Hybrid strategist and execution leader, Rudy is passionate about digital marketing through the integrated approach of a “social media led but not digitally limited” ecosystem. Born in Mexico, raised in France, and expatriated to NYC, he has over 15 years of experience in advertising servicing global brands such as Coca-Cola, GM/BUICK, AT&T, Microsoft, Adobe and SWAROVSKI.
Rudy empowers businesses to define, set up and execute global digital programs through a 360-degree approach from recommendation to launch. He partners with brand leaders to deliver complex programs on time, in budget, and on brand while simultaneously setting and managing partners’ expectations.
Aside from his expertise, Rudy’s passion for empowering Brands, Clients and Teams to generate genuine advocacy is defined by growing up as an underrepresented gay expatriate. He promised himself he would utilize any opportunity to provide everyone – and anyone – a much-needed platform to resonate. SocialQ is now their platform and microphone to find resonance.
Regarding SocialQ:
SocialQ Agency is a marketing agency that was born out of a fundamental wish to find the point of resonance between brands and their audience. They support brands in an ever-evolving digital marketing landscape by introducing their “Direct 2 Client” approach, which breaks the status quo of the over-engineered larger advertising agencies
SocialQ becomes an in-house partner and go-to team for clients, providing support for all things digital with outside perspectives and expertise.
From branding to digital presence to customer acquisition needs, all services are rooted in managing a full marketing ecosystem, in addition to the empathy and social cues required in any creative.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Rudy to learn a bit more about his journey as a digital marketer.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Rudy: I always had a passion for marketing and a deep understanding of its purpose. As my career grew, I began to understand there was an industry need for in-house marketing that was not being met. Larger advertising agencies/groups where I worked my whole career were getting very disconnected from newer brand leaders who were taking the work in-house. I knew there was a way to operate and deliver at a better level.
Q. How did you get started?
Rudy: I stopped overthinking it and just did it, one step at a time. People who ask you what your five (5) year plan has probably never started a business on their own. You go with a gut feeling, a vision, and a passion for what you are trying to achieve. You gather everything you have learned through your experience and/or what you observed. It is the most fulfilling and humbling experience of professional life.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Rudy: Focusing and prioritizing what will impact the business short and long term.
Although a leader is aware of what has to – and should – be done, you can’t be everywhere. As a team builder and leader, you can’t expect everyone to care as much as you – it’s just like with your own kid. However, as you bring people and partners into your adventure, you owe them visibility and transparency. Newcomers coming onboard are the best potential advocates for your vision. Taking the time to pause and bring them into your perspective is key. Similarly, turning any frustrations into productive check-ins and reassessments will set your team up for success.
Furthermore, establishing a positioning for your company is one thing, but nurturing it and ensuring that we practice what we preach is another. You will be tempted to derail and you will have to adjust to fit the market, but you always must remember your intended ethos and try to be as faithful to it as you can. Regardless of how successful you get, the positioning you thought of on Day 1 should remain your leading star above all
Q. What is the Most Memorable Thing You’ve Done Since you Started your Business?
Rudy: Witnessing the growth and impact of something you have created is memorable on a daily basis, For advertising agencies, winning the trust of more partners over larger and more established agencies is what keeps you moving. It’s the feeling that, as a group, you do something that matters.
As a recent example, one of our nationwide campaigns for a professional haircare brand gathered a significant donation from a non-profit focusing on the young generation’s creativity learning and also brought them millions of impressions and engagement. This is what we live and breathe for.
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
Rudy: I focus on mentoring and executive reading, and am always seeking guidance on how to continually grow.
Related to that, I highly recommend Promise Phelon’s book – “The Way of the Growth Warrior”
Q. What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools, or resources and what do you love about them?
Rudy: Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook (yes, still) – I know these are all social media apps, but these are what have been influencing my career for the past 15 years. Despite critics’ concerns about social media overuse, it still has the ability to impact and enhance people’s lives. It’s where the conversation starts, where branding comes to life, where communities communicate. As a digital marketing executive, you have to witness it firsthand.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Rudy: I’m not sure I could have answered this question three years ago when we founded SocialQ. Today, however, I can safely say I would like my work to connect and inspire behavior for the greater good.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Rudy: “Think, understand, and adapt.” – Jean-Louis Balat (my dad) ;)
To keep up-to-date with Rudy and his journey, connect with him on his Linkedin and Instagram.