At PepTalkHer, we’re on a mission to empower YOU to know your worth and to understand your value in the workplace. And what better way to start than by asking our favourite women in business?
We took the time to interview business-minded Norby Co-Founder, Sam Safer Valentine, about all things career. Sam has had an extremely versatile career and has some very interesting insights into navigating your personal career journeys! Without further ado, let’s get right into the interview.
Meggie: Hey Sam, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today! To kick things off, why don’t you tell us how you’d describe yourself in one sentence?
Sam: Thank you, Meggie. I’d describe myself as a dreamer and a can’t stop, won’t stop kind of human, driven by a passion for growing brands that help others thrive.
Meggie: Wonderful! Speaking of passions, what's your job title & how did you get where you are today?
Sam: I’m the Co-founder & COO of Norby, a venture-backed startup empowering creators to activate their communities and grow their biz with simplified community success and marketing tools. I’ve had an episodic career, which I have loved - some might consider me a generalist or T-shaped, which through the years I have come to believe is a huge strength and prepared me for this moment! However, I’m an operator and community builder at heart. I was a fashion curator for a hot minute, published books on 20th century British fashion and textiles; I’ve headed up brand communications on the commercial side of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and ran audience engagement at The Met Store in NYC. I started a boutique marketing and sales agency where I helped founders grow or pivot their business. I’ve done a lot! To get to where I am today, I’ve worked incredibly hard, and I’ve been able to do all these rad roles by staying curious, even when the going got tough, never turning down a challenge, and learning as I went. I have also been fortunate to work with amazing business leaders, colleagues, and friends who have helped me along with every twist and turn. My network and relationships have been beyond important to me, it’s something I truly cherish.
“ I’m an operator and community builder at heart”
Meggie: Sounds like you’ve had a well-rounded career journey! Even with all of these accomplishments, have you ever felt like an imposter in your career? If so, How'd you move past this?
Sam: All the dang time! Ha! In each new role, along each of my journeys there have been specific moments where I felt beyond fraudulent and even as we scale Norby, I've had a few wobbly spells with imposter syndrome. A couple of things have helped me, writing post-it notes to myself that I stick above my desk or on my mirror, phrases or sayings that feel empowering to me and get me in an ‘I can do this, I can do hard things (thank you queen Glennon Doyle)’ mindset. Working with an executive coach has helped me to take quick action when I notice negative thoughts creeping in - just quickly jotting down those pesky thoughts to get them out of me, taking a deep breath and moving forward, also writing down how I’ve added value to the team/ business even on that day has been a game-changer in shifting some of those feelings. And when there are big yet exciting projects that I need to do for the business that feels uncomfortable because they are new like IG Lives, Podcasts, and interviews like this, I prepare a lot (!) and practice. It makes me feel grounded and over time has really helped me feel comfortable and gain confidence.
“It makes me feel grounded and over time has really helped me feel comfortable and gain confidence”
Meggie: Some great advice! So glad you’ve found ways to overcome imposter syndrome that work for you. Onto our next question: Who is in your cheer squad? Your ride or die crew, your allies who get you through, lift you up and cheer you on? Love to know how important they've been in your journey.
Sam: My cheer squad rolls deep! Honestly, we would be here for days if I talked about them all ;) I’ve created an amazing chosen family, humans I have known since I was 7 through to my college crew, my husband, my fam, previous bosses, mentors, and other kick-ass business owners and female founders. My therapist, my executive coach, Nick, and Steven my co-founders (it literally takes a village) - they have all been so so important to my journey - from supporting me, giving me tough love, coaching me, keeping me honest, showing me how to ask for help, pushing me to be the best I can be every day or just letting me cry. Would not be here today without ‘em
Meggie: Nothing like having a solid cheer squad! On a different note, how do you prepare for negotiation conversations? We'd love to hear all your hacks & top tips or awesome advice you've received!
Sam: I’m sure it has been said before here a million times - but know your worth, even if it feels scary too! And once you feel that worth, go a bit bigger! One of my dearest friends has always encouraged me to have BDE (hope I can say that here!) and ask for that bit more because you never get what you don’t ask for. I also think it is important to game plan the negotiation, know what you want, know what you are willing to compromise on, and know where you won’t budge and try to step in the other party's shoes too for a minute, it can help you see things from another perspective.
“Know your worth, even if it feels scary ”
Meggie: Yes! Knowing your worth and knowing what you want is super crucial. OK - last Question!Did you ever agree to something in your career that you now regret doing?
Sam: Nothing that I regret doing, I've learned from everything in my career however I have certainly taken on jobs, clients, or sold to retailers that I really did not want to do but did out of necessity. Be it paying the bills or employees or that extra cash to invest in something. I have been clear-eyed about that and for sure complained to some in the cheer squad mentioned above. But over time, I think you begin to understand where to put your energy, where not to, and sometimes that does take time and testing. Last but not least, would love to have the Pep Talk Her community on Norby. You can use my link HERE for a month free on me ;)
Meggie: Thank you again, Sam, for chatting with us about your career journey!
To hear more from Sam, check out her Instagram @samerinsafer
And to learn more about her company, check out Norby on Instagram @bynorby , or on their website.