Meet Our Team: Q&A with Julie Daubenmire
Photo courtesy Candid Kama Photography
What makes you great at your job?
My whole life I’ve always enjoyed writing. I love being able to take information about what our clients are doing and tell their story in creative ways—whether through blog posts, media pitching or articles. Being a good listener is something that’s really important in our industry, and I feel like I truly listen to our clients needs and that translates to strong storytelling. I also take a lot of pride in being detail oriented, and working in PR and juggling a lot of different things, being organized really helps me keep things under control.
How would you describe your ideal client relationship?
When I work with clients I consider it a partnership. I’m a very service-oriented person, so I’m always looking for how I can help and better meet the clients’ needs. I like working in tandem so as they are accomplishing new things and putting out new work, I’m able to come alongside them, tell that story and really highlight the impact they’re making.
What do you love about working with the consultants on the Approach team?
The Approach consultants are terrific. Even though we are independent, we have a great team dynamic. I can always call someone when I need to bounce ideas and brainstorm. And being able to celebrate each others’ successes is always a great thing to be a part of.
How does the virtual agency model benefit your career and personal life?
The virtual agency model is perfect for my career and life right now. I love the fact that through Approach I can work on a variety of clients and industries and get to learn a lot and use a lot of different skills. For my personal life, as a mom of two young girls, it has been so great having the flexibility to work, to be at home when I need to be and not have the commute time to deal with during the week. I also enjoy being close to where my kids are I can volunteer at my kids school or pick them up at the end of the day. Working here has added so much to my work life balance.
Where do you live and what do you love about your city?
I live in Gahanna, a suburb of Columbus. I love the small town feel with great schools, parks and families—it just has a good, homey feel. And I also love that we’re so close to downtown and can take advantage of everything it has to offer. My husband and I both grew up in Pickerington and both of our families live in town. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
When your work is done, where will we find you?
Running outside or on my treadmill, cooking and baking, spending time with my family, driving my kids around town in our minivan or getting involved with church activities. We love to travel—it’s a life goal for me and my husband to visit all 50 states, and we’re getting pretty close. Holden Beach, North Carolina is a favorite vacation spot for our family.
What accomplishment (career or personal) are you most proud of?
Personally, I’ve run a full marathon, which I’m pretty proud of. And of course I’m proud that I get the chance to raise two young girls to hopefully be the type of people who will help make this world a more joyful place.
Professionally, I love that I’ve had the opportunity to work with agencies and organizations that are doing amazing work. From working in public policy, strengthening rural education and supporting teachers, telling the stories of inspiring entrepreneurs and granting wishes for deserving children and families, I’ve been honored to play a small role furthering these missions.
What is the most memorable compliment you ever received?
At one of the agencies I worked for, I was a speech writer for the organization’s executive. I was relatively new in the role and she told me she showed her husband something I wrote for her and he thought she had written it. It was the ultimate compliment.
What industry trend or technology are you excited about?
One thing that I’ve followed with my background in education is how social media is becoming a huge platform for professional development. There are group chats on Twitter where everyone logs in to ask questions, share ideas and learn from each other. This is such a valuable platform for growth, not just in education but in nearly every profession. I love that people are using it to connect to people to others in their industries, in their neighborhoods or across the country—it’s an opportunity to share and learn from each other.
What advice would you give to someone considering working in this industry?
There’s a couple things you need to be successful working remotely or as an industry consultant. You need to be independently motivated, finding your motivation from achieving the job at hand or accomplishing your tasks. You can’t be someone who needs a lot of praise or incentives, you have to be motivated by doing good work.
What is your favorite quote?
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
My approach to life is...
Focus on what matters—faith, family, friends and following your passion.