Tricia Clarke-Stone from “Running Russell Simmons” stars in the Oxygen reality docu-series. Tricia (“Running Russell Simmons“) grew up in Brooklyn, New York.
“Work hard, play hard!” That’s the motto that Tricia Clarke-Stone, the co-president of Russell Simmons’ Global Grind, lives by. Tricia (“Running Russell Simmons”) has been working hard in traditional and digital media for over a decade. FOLIO recognized her as one of the industry innovators and influencer’s of 2009.
Tricia Clarke-Stone’s media sales career began at Emmis Communications as a radio account executive in New York City. After two years of learning, growing, beating budgets, and expanding her repertoire, Tricia Clarke-Stone hungered for new challenges. Tricia (“Running Russell Simmons”) landed a job with Excite@Home, one of the top three Internet portals at the time. At Excite, Tricia Clarke-Stone focused on strategic selling by offering integrated digital solutions to her clients. Tricia Clarke-Stone eventually returned to Emmis Communications to help launch their interactive division. Tricia Clarke-Stone worked with media companies, ad agencies, and brands to create multi-platform campaigns. PUMA, Apple iTunes, FOX Television, Scion, and EA Sports are a few of the companies that have also benefited from Tricia’s solid skill set.
When she’s not overseeing sales, business development, and marketing for Global Grind, Tricia Clarke-Stone is “playing” hard by partying with friends, cooking, DJing, and doing Pilates. Tricia (“Running Russell Simmons”) also enjoys modeling with her twin sister, with whom she launched a chic clothing line called Tac Clothing.
Loren’s World interviews the Global Grind beauty
You are co-president of Globalgrind.com take us through your day?
My days are filled with meetings both internal and external. I usually gather my team in the morning to see how things are tracking, give out assignments and set the tone for the day. When I’m not in meetings I like to spend my time preparing for upcoming events, working on presentations, proposals, budgets, fine tuning strategies, pitching clients and developing new approaches to grow the business. There’s never a dull moment, my day usually ends with an event or client dinner.
How did you land your job at globalgrind.com and what type of experience did you need for this position?
Globalgrind.com contacted me because they knew my track record and level of experience. I’ve been working in the traditional and digital media industry for over a decade and I have lots of experience in launching new business initiatives. My main focus is on generating revenue, sales, marketing, branding, business development and operations.
You are co-president for one of Russell Simmons brands, what is it like working with him?
Working for Russell Simmons is great! He’s an inspiration! He’s a hands on boss who’s always willing to do whatever you ask. He empowers you to make decisions and run the businesses.
What’s the best advice someone has given you?
Always be on top of your game and establish your competitive advantage.
What do you think about when life throws you a curve ball? How do you manage?
I manage it with strategic thinking, grace and style. Life is always going to throw you curve balls you have to learn how to adapt and be flexible.
As president of a major online site such as globalgrind.com requires a lot of multi-tasking, how do you manage and how do you tackle on your projects?
I’m great at multi-tasking because I’m very organized… borderline anal. I manage and tackle my projects by being strategic, creative and surrounding myself with a great team. I’m also a firm believer in being proactive as opposed to reactive, so the curve balls are usually at minimum because I’m always anticipating and thinking of what’s next.
How do you define success?
growing, achieving my goals, being at the top of my game and attaining balance.
What is the first thing you do in the morning and what is the last thing you do at night?
Check my blackberry!
You are a cast member of Russell Simmons new show Running Russell Simmons, tell us more about the show and what we expect to see from you?
The show is great. It provides a glimpse into the world of Russell Simmons, his businesses and the women that him run it.
How do you encourage others? How do you encourage yourself?
I encourage others by pushing them to do better and rewarding them. It’s innate – I always want to do better and take things up a notch. I’m never complacent.
What advice can you give those who are trying to break into the industry?
1. Get ready to work hard! I’m always willing to roll up my sleeves and do whatever it takes, even though I’m co-president.
2. Lead by example
3. You have to pay your dues. Success doesn’t happen overnight.
4. Be proactive. I never wait for anyone to tel me to do something. I’m always a step ahead.
5. Master the art of dealing with people. Running a business is all about the people that work for you, the people you work for, the clients, celebrities, partners ect.
6. Working for Russell is awesome and fun, there’s instances where you’re exposed to a lot, so you always need to know how to handle yourself in a professional manner.
7. Be an expert in your field, never stop growing and learning. This way you know you’re always an asset.
8. Be creative and strategic thinker
9. Have a thick skin.
10. Always be on top of your game and establish your competitive advantage. I’m always thinking of ways to grow the business, establish better partnerships, close bigger advertising deals with client etc.
11. Figure out your niche and own it!
12. Have fun!
13. Learn to close deals, it’s all about generating revenue! Show Russell the Money!
Want to learn more about Tricia send her a tweet @tricia002
