Rose started the new year by going on the record with Brightspot Co-founder and Chief Customer Officer, Lisa Beaudoin, to learn more about what inspired her to start Brightspot, formerly 番茄社区, 12 years ago. During their conversation, Lisa discussed what she's looking forward to in 2020, shared advice that her dad gave to her when she was 15 years old, and recommended her favorite book that has inspired her how to live her life.
What inspired you to start Brightspot?
I am a bit different than David because I didn't go into this wanting to build a publishing platform, that was David's vision for the company. My vision was to start my own agency that focused on design and content to create great experiences and applications for my customers. The more David and I spoke, the more we realized that we had a similar philosophy that I found very inspiring. We wanted to do something different and build a company that was fully committed to the success of our customers, giving back to society in a meaningful way, and treating employees as the most important asset. The combination of our visions for the product and how we could be different provided the principles of the company from day one.
As we head into 2020, what excites you about the future of our company?
The people! The people! The people! More then ever, I am surrounded by young engineers, product managers, and designers who think and approach work differently, yet stand behind their work and are committed to our company's vision of great customer service. The combination of the old and the new is pretty magical and exciting for 2020.
Can you tell me more about your career as a visual designer prior to founding Brightspot?
I didn't know what I wanted to be when I was growing up. At first, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, but I was terrible at biology and science. I also loved to teach, but I am not the most patient person and realized that wouldn't be the best fit. I moved to New York City and quickly realized I could make a career out of my passion for art, specifically as a designer. I worked very hard and chose jobs that inspired me because the inspiration was as important as the craft.
How do you think Brightspot best benefits our customers and how is it unique from other CMS platforms on the market?
Every day, we wake up and try to delight editors by building a product that helps people tell their stories. Whether you're a reporter in a newsroom or in corporate communications at a Fortune 50 company, we are thinking about how you create and manage your content to reach your audience. We do not simply sell a license to use Brightspot and say good luck. Instead, we enter into a relationship as a long-term partner and help every step of the way to ensure our customer's success.
What piece of advice would you give a recent graduate starting their career?
I would give them the same advice that my dad gave me鈥攑ut in the work! My first job was working at the restaurant of one of my dad's golfing buddies. My dad told me that if I was told to show up at 3 pm, I should be there at 2:45 pm and not to leave until my boss left. I took that advice very seriously at 15 years of age and still do today. I don't believe there are shortcuts to success.
Besides the people, what is your favorite part about Brightspot?
All of the great companies and brands we get to work for. Our customers are doing amazing things throughout the world. employees wake up every day striving to make our world healthier. Partners like these and others provide essential services and, like us, are focused on how to best service their customers.
What are your favorite activities or hobbies to do outside of the office?
I like to go to , especially our company rides with co-workers. I also enjoy hiking, traveling, cooking, and spending time with my kids. About two years ago, I learned to meditate, which I have found to be incredibly good.
If you could have any super power, which would you like to have?
My super power is inspired by my daughter. I want the power to reverse the damage that humans have caused to the environment and address the issues of climate change.
What was the last book you read? Would you recommend it?
I buy this book for everyone! It's called The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope. It's based on a very old story called the Bhagavad Gita. The themes of the book are not to live in fear, to listen to what the universe is trying to tell you, and to move towards a purposeful life that you love. We focus too much on titles, money, and status, but the root of what makes each of us happy is uniquely different and we should instead pursue those purposes. People are often afraid to do what makes them happy because the world expects something different of them. This book helps teach these powerful lessons and is one of my favorites.
