Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Honoring My Female Mentors This Women's History Month
By: Liana Morgado, Founding Partner
Liana, who started Talk Shoppe in 2010, found her pioneering spirit from her parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba before she was born. A qualitative researcher at heart had a vision for an agency that would go above and beyond, creating joy-sparking, creative, tailor-made solutions for clients.
As Women's History Month unfolds, it's only fitting to reflect on the remarkable women who have shaped my journey and laid the foundation for where I stand today. Their wisdom, resilience, and unwavering support have been instrumental in my growth, both personally and professionally. Today, I want to pay homage to these incredible individuals who have left an indelible mark on my life.
Linda Jackson:
My journey began under the guidance of Linda Jackson, my boss at my very first job at McCann-Erickson. Joining the advertising world at just 21, I was awed by Linda's strength and determination. Her path through a male-dominated industry was a testament to her perseverance and tenacity. Though I may have been green at the time, Linda's tough love and invaluable advice taught me the importance of patience and earning one's place. Her words, "if you want to learn, read the faxes," still resonate with me today as a reminder of the significance of putting in the work. (Yes, we still sent faxes in 1999. Sorry Gen Z, you may have to look that up).
Sharon Lee and DeeDee Gordon:
Transitioning to market research, I found myself under the mentorship of two formidable women, Sharon Lee and DeeDee Gordon, the visionary minds behind Look-Look—a cutting-edge trend spotting and youth culture research firm. Their fearless attitude and refusal to compromise taught me invaluable lessons: never fear anyone or anything, avoid working with assholes negativity, and always strive to do cool shit remarkable things. Look-Look was more than just a company; it was a movement, constantly pushing for greater impact. Sharon and DeeDee's innovative spirit led them to create a groundbreaking youth culture magazine and even earned them a mention in Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point." Their legacy of boldness and creativity continues to inspire me, shaping Talk Shoppe into a space where innovation thrives and boundaries are meant to be pushed.
Anita Black, Jacki Pennoyer, and Michelle Crawford:
As I ventured into more traditional realms at Hall & Partners, I encountered a trio of remarkable women who further shaped my professional ethos. Anita Black's unwavering positivity and grace under pressure showed me that leadership is about more than just achieving results—it's about uplifting those around you. Jacki Pennoyer's calm demeanor in the face of adversity taught me the importance of composure and resilience. And then there's Michelle Crawford, whose mentorship was nothing short of transformative. From crafting concise presentations to orchestrating complex research projects, Michelle's expertise and generosity knew no bounds. She epitomized grace, confidence, and competence, and I am forever indebted to her guidance.