Interview with Cheryl Gilberg

This week we meet Mizuho Americas' Chief Communications and Marketing Officer.

How can marketers be braver?

Don’t be afraid to challenge the norm. There are always ways to disrupt the industry, and, as marketers, we just need to find those ways.

What is your most hated business expression?

“It’s on my radar”.

It’s not enough to say you’re aware. Be specific and give an approximate timeframe of when someone can expect to hear back from you.

What's the biggest risk you've taken in your career?

Transitioning from several large bulge bracket firms to an investment bank that had little brand awareness in the Americas.

Starting from scratch (in terms of building a team and the brand strategy) can be both daunting and invigorating.

I’m a true believer in “no risk, no reward”. Fortunately, I’m seeing many of the rewards right now and it’s exciting to watch the evolution of our brand.

Which leader do you most admire and why?

Sheryl Sandberg. Obviously, she’s one of the most powerful women in business.

But my admiration for her goes well beyond her successful career. After experiencing the tragic loss of her husband, Sheryl became an inspiration to many.

I’m most impressed with how she used her words to help others cope with the grief. He book, Option B, is a study of resilience and how we build it, for ourselves and for our kids, as well as what it is like to have it tested.

What’s your favourite word?

Change.

Change can be both big in small. Whether it’s in my work or personal life, I’m forever evaluating, optimizing and making adjustments.

Tell us a secret

I’m most at peace when I’m on the beach in Anguilla. The serenity of this special island provides me the opportunity to meditate and recharge.

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