Office Hours: Q&A with Leah Rosenfeld, Senior Vice President, Zeno Group
This post is part of our new weekly “Office Hours” series, featuring career, workplace and leadership tips from females I admire.
In this interview, my friend, Leah Rosenfeld, Senior Vice President at Zeno Group shares opportunities that have elevated her professional career and why it’s important to never burn a bridge with peers and say yes to everything that comes your way.
“Always stay curious. There is something to learn from each and every experience.”
What do you do for work?
Public relations executive for Zeno Group, a global, integrated communications agency, born from PR. Specifically, I’m a Senior Vice President for Consumer Brands.
I help drive brand strategy, brand communications and have worked on integrated communications campaigns for some of the most beloved and trusted brands including: AXE, Corona, Cinnabon, Crate & Barrel, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Modelo, Pilot Flying J, Quaker, WaterWipes to name a few.
How did you get to your current position?
I began working in events for a national nonprofit promoting emerging artists in fashion, music, movies and the visual arts.
I then began my PR career at Edelman.
My event nonprofit boss then recommended me to a boutique lifestyle and hospitality PR firm. After a few years there, I was recruited to Zeno (and back into the Daniel J. Edelman family) by a former Edelman manager. I am now approaching my 10 year Zeno anniversary.
Takeaway: never burn bridges.
What is your morning routine?
My morning routine has evolved throughout the pandemic. (I think I’ve blocked out the beginning months where my husband and I were working full-time with no childcare assistance.)
Currently, my morning routine roughly goes something like this:
- 6:15 AM: wake up, snooze alarm
- 6:25 AM: check work phone for overnight/evening emails, skim industry briefs/newsletters, news headlines, glance at day calendar
- 6:35 AM: at-home workout (mix of Peloton App strength, HIIT, yoga, Pilates)
- 7:10 AM: shower
- 7:20 AM: kid wake up (may include, but not limited to: snuggles, morning yoga/stretching, clothing negotiations, whining quelling, meltdown minimization, brushing teeth, bathroom reminders)
- 7:35 AM: make breakfast for little humans with husband, brew coffee, breakfast for self, check work phone again
- 7:50 AM: more toddler negotiations to eat/finish breakfast
- 8:05 AM: shoes, coats on, load kids in car
- 8:15 AM: morning drop-off
- 8:30 AM: coffee refill, at computer for the day
What advice do you have on building a strong network and connections?
Beyond capitalizing on offerings within your company to engage with colleagues beyond your direct teams, seek opportunities beyond work. Say yes when you can, carve time to dedicate to networking events, happy hours, or join a nonprofit board (Make-A-Wish Illinois holds a special place in my heart).
And for those you’ve established a rapport with, always be a supporter, celebrate the wins – big and small. It may seem trite, but a thoughtful, tailored thank you for those who’ve enlightened you, made an impact can go a long way.
What is your biggest career accomplishment?
Colleagues as well as clients have shared that I’ve provided meaningful value, that I’ve made an impact, that they’ve learned from me, that I’ve helped them grow professionally, and more… to me, this feedback is incredible and the most rewarding.
While my teams have amassed industry recognitions for truly top client work, I am proud of a recent “40 Under 40” 2020 PRWeek accolade – an industry honor nominated by my colleagues.
What is your biggest career mistake or failure?
There will always be mistakes and failures. It’s how you react, learn from them and then implement. It took me some time to not take professional happenings personally. Also, if you don’t know something, it’s ok to say that you don’t know and educate yourself.
What’s the most recent thing someone did that really impressed you?
I think what moves me these days is simple – kindness and effort. Last week, my best friend gave me some herbal tea when I wasn’t feeling well, my husband drops off treats in my office when I’m on back-to-back calls, and a new client sent me and my family a wonderful care package to enjoy.
How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Between working, two active young kids, carving out time with my husband, a commitment to family and good friends, it’s a challenge! It’s about best understanding how you tick, being mindful of what you need, setting boundaries and sticking to them. Working out 3-4 times a week has made a necessary impact on my mood and overall pandemic demeanor – and looking forward to the weather warming up to go on long family walks. My husband and I eat balanced and well. I love creating, and finding time to do crafts, sketch, etc. makes me happy.
What’s the best career advice you ever received?
Know your audience. Context and framing matters.
Always stay curious. There is something to learn from each and every experience.
It never hurts to go the extra mile. So many times we are rushing through our workdays, trying to check the boxes. Those who are successful simply don’t check boxes.
Set your boundaries – no one is going to set them for you.
Favorites:
- Favorite Apps: Headspace (I watch meditation videos with my kids), Peloton for my workouts, I’m currently on the Clubhouse wagon, and while not an App, I have to give a shout out to the brilliantly balanced curated news from @Mosheh on Instagram.
- Favorite Books: Admittedly, I’m under read these days. I’m still working on Tim Ferris’ “Tribe of Mentors.”
- Favorite Shows: Ted Lasso, Schitt’s Creek, Game of Thrones, The Queen’s Gambit, and I love cooking shows.
- Favorite Websites: New York Times, Food & Wine, Vogue, Travel + Leisure
- Favorite Gadget: does my slow cooker count?
- Favorite Podcasts: Token CEO with Erika Nardini, How I Built This, and The GaryVee Audio Experience
A polished, strategic professional and recent PRWeek 2020 “40 Under 40” honoree, Leah’s career has spanned across the brand marketing, integrated communications, not-for-profit and event sectors. She leads major programming helping consumer brands connect with key stakeholders to provide value and make an impact. Whether an integrated marketing activation, a strategic partnership or elevating a brand, Leah’s solution-oriented, proven efficient approach, top counsel grounded in insights and data paired with an innate knack for organization, attention to detail, listening and savvy exceeds expectations.
She has spearheaded integrated and award-winning programs for AXE (Unilever), Constellation Brands (Beer Division – Corona, Modelo, Pacifico), Crate & Barrel, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Horseshoe Casino (Caesars Entertainment), Pilot Flying J, The Allstate Foundation, Quaker (PepsiCo) and more.
Leah received a B.A. in Spanish with minors in Studio Art, Art History and Business from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She is a three-time Marketing/PR Co-Chair for Make-A-Wish Illinois’ Wish Ball, is a mom of two, occasional blogger, a craft and art aficionado, novice baker, pop-culture passionate and a longtime Chicago Bears fan.
