeling empowered in their social media. I have experienced the fear being in both of these situations and want to help others to take the leap. I hope to empower women to know that they can be in control of their business AND their home-life. To build a tribe of these powerful women, uniting a community of powerhouse female business owners. Imagine a network of likeminded individuals all focused on crafting a killer online presence and being the person others look up to in any room they walk into.   

Living, learning and evolving the social media game, one post at a time.  

Personal Insights 

WIDD Network: Outside of work, what hobbies or activities bring you joy and recharge your creativity? 

Nadezhda: Beyond the professional arena, I have quite a diverse set of interests. I perform locally to where I live, rekindling my love for the arts. I am also a qualified diver (I would live in the sea like a little fish if I could) and so whenever I am able (and feasible- the water here in the Uk is pretty cold) I like to put on my tank and mask and marvel at everything the ocean has to offer. Sustainability is really important to me and teaching others to respect the environment is a big thing for me.  

WIDD Network: Is there a mantra or guiding principle that you live by in both your personal and professional life? 

Nadezhda: I believe it was the great RuPaul who said “What other people say about you is none of your business” and I try to keep this in mind as I'm an over-thinker. It’s hard when you are trying to be your authentic self to know you may get backlash for this. Aside from that I really live by the mantra ‘this too shall pass’ whenever I'm finding something hard.  

WIDD Network: Who inspires you (your inspirational woman or man (alive or not)? 

I am really inspired by Steven Bartlett. I really love what he stands for and was lucky enough to see him in conversation last year. His story and ethos is so inspirational. I am also really inspired by Greta Thunberg, to be so dedicated to something at such a young age and to be able to reach the public with this message of hope is just incredible.  

WIDD Network: What’s your favourite quote 

Oh, and my current favourite quote? “Surround yourself with people who would mention your name in a room full of opportunities.” It’s the vibe I’m living by right now.  

Connect with Nadezhda on LinkedIn

Do you have interesting experiences and would want to be featured? Send us an email at ‘hello@widdnetwork.com’ with the subject “Interested in sharing my experiences’.