Cara Schiavo, Sr. Social Media Specialist, Philadelphia Insurance Companies
I earned a Master's degree in Strategic Communication from La Salle University and currently work as Sr. Social Media Specialist for Philadelphia Insurance Companies. At PHLY, I manage and create content for the company's social media channels to promote our employer brand and attract new talent.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
My favourite social media platform is Twitter. I have been using Twitter actively since 2017, and I found a wonderful community there, and being a part of a community has allowed me to network, make connections around the world, and build many lasting relationships.
I even used the experience I gained from creating content on my personal Twitter account to move into a social media content creator role - a consulting opportunity that was provided to me through a Twitter connection.
Later, I used that experience as leverage in my professional life to make a career change from academia into the role I'm currently in, where I direct and create social media content. Twitter is also a great place to have engaging conversations, and I find great value in adopting Twitter Spaces, which I believe is a key connection tool.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I work for Philadelphia Insurance Companies, a national property/casualty and professional liability insurance carrier that designs, markets and underwrites commercial products and services. I am part of the Corporate and Social Responsibility team in the Human Resources department, and my role is a Sr. Social Media Specialist. I share content on social media to highlight our organization's culture, raise awareness around our employer's brand, and attract potential candidates.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I really enjoy working in social media because it has allowed me to build a career around being creative, sharing impactful stories, making connections, and creating meaningful and valuable content. It has changed how we communicate and has become a very powerful communication tool.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
"If you're the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room." Always look for opportunities to learn, grow personally and professionally, gain experience, and surround yourself with people who will challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
I am motivated by my team at PHLY and the connections I've made within the social media community who help keep my mind sharp and share thoughtful insights. And by my husband, who is my biggest cheerleader and who is always in my corner pushing me to not only be successful but to be the best version of myself.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
Almost six years ago, I stepped WAY outside of my comfort zone and decided to make a career change from being an academic advisor for ten years to pursuing my passion in social media. I am proud that I was brave enough to make that change because I love the work I do, the company I work for, and being part of the social media community.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
I love meeting new people in any way that I can. However, social media makes it incredibly easy to connect with new people every day, and I enjoy being able to make new connections and build relationships online across Twitter and Instagram.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Being curious and driving myself to keep up with current trends. Social media is fluid, and it's constantly changing and introducing new features, and I'm continuously learning new things!
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
That I should have made a career change sooner, I stayed in a previous role for too long because I was scared to make a move, but when I finally did - even though there were growing pains - great things happened!
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
I work among many intelligent people. I've always admired their ambition, their ability to lead and make smart decisions, and their thoughtfulness when vetting ideas or determining the best approach in any given situation.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I found fitness in 2012 and fell in love with the endorphin high! I started working out at the gym, and then I joined a martial arts studio where I kickboxed for a few years. When the pandemic hit, I wanted to find ways to stay active, but I didn't have any exercise equipment at home, so I started jogging and cycling.
I fell in love with cycling and bought my first road bike in December 2021. I often cycle on the Schuykill River Trail in PA and enjoy the beautiful scenery by the river. Other hobbies include wine tastings and food pairings, which is how my Twitter profile was born!
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
While the pandemic has been tough for many, I think it positively affected me because working from home gave me the opportunity to discover a new passion for cycling.
From a business perspective, there were challenges. Still, overall I think my company learned they had the ability to pivot and function in a fully remote work environment for two years and still be quite successful.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have never mentored anyone, but I have had a few people I've considered mentors, and I appreciate their experience and all of the advice they gave me.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Be open-minded and be willing to pivot. Social media is fast-paced, and it can be quite intimidating at times. When you think you've finally mastered one platform, the rug can be pulled out from under you by introducing new features or a major shake-up to the algorithm.
My advice is to lean into the changes, keep up with current trends, and educate yourself - take courses, attend conferences in the social media space, and join networking events or groups as ways to pick up new insights and strategies.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Mindset, lack of confidence, and/or doubting themselves and their abilities.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford.
Mindset is powerful, and only you can determine your own success or failure. The sentiment behind this quote is to encourage positive thinking to achieve your goals. I believe having a positive attitude can shape your success and overall outlook on life.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I'm a dog lover, and Chewy.com is nailing it. They are an incredible company that goes above and beyond in creating remarkable customer experiences, and they have impressive customer service.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
I define success for myself in terms of happiness, fulfilment, and growth. I continuously take steps to be the best version of myself. Lessons I've learned: don't underestimate yourself or trap yourself in fear and self-doubt. Be open to new opportunities and experiences, and push yourself to step outside your comfort zone. You'll never know unless you try.