By Olivia Thames, @deca_liv_ | Hamilton Sussex, WI
For the past year, I have had the true honor of serving as Wisconsin DECA’s Vice President of Brand Management. In my role, I worked on campaigns across multiple platforms, helped grow our reach from 500 K to over 2M, built social media teams for several conferences and was named Central Region Member of the Month in October, largely due to my work on Wisconsin DECA’s brand.
Beyond the metrics and milestones, my greatest takeaways have been the lessons I learned along the way. Here are the five things that I definitely learned in DECA outside of the classroom.
The Impact of Quiet
My role focuses primarily on social media, where likes, views and comments are the most noticeable indicators of impact. While I’ve had those wins online, my most impactful work isn’t online or often talked about. It’s the behind-the-scenes brainstorming, the extra planning effort and the moments where the first, second or third draft doesn’t quite yet hit.
Knowing that the campaigns, social media teams and projects I led were helping members succeed made me prouder than any amount of likes ever could. True impact isn’t always visible, but the impact you can feel is what makes effective leadership meaningful.
Communication isn’t Limited to Speaking
The most important communication often takes place before you speak. It's in your body language, facial expressions and the energy that you bring into the room. Interacting with members has taught me that every conversation is a new opportunity to understand goals and perspectives different from my own.
Representing an association has meant knowing that the energy I bring every day reflects something bigger than myself, and that this responsibility has pushed me to lead with intention and care, inspiring others. Leadership communication is less about saying the right thing or having the best idea and more about showing up with intentional listening skills that make people feel heard.
Feedback is a Gift
I’ll be the first to admit that as a creative person, feedback doesn’t always feel like a gift. Hearing someone question a choice I poured time and energy into felt personal at times. Over time, I was able to see it as an opportunity. I learned to pause, to listen and let go for a shared vision.
As I began to welcome feedback, I noticed growth and collaboration in our spaces, which helped us create our best work. Receiving thoughtful gifts of feedback reminded me of how much others believed in the potential of our work, which continues to motivate me to improve and lead with greater confidence.
Build as Many Relationships as Possible
The most rewarding part of this role is the ability to meet so many new people on a larger scale than before. From members and advisors across Wisconsin to fellow association officers across the country, each individual contributed to my journey. I was able to work harder as I grew more connected to others. I wanted to continue finding ways to collaborate with or support the individuals I had built strong bonds with. I saw meaningful connections improve mental well-being because, as our connections build trust, we become stronger leaders.
Growing my network and working alongside individuals who shared the same passion for DECA was both inspiring and uplifting, and it reminded me how lucky I am to be part of a truly special organization.
Managing Energy, not just Time
Before my term, it would seem that association officers were “on” all the time. Always ready to talk, interact and support you when you need it. This didn’t feel true for me until I learned how to prioritize managing my energy over time. You can always spend more time doing things, but to make those things the best of your ability, you need the correct amount of energy to power through. This is especially true with early-morning runs to conferences and late-night projects.
I had learned that my best work is done after a quick walk break. While it might feel like there isn't enough time to take a break, the productivity you'll have when you come back will make up for the time spent recharging. I genuinely want to give my best to Wisconsin DECA, and protecting my energy allowed me to show up full for my role. Find a recharge technique that works for you and come back to your work stronger!
Serving as Wisconsin DECA’s VP of Brand Management has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From making an impact behind the scenes to building connections, I’ve learned lessons no classroom could teach. This role challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a chance to make a real difference for members.
If you're looking for an opportunity to lead, grow and leave your mark on your association, becoming an association officer is a chance you won’t regret. The skills, experiences and lessons you gain will set you up for a lifetime of success. If you're thinking about it, take the leap and reach out to your association officers and executive officers to learn more.
