Michele Bailey Interview

BY: SEAN AUGER, KATRINA BALZER, MACKENZIE FERRIS, MEESHA MAHIL

Brief Company Overview Founded in 1995 by Michele Bailey. Completed thousands of projects for hundreds of

clients across North America. Creative Design is their strong point. Success originally found primarily through package

design, corporate branding and traditional advertising. In more recent years have transitioned into a changing

landscape of communication that includes new media, web, and social platforms

Clients of note: Thermos, Vermont Castings, 3M, Health & Safety Ontario, BMO InvestorLine, and Credit Valley Hospital to name a few.

MICHELE BAILEY

CEO OF BLAZING THE AGENCY

Personal Mission Statement: 

“I give energy to the right people at the right time.My passion is to be a source of inspiration to those around me.

I am an active listener and participant for those who are placed in my life.

I use my strengths of storytelling to add energy, excitement and joy to everyday living.”

Awards

2013 Winner of Mary Lehman MacLachlan Economic Empowerment Award, selected by The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO)

2012 Winner of The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) World of Difference 100 Award – Entrepreneurial Category, for contributions to the economic empowerment of women (www.tiaw.org)

Winner of Oakville’s 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, selected by the Oakville Awards for Business Excellence

THE INTERVIEW

WHY DID YOU START YOUR OWN AGENCY?

Why Advertising? High school honour

student Wanted to be a Doctor Flunked math and

chemistry Western – Bachelor of

Business Administration – emphasis on Sociology and Psychology.

UWO - Only two marketing courses

Brand Manager

Previous Jobs Waitress - 6 years

Life Lessons Learned:

Communication is key. Customers always right. Do what you have to do to make the

customer happy. No matter how much your feet hurt,

suck it up and smile.

Previous Jobs Started with a company in

Mississauga selling pens, mugs, logo products

The boss handed Michele an account with Montreal Trust

Michele took a risk- asked the client if she were to come up with an RSP campaign would he be interested?

That was 27 years ago that company grew from $20,000 to $2M because Michele decided she didn’t like selling pens

Are you a Full Service Agency?

Who are your Clients? 12 clients – different industries – ranging

from automotive, financial sector, insurance, and food

They are a 20 person firm in 4 different industries.

Different clients in different industries keeps things exciting for the whole team. Every day is a new learning experience.

The client list is ever changing and growing… won back a client this year for the third time.

What is one of your favourite campaigns?

Quebec Ice storm 1998. Vermont Casting 21 days without power

in certain areas. People calling in saying

wood burning stoves, gas fire places and BBQs were invaluable to survival during this natural disaster..”

4 A.M Campaign Idea: “Shelter From The Storm”

What do you love about your Job?

Learning every day Freedom and flexibility

How is the environment at Blazing? Summer BBQs Monthly events Expected dress code Weekly outings Family Feud

What makes Blazing The Agency different?

Ask the right questions

Agreement and avoiding blame

Transparency

Turnover rate

What qualities do you look for when hiring? Energy Sincerity Common sense When you know how to

do something – you become invaluable

Eye-contact, firm handshake, smile

Be humble What about grades and

report cards?

Why do you believe so much in being Transparent/ Genuine? The world is a scary place – people are busy doing and not being “My clients rarely shake my hand, they hug me. We become friends by

being transparent.” Speaks from her heart A smile for everyone Hit a point in her life when she had to evaluate herself A lot of people don’t like to be direct, I do I have nothing to hide! Almost went bankrupt – openly shared that story – if I don’t share what

really happens in business, how are you going to learn? How can people really learn if I’m not being truthful. You have to ask clients “Do you want to hear what I think, really? Or do you want to hear what I think you want to hear?” “We’re here for a short time, make it a good time for everyone – who I am

here at work, is the same person I am at home.”

What Inspired you to Write your Book? The people around Michele Alex, Michele’s son said it’s time for you to

share your stories with others and help them learn from your mistakes

Yvonne and Gail – Writing partners Finally convinced Michele to write her book!

“It took me 12 years to build that network, I wasn’t using people when I needed them, I just love meeting people and finding out about them. I built solid foundations so when I couldn’t step up, they did and they helped me along the way..”

Who Inspires You?

Dad (Dr. Fritz Telemaque) – Everyday

Collective Inspiration (friends, family, colleagues)

Self Motivation

“I have many mentors at different points in my life. It’s a collective inspiration butI need to inspire me. I need to be the one who controls my energy and I want to wake up everyday happy, and knowing that life's a full circle, what you give out comes back to you.“

Thank You!

More Information can be found at:www.BlazingTheAgency.com

www.MicheleBailey.ca