We had the good fortune of connecting with Terri Sanders and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Terri, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned from my career is to trust my intuition. My intuition – whether it be making a strategic decision for my team, organization, or client – is always my best course of action. Our “gut” represents the unconscious aggregation of all our previous experiences and learnings. The few times I have chosen to ignore my intuition only led to wasted time and effort, or to a place that was not the best environment for my skills, talent, and work philosophies. My advice is always to trust yourself first.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My Why: I reached a point in life where I had to recalibrate so that I could be more present with family and loved ones. What would allow me to continue the work that I love while also allowing me the time and space needed to focus on the other priorities I am facing? From that, Shatter was born. I picked the name Shatter because it reflects my career journey and the approach I take with my work. It’s all about breaking ceilings, defying expectations, and limitations.
Launching a business has been empowering and nerve-wracking all at the same time. I want to ensure I honor those who have supported me as an employee while being intentional about carving out a new lane in which my company can stand and do so with great success. There is much work to be done but I am excited to see where this takes me and my team. I remind myself daily that I’ll never know if this ‘new world’ is sustainable if I don’t take the leap. As I say to those I advise, “If the sky is the limit, how far do you want to soar?”
About the Business:
Shatter is a fresh collective of brilliant minds with decades of diverse global experience, united by a shared passion for propelling businesses to new heights. As a brand accelerator, we bring a unique blend of seasoned expertise that spans the full spectrum of brand, marketing, and communications. What sets us apart? It’s not just our results-driven ethos; it’s our revolutionary service and pricing methodologies, a departure from the conventional agency models.
At Shatter, we don’t just generate excellent outcomes; we sculpt success narratives steeped in sound data that break through the noise. Our expertise speaks volumes with a proven track record contributing to nearly a billion dollars in revenue in industries such as health care, technology, development, finance, and retail. However, what truly defines us is our commitment to crafting bespoke solutions tailored to each client’s unique journey. We immerse ourselves in our clients’ worlds, deciphering their intricacies and co-creating strategies that seamlessly align with their objectives. Through this symbiotic partnership, we ensure every move we make is calibrated to elevate your brand.
Excellence and innovation are not just buzzwords for us; they’re our guiding principles. Each member of our team boasts accolades in various domains, spanning Brand Strategy, Marketing Campaigns, Digital Influencer Programs, Crisis Communications Campaigns, Messaging Development, Digital and Web Design, and Production. These achievements are a testament to our dedication and love for what we do, and we bring this same energy to every client who trusts us with their brand.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite neighborhood in the city is Hyde Park. I love it because it is so rich in culture, with businesses owned by people of all colors and backgrounds and cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs to boot. Whether it’s a block party, beer tasting, jazz concert series, or brunch, this neighborhood has so much to offer.
I’d be a terrible Chicagoan if I didn’t mention the lake itself as a prime destination. You can access the beach from several locations, and viewing the famous Chicago skyline while taking a stroll along the water—at least when it’s warm—is a must for anyone visiting the city.
Some of my other favorite areas are River North and the West Loop. There is always something going on, a new experience or restaurant to try.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, my family. I was raised by two of the best parents on the planet and anchored by the love and advice of three older sisters. I would not be who I am without them. I also have to thank my husband, Keith, who is my biggest cheerleader, no matter what crazy plan I come up with, and my “twin” sister, Krysta, who makes sure I never forget the power within me.
I would also like to recognize my mentor, Suzanne Ross, for having my back and believing in me, for showing me it’s possible to be a great leader while remaining human, kind, and loving, and how to lead a team through empathy, understanding, collaboration, and mutual respect.
I am blessed to have a curated circle of diverse, powerful, loving friends – you know who you are – thank you for your community. And a very special thank you to Melissa Green for nominating me for this opportunity.
Website: www.shatterstrategies.com (Coming Soon)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrijsanders/