In case you didn’t know, March is Women’s History Month! This year, we’re highlighting the next generation of trailblazing women on our Blawg with our Ladies Who Lead interview series. Today, we’re highlighting Jen Derks of Four Fin Creative.
Vital Stats:
Occupation: I run Four Fin, a branding and design studio. Which really means I keep the business thriving while leading some of the kindest, most thoughtful, badass designers and strategy minds I know. Currently we are all women. That’s subject to change.
Background: I studied at the University of Oregon getting a B.S. in Advertising from the school of Journalism and Communications with a Multi-Media design minor.
Power Lunch: I rarely eat lunch, I’m the snacky type.
The Good Stuff:
1. Was your path to your current work linear, or did it take twists and turns? Fairly linear, yes. I was the yearbook editor in high school, and the one who transitioned our process from hand-drawn layouts to digital ones (using PageMaker) so you could say I have had a love of graphics since then. The biggest twist was living in Alaska (for love) for 6 years post-graduation. Not exactly the Mecca of ambitious designers or cutting edge firms, but I gained so much there.
2. What does leadership look like to you? I think of it more like coaching than I think of it as leading, and it goes both ways. I get coached from my staff as well. I would say most of my leadership role is making (sometimes hard) decisions, listening, and clarifying. Most challenges come from a lack of clarity or clear expectations, so leaders should spend a great deal of time understanding, listening, and watching for warning signs so you can act with intention.
3. What is your biggest motivator in your work? I wouldn’t say there is just one. My team inspires me. Knowing that I’m creating a space for emotionally-healthy creative jobs that people love gives me strong motivation to keep it up. So does seeing the results for our clients. So does setting a good example for my kids.
4. Can you describe a time when you faced a challenge or setback in your work, and how you overcame it? Oh often! There was a whole quarter in 2019 where we were losing money monthly, and leads were very light. So, we made a big push to focus on short-term sales and marketing more. The goal of growing a business isn’t to remove challenges, it is to get comfortable with them, and get stronger at seeing them ahead of their arrival.
5. What advice would you give to others who want to create a purpose-driven or innovative space in their industry, but aren’t sure where/how to start? Be true to yourself, and speak that truth. You’d be surprised how many people also feel the way you do about the need in your industry.
6. Are you one of those people who “enjoys” networking? What tips do you have for others who are a little less enthusiastic about it? Oh, I do! I didn’t always, and that’s because I was not in the right circles and that is the advice for you. Find your people and networking becomes spending time with people you admire. It might not be a “traditional” business networking environment either. Lean into your personal passions to find like minded people.
7. If you were going to embark on a new business opportunity, who would you want to be your co-founder, and why?Oh interesting question! I mean, Oprah for sure. Maybe Brene Brown. In real life, I’m honored daily to have Jess Winet by my side at Four Fin. I’d start a new business with her in a heartbeat because we know each other so well by now, over 4 years working together. She is the details and reality check to my big picture crazy. We’re like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Enneagram 1 and 3. She’s another badass woman/leader people should know.
8. Any resources you’d like to share with our readers that will help them level up their leadership skills and empower them to keep changing the world? There are so many good leadership books. Read many of them for all the perspectives you can gain to pull from. I loved Dare to Lead, The Business of Expertise, and The E-myth if you’re just getting started. Also, there’s a lot to consume, but actually doing is the only way that consumption can be put to good use, so don’t just in-take expertise.
How to Support Jen:
Website:
Check out Four Fin’s website!
Social Media:
Follow them on Instagram @fourfincreative.
Thanks for your words of wisdom, Jen!