In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting Liaison employees who identify as women whose contributions have been integral to our success.
Lea Khalil, Liaison’s Designer, has an impressive career for a young professional: She began her work in media management before becoming the managing partner of her own company in 2018.
Lea recently shared more about how she has balanced living passionately and finding peace through meditation on her path to professional success.
What’s one of the greatest challenges you’ve faced as a person who identifies as a woman in the workplace?
Lea Khalil (LK): Not being heard! It’s easy to feel like I have two things “working against me” — my gender and my age — but I’ve been able to turn this into an opportunity.
I listen, myself, to make sure I understand what is needed and then I deliver consistently, gaining trust along the way.
What is the most impactful professional lesson you’ve learned since you began your career?
LK: I hit on it above, but it truly is the most impactful lesson that I’ve been able to refer back to throughout my career: LISTENING. I don’t go into conversations defensively. I aim to take in what I can, focus on what is being communicated and then act on it.
I’ve also always benefitted from taking a lifelong approach to learning. I’m proud of my degrees and the experience that I’ve gained throughout my marketing and advertising career, but I know that there’s still so much more to learn and I’m ready to take it in.
When you’re faced with a tough professional challenge, who/what/where do you look for guidance?
LK: The first thing I do is calm my thoughts through meditation — if you haven’t tried it, do it! It’ll change your life. Then I call my mentor, who is a valuable source of advice for all sorts of situations.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
LK: 18-year-old Lea, listen: It’s okay to be confused about who you are now! And it’s okay to not know who you want to be.
It’s not okay to let society define your future. Stand up, speak up and take control.
Who are your favorite women in history, women who inspire/empower you?
LK: Frida Kahlo, Maya Angelou, Carolyn Davidson… many, many women inspire and empower me! Famous or not, I’m most impressed with the resilience that’s required to thrive as a woman.
Working with Liaison, I have learned a lot from my colleague Laura Nicole Miller. She is always inspiring me to become better both as a person and as a professional.
What are you most proud of?
LK: Seeing my ideas come to life on screens and on print. I’m excited to continue on this path, working passionately to help companies translate their visions into impactful visual expressions.