Interview with Cara Schneider Bongiorno, VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
For this year’s International Women’s Day, our team at Slice is proud to celebrate women across the marketing and communications industry through an interview series.
This interview is with Cara Schneider Bongiorno, the Media Relations Director at VISIT PHILADELPHIA®. Read our full interview series here.
How do you define your leadership?
I’m a generous leader, and I don’t always need to lead from the front. I share context so people understand the “why” and not just the “what.” I give pithy tips and hacks where I can. I’m big on balanced perspective—it’s the Libra in me—which means seeing clearly and judging fairly. And I try to help myself and others strip away the rote, the things you think you’re expected to say and do, and tease out more original ways of expression.
How has your leadership changed in the past year?
Working from home with a streamlined team is different from any other work experience. These days, I’m focused on staying connected, which is the key to being most productive. Visit Philadelphia has given staff the tools and channels for collaborating and lots of room for assessing as we go. We’re constantly improving how we, you know, market during a pandemic! Not the easiest thing to do, but I’m really proud of what the organization has done.
Can you share a story that demonstrates a key learning for you in your leadership journey?
I’d love to tell of “leading the troops into battle,” but the stories that keep coming to mind are of one-on-one conversations. They’re moments of mutual respect, clear communication and also being able to teach the craft I’ve developed. They’re guideposts for good leadership. And just as potent (there’s the Libra in me again), I hold onto a few uncomfortable conversations that pointed out things I can, and have improved.
Who do you follow on social media that you would recommend to other women leaders?
Rachel Riley (@RachelrieRiley) at Visit Valley Forge.
Thank you to Cara for taking part in our interview series. And be sure to read the entire series!
