How She Got Here: Veronica Gaskey Does It All

Veronica is a force to be reckoned with whether she’s tackling corporate healthcare, working behind the scenes doing marketing and strategy or empowering her followers to be more intentional in their physical, mental, and spiritual journey. As a fellow creative I’ve always admired her drive, hustle, and ambitious spirit that encourages people to put 100% into whatever they are pursuing whether that is professionally or personally. Her multifaceted talents are not only reflected in business where her accolades include an MBA in Value-Driven Leaders and 2020 Texas Business Hall of Fame Vice President, but also creatively where she has worn the hat of model and artist. She has amassed an engaging social following due to her inspirational posts that range from mouth watering food dishes, advocating for social justice, and sharing an unfiltered look at what life at home looks like for a creative person in 2020. I sat down to chat with about her passions, journey in corporate healthcare and managing clients on social media.  

Tell us about yourself and what you are passionate about?

Life and people- that’s the easy answer to the question ‘what are you passionate about?’ The way I have translated this passion for people is by contributing to a career in healthcare. I work in operations for a startup based out of DC that focuses on tech and behavioral economics to drive provider decision making to support quality more affordable care for patients. My love for life is found in between the lines of the everyday- the dinner I make from scratch for my partner at the end of his work day, the pause I take when thinking of how much I love my parents, the conscious effort I make to extend justice and fairness where I can, and through the grace I give myself for doing so imperfectly.

How did you decide you wanted to enter the corporate world and what were some challenges you experienced when you first started?

I decided to enter the corporate arena when I was in my last semester of my bachelors degree. At the time, I wanted to be on the clinical side and have a direct hand in helping people heal, but more importantly- teach them how to prevent. I was unsatisfied with how the system seemed to be a cyclical routine of diagnosis and symptom management, versus educating patients on how to prevent their illnesses.

 I then realized there is more momentum in effecting change in the system of healthcare versus the patients of healthcare and decided to enter into corporate healthcare. When you work hard and you work fast sometimes you find yourself in spaces others around you haven’t met you at just yet. Many of the challenges I faced stemmed from being the youngest, least experienced and only woman of color in the room. On top of being considered fresh, I worked three jobs at the time, so everyday felt like a constant fight to prove your voice, worth, and ideas. 

 Despite the daily external challenges that many women face, one of the toughest ones I battled internally was knowing when that phase of ‘needing to hustle to prove my worth’ to others was no longer needed. When I matured in my work, I came to appreciate the power of waiting to speak to add value versus the urgency to respond to show I am valuable.

What has your journey been like as a woman of color working in corporate healthcare?

As a woman of color in corporate you begin to collect stories about your experience that come up occasionally during exchanges of ‘you wouldn’t believe what happened to me today...’ amongst other women of color. And honestly, they believe it because any woman of color reading this interview has a story we’ve all played lead in. So, I’d like to share something positive about my experience as a woman of color in corporate. I sometimes make people uncomfortable and challenge the status quo simply by my existence in certain spaces. Where there is discomfort there is opportunity for growth.

Tell us about a favorite project/initiative/campaign you led as a Physician Relations Manager

One of my favorite projects is less of a formal project and more of an experiment I’ve held with myself. In my career, I have had to engage with a wide range of people with varying personalities, backgrounds, and titles. The project I’ve loved the most in my work is the continuous challenge of connecting with each and everyone of them authentically, all to better the state of our affairs and run a successful enterprise.

Have you been mentored during your professional/personal journey and how valuable has it been to your growth?

I’ve never had a formal mentor throughout my career but I have learned something from everyone I have worked for and have worked with. The value in that is freedom to take what you need from each experience and apply it as you need. There is a quote by Eric Allen that says, “Everyone is my teacher. Some I seek. Some I subconsciously attract. Often I learn simply by observing others. Some may be completely unaware that I’m learning from them, yet I bow deeply in gratitude.” While I haven’t had one formal mentor, I am grateful for the multitudes.

What are some books and resources that have helped shape how you navigate the corporate world?

One book that has helped me navigate corporate is ‘Principles’ by Ray Dalio. It’s been my go-to.
How did you make the pivot from posting content to creating content that reflected your brand?

The transition was easy, all I needed was the time and struggle situation to be creative.

It can be easy to get lost scrolling on social media? What are your tips for taking a strategic approach to making yourself stand out on social media?

Always be adding value. Whether that value is one’s escape through comedic relief from you page, or someone feeling connected to you because you’ve shared something personal that they relate to, or educating an audience on your platform to make one aspect of their life easier- always be adding to their online experience. In addition to adding value, be consistent- not in frequency but in quality and engagement.

You recently started creative strategy and social media management...what has that process been like during the pandemic?

The process has been a very fluid one. Different clients have needed different things, to include time and attention. In addition to being agile I’ve had to simultaneously be rigid and structured with myself. Creatives are usually unorganized (speaking for myself) and so it has taken extra effort to follow the unspoken rules of scheduling and planning inspiration.

 What are 3 tips you could give to new entrepreneurs managing clients on social media during COVID?

One, know your number. What is the maximum number of clients you can successfully manage before you start falling short of the quality of work you want to have and never go over that limit. Consistent quality keeps clients and creates loyal customers. 

Two, enjoy the work. 

Three, say no to clients you don’t want to work with- Your peace is worth more than a few extra dollars.