An Interview with Bella Merritt
Program manager, washington, dc, us
Edelman Global Advisory recently caught up with Bella Merritt on her professional experience, helpful career advice, and proudest moments from her career. See our interview below and keep up with Bella on LinkedIn.
EGA: What excites you most about your role at EGA?
BM: The people I get to work with every single make excited to come to work. Forming relationships with people across the globe and network is a privilege. Everyone brings a unique perspective and a creativity that I love learning from and makes me want to get out of bed each morning.
EGA: What would you say is your personal area of expertise?
BM: My personal expertise is in social media, specifically around thought leadership and public affairs.
EGA: If you could give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be?
BM: Everyone is still learning, so it is okay to be uncomfortable and not know it all. I started my career in Washington DC as an executive assistant and I did not know what I was doing, but that is okay. Each day you show up to work is an opportunity to learn and ask questions, that is how I grew from an executive assistant to where I am now.
EGA: What past work project or accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
BM: Along with my colleague and work bestie Troi, we have grown EGA's LinkedIn following to over 12,000 followers. Seeing our growth over the last few months has been incredible. It is a testament to the strategy, creativity, and relationships we have built. And a plug! If you have not followed us on LinkedIn, please do!
EGA: What would you do if you weren’t doing this?
BM: Teach fitness full time! Teaching a fitness class can be hard, but it is so rewarding to see the women that take my class get stronger and more confident each time they come.
EGA: If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?
BM: I love basketball, and love the Phoenix Suns, so I would love to invite Charles Barkley because I know I would laugh the entire time. Andy Cohen, because I am huge Bravo fan and know he would have tea to spill. My third guest would be Lucille Ball. I grew up watching I Love Lucy and admire the path she created for herself as a woman in comedy.
EGA: How do you like to spend your time outside of work? Do you have any special hobbies or interests?
BM: Outside of work I teach barre and love to workout. Anything fitness related I am in!