Associate Spotlight: Client Dev Director Jillian Marble is a Breath of Fresh Air

As someone who takes great pride in her relationships, Westborough, Massachusetts-based Client Development Director, Jillian Marble, is someone you definitely want as a boss, account manager, or at your wedding! We chatted with our emcee of CJU21 Virtual Connect about her 10 years at CJ, her love for people, and the most fun she’s ever had while on the clock.

Describe your career trajectory. Where did you work before CJ and how did you come across the opportunity to work here?

Prior to CJ, I worked on the agency side of the business. Funny enough, it was an agency which CJ works very closely with—that's how I came across the opportunity!

What does your average workday look like in your role?

My average day is typically split between meetings with leadership to discuss planning for the Westborough office, client calls, and one on ones/talking strategy with my team.

What’s your favorite part about your job/working at CJ?

Without a doubt, the people! I get to work with some of the smartest, interesting, and most dynamic co-workers who not only help me grow professionally but are people I call friends.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

Assume positive intent. I try to lead with empathy and assume that my team and co-workers are making decisions regarding their actions with the best of intentions. The benefit here is the openness and trust that’s built and in turn, leads to more connected interactions and opportunity.

Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career:

You mean besides lip syncing to Flashdance in front of 1,000 colleagues and clients at CJU a few years ago?! That may not have been my most significant accomplishment, but it was definitely the most fun one!

Over the course of my career at CJ, there have been so many amazing projects I’ve gotten to be a part of, but the thing that I’m truly most proud of are the relationships I’ve built. Many of my clients have become personal friends over the years and I’ve even been invited to a wedding or two! It’s so important to me to earn the trust of the people I work with, both internally and externally, as it helps fuel collaboration and growth.

Not everyone will see things the way you do—and that’s okay!

Hardest lesson learned?

Not everyone will see things the way you do—and that’s okay! I’ve learned that it’s better to remain authentic and true to yourself even when people have different opinions. I always try to listen, take in feedback, and not let negativity stand in my way.

If we’re sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great year it’s been for you in this role, what did you achieve?

If I’m still sitting here a year from now, I hope it’s back in the office because it means I survived a wild year of working full time while my three kids were all home attending school remotely.

On a Sunday morning at 11 am, we’d find you…

Outdoors! I’m an early riser, so hopefully by 11am, I’m out and about taking advantage of where I live. Western Massachusetts is full of great hiking and swimming spots, BUT! I may also just be mowing the lawn, which is equally as good, right?

Do you have any habits or routines that you’ve purposely built to maximize productivity for yourself?

I make sure that I get outside at least once during the work day. A breath of fresh air and change of scenery help me reset with fresh eyes when I’m working on something challenging.