Katie Herbst has always been a social butterfly. At Avon High School, Herbst played the flute in the marching band. She sang soprano in the choir, cheered for the basketball team and edited the school’s newspaper. She went on to major in journalism at Ohio University, where she was also a member of Sigma Kappa sorority.
Now at 29, she gets paid to tweet.
As senior marketing communications specialist for Westfield Insurance, Herbst manages the company’s award-winning Web site and company blogs while developing social media strategies for Westfield Group and other independent agencies to build their client base.
“I thrive on human interaction, and I find value in computer relationships,” she says. “Social media allows us to nurture our business relationships, making it easier for us to connect,” she says.
Consumers are able to become fans of the Westfield Group on Facebook and receive Twitter updates regarding important insurance-related issues. It was these types of initiatives coupled with her positive attitude and work ethic that proved to the company that she was a natural-born leader.
Westfield nominated Herbst for the emerging leadership program in 2005. Three years later, she was invited to attend the Greater Cleveland YWCA’s Women’s Leadership Boot Camp to enhance her leadership potential and presence as a young professional.
“My generation is fortunate to have such great women in the spotlight to look up to,” says Herbst of the inspirational female speakers she met during the program. To succeed, professionals, especially women, need to be able to picture themselves in executive roles, she says.
At the leadership boot camp, she was encouraged to set a personal goal to achieve by the conclusion of the camp. To honor the memory of a friend who had suddenly died, Herbst decided to volunteer at the Rape Crisis Center of Summit and Medina Counties, an organization that had been important to her friend. In recognition of her help with the crisis center, the United Way of Medina County named her the 2007 Volunteer of the Year.
“It was such meaningful work,” says Herbst, who completed the 30 hours of training required to handle calls from women in crisis situations. “It was about giving them a chance to speak and digging deeper into what they were thinking and feeling.”
Herbst also volunteers as co-chair of the Boot Camp and Momentum Leadership Alumnae Association. “I feel passionately about helping other women in their development,” she says.
“Katie is very inspirational,” says Kara Stafford, women’s leadership initiative coordinator for the Greater Cleveland YWCA. “She is always positive and open to hearing ideas of others. She has a true desire to empower not only alumnae, but every woman in the community.”
As she nears 30, Herbst says she’s been trying to improve her emotional intelligence, which involves getting more comfortable in her own skin. “When I act like myself, I get to know people better and people feel more comfortable around me,” says Herbst.
Although she has climbed to a leadership position very quickly, by no means does Herbst plan on slowing down. “I’m still growing and learning,” she says. I’m not sure where I will end up, but I do know that as I advance, I plan on taking other women with me.”
L:ife Lessons
The 30 hours of training needed to be on the [Rape Crisis Center] hotline was the greatest training in listening skills I ever had. I love to talk, but it is so much more important to listen — not just to what they’re saying, but to what they’re not saying.
I’m still learning how to manage my time.
I was told to consciously plan out each week’s activities, which sounds easier than it is. I want to learn to ski because my boyfriend is an avid skier, and I’ve had to schedule my strength training into my work calendar to get that balance of personal and professional.
Being put together, having the right makeup and the right hairstyle isn’t about vanity, but personal power and self-confidence.
It’s not just about merit. Perception is reality.
Every time I’m at an event, I don’t hesitate to ask how others manage their time. I’ve learned not to be shy about asking questions, asking for help or asking advice.
Sometimes I feel that I have to work harder because I’m young, and I look young. Maybe if I had a more serious boardroom-like attitude it wouldn’t be a problem. But that’s just not me.