Celebrating Women’s Resilience Through Gratitude and Empowerment
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Jessica Hawthorne-Castro
Women are naturally resilient. That strength is often rooted in how we’re raised, the values that shape us, and the way we meet challenges head-on. Growing up in the Midwest, I was grounded in those values — hard work, integrity, and humility. Those early lessons became the foundation that allowed me to take bold risks later in life and to lead with both resilience and gratitude.
One of the most defining moments in my journey came when I made the decision to transition from being a Hollywood agent to joining a 20-year-old advertising agency that was in need of a new strategic direction. At the time, I was thriving in the talent representation world, championing creative voices and helping bring their stories to life. Then, unexpectedly, an employee from the agency — which was owned by a family member — approached me and asked what I thought the company’s next chapter should be, and whether I would ever consider joining. It was a question that stopped me in my tracks and prompted deep reflection about my future and the kind of impact I wanted to make.
Switching careers and industries was not an easy decision to make. The advertising world was a shift from the entertainment world I knew so well, yet something inside me urged me to take that leap of faith. I leaned on the same core values that had guided me throughout my life — integrity, curiosity, and collaboration — trusting they would continue to serve me well in this new chapter. Over time, I realized that at their core, both careers shared a powerful common thread: in Hollywood, I had represented creative talent and helped build their individual brands; in advertising, I now represented companies and helped grow entire businesses. Though the audiences were different, the heart of the work — championing stories, shaping narratives, and driving growth — remained the same.
It turns out, once I joined Hawthorne Advertising, I quickly discovered a deep passion for creativity, strategy, and human connection. I fell in love with the fast-paced environment, the energy of the work, and the opportunity to deliver tangible, measurable results for clients. Every campaign became an opportunity to bring ideas to life, to connect people through storytelling, and to make an impact. I realized that when you truly love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work — it feels like purpose in motion.
That decision to embrace a new career path led to an even bigger one.
In 2014, I made the choice to acquire Hawthorne Advertising outright — at full market value and without financing. It was a bold move that required both courage and conviction. Without outside investors or a safety net, I was fully accountable for the company’s future. It was a test of not only business acumen but also inner strength. Looking back, that decision was pivotal. It taught me that true leadership isn’t about playing it safe — it’s about trusting your instincts, embracing risk, and staying aligned with your purpose.
Leadership, I’ve learned, is not defined by a title but by the willingness to make difficult choices, to guide others through uncertainty, and to continue learning with humility and grace. Every challenge — from changing industries to owning a company — strengthened my belief that resilience and gratitude are powerful partners in both leadership and life.
As we approach the 40th anniversary of Hawthorne Advertising, I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had on the performance marketing industry. The brands we’ve helped grow, the companies we’ve guided to go public, and the countless consumers whose lives we’ve touched have all been deeply rewarding.
Yet above all, what stands out most are the relationships we’ve built — with our clients, partners, and employees. Creating a workplace grounded in support, respect, and genuine happiness has been one of the most gratifying achievements of all.
As I reflect on my journey, I see a clear throughline: resilience rooted in values, courage shaped by gratitude, and empowerment born from trusting yourself enough to take the leap. That, to me, is what it means to rise — and to become unstoppable.
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