Sonya Padovani

Introduce yourself to our audience. Tell us who you are and what you are currently focused on.

I'm Sonya Padovani and I’m the Marketing Coordinator with Sovereign Insurance. In my role, I've had the advantage and pleasure of working on many different projects that crossed over into internal communications and change management. I’m currently focused on event management and my new-found passion is creating relationship-building opportunities and experiences. I’m interested in learning more about events and connecting with event folk, especially in a corporate setting.

Tell us about your favorite Ellevate Network memory or success story. Why are you a member?

I was welcomed to Ellevate through Andrea Seale, a fantastic networker. I met her through our career coach, Sara Curto, and really liked her vibe. She invited me to a Toronto cocktail outing in July, which was fun. And now I’m a member!

What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work?

If you're looking to break into the marketing world, being social and making connections helps (and you can get these connections through Ellevate's platform).

You also need to be creative, solution-focused, organized, and, most importantly, have a knack for relationship management. You have many stakeholders in this field and must use your influence to get projects going. You'll work with people from across departments and partner with other businesses and outlets. You'll be sourcing different vendors. Relationship management is critical to getting projects off the ground.

What is one of your most memorable career accomplishments?

My favourite moment was assisting with a cross-Canada client appreciation campaign. I worked with groups across Canada, creating memorable moments between our internal stakeholders and clients. Some of my favourites were the local food tour in the Atlantic region, wine tasting in Montreal, and an archery tournament in Vancouver! The client feedback was positive; some demanded repeats, which we built into this year's plans.

Ultimately, our clients felt appreciated, and we ended up signing new business!

What is your morning ritual?

I like time to luxuriate in the morning, so I get up early. I've already prepped the night before for what I need for the day. If I'm heading to the office, my bag is packed, and my outfit is laid out. If I'm working from home, my bag gets unpacked, and I still have my outfit laid out, just a tad more casual. The only thing I need to make is an excellent breakfast and French-press coffee. I have my moment with a filling meal and my hot coffee. Once I'm done, I get dressed, feed my cat, and ease into the day.

What is your favorite social media site? Why?

LinkedIn has been so helpful in terms of my professional development. I feel comfortable reaching out to people in my past and seeing what they have been up to.

I have to say, though, I still use Facebook and Instagram. I know they can be time-wasters, but I am constantly researching interesting events and vendors around my work areas. They help me generate ideas when I want to elevate aspects of an event I'm planning.

What would you say your personal superpower is?

I like to use the term "industry-flexible" because that is what I am. I have worked in media, education, retail management, hotel operations, and sales roles, and now I'm in marketing. I have transferrable skills that have taken me far and wide.

Is work-life balance a problem for you? What is one no-fail tactic you use to create balance?

Work-life balance is essential to me. I'm privileged enough to carve out time for myself through my hobbies and passions and by surrounding myself with people who support me.

I ensure I have time to myself by signing up for art and dance classes throughout the week. These are "me" times when I can't access my phone. I'm not on social media, checking emails or making to-do lists. I'm in another environment and focusing on a new activity.

I also have a supportive partner who encourages me to take time. My partner and I share a passion for travel, so we always carve out time to ideate and plan our next adventure. We collaborate on travel to recharge and get inspired.

What advice would you offer future leading ladies wishing to break into your industry?

Network!

There are many ways to network. Ellevate offers many opportunities to grow your network. I've found the people I met have been so friendly and approachable. Using your LinkedIn can help, too. My friend wants to break into event management in the hotel industry. I have many hotel connections. We went through my roster and made some introductions. She's been called into interviews! So, networking is helpful.

What is the best career advice you ever received?

Take stock of your transferrable skills. Write them out and have professional stories to back them up. This is both a confidence booster and an affirmation that you're fantastic.