“I started my career in magazine publishing during the mid-‘80s, a time when the industry didn’t have many women in the senior role. My boss, Claeys Bahrenburg, was a true male ally and mentor.  He believed in people and gave many of us our first chance at a career in media. His support of the quest for learning and growth as individuals was exceptional. One standout lesson in confidence that Claeys gave me was, ‘Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, as long as you learn something from it!’ It was the first time I was encouraged to think about the benefit of taking risks.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve carried that lesson with me into my career as a CEO and strategic advisor.  And as I look back, it was precisely this confidence that helped me when I was about 25 facing a particularly challenging situation. In my first junior management role at a large corporation, I inadvertently uncovered some questionable ethical practices in another division that impacted my work. I had to meet with the head business manager to discuss this finding and then directly with the individuals involved, who were far my senior. I was able to navigate the situation and smooth things over, even though I was young, the lone female and in an awkward situation.

I didn’t fully appreciate the magnitude of what I had successfully uncovered and navigated, until I encountered  the same thing years later, at another large corporation. I was able to trust my instincts, immediately noticing some questionable behaviors and that things weren’t quite adding up. With confidence, I brought the matter to senior financial executives and ultimately the CEO  of the company.  Through my experience, I was able to quickly stop unethical behavior that was putting our business in jeopardy and, as a result, the company put new compliance policies in place.

Claeys was a legend in the publishing industry, sometimes called ‘the gentle giant’ for his unassuming way. He was an exceptional talent who earned respect and admiration by being himself, which was inspiring to those who worked for him.  He believed in promoting people before they were ready, which was brilliant in instilling confidence and a drive to work harder to earn that trust! I was a mid-level manager when Claeys asked me to subtly ‘manage’  our very senior marketing director — someone extremely bright and well-respected who he saw could benefit from my support with the sales staff. We were a great team and this enabled me to develop a new skill, early in my career.

Claeys was a mentor and support to many women. His innovation in creating The New American Woman event in the 80’s was groundbreaking and a game changer at The Hearst Corporation. When he passed away late last year, men and women alike reflected on what a wonderful champion he was.  I don’t think he fully recognized what a tremendous impact he had on so many people.”  

– Missy Godfrey, Founder and CEO, M3 Strategic Advisory
New York City

Missy Godfrey is a business leader who operates at the intersection of marketing, technology and finance. Starting her career in retail and publishing, Missy was an early adopter to embrace technology for strategic innovation and growth. Currently, she leverages this expertise for clients in the media, beauty, wellness and luxury goods industries.