Amanda Bush, 33
Manager Strategic Marketing
Sonepar USA
Amanda joined Sonepar in 2015 as a presentation specialist focused on creating executive presentations. “I had a friend who worked in the industry, but I didn’t really understand what it was,” she recalled. “I knew I wanted to transition into corporate communications, and it seemed like a good opportunity in an industry that felt really secure. Little did I know just how good it was!”
Over the years Amanda (who has been promoted four times in six years) took on more corporate communications and marketing responsibilities. “In my most recent role, I moved away from corporate communications to focus predominantly on strategic marketing for the Sonepar brand,” she said.
Asked what continues to appeal to her about the industry, Amanda said “I realized right away that the opportunities to learn and grow as I advanced my career were more than I’d even hoped for, and I was also really taken with what a relationship-based industry it is. I’ve met some of the best people not just in my organization but across the industry at trade shows and other events and that remains one of my favorite parts of working in this field today.”
Amanda sees a lack of diversity in the industry as one of its biggest challenges. “Having a diverse and inclusive work environment ensures that you have diverse ideas at the table and is even proven to improve a company’s bottom line,” she explained. “I served on the steering committee of our first employee resource group, WATT (Women Advocating Today for Tomorrow), and now serve on the steering committee of our African American Employee Resource Group (AAERG). We have come a long way as an organization but like everyone else, still have a lot of work to do. I’m proud to be a part of groups that are helping to encourage and facilitate that growth.”
Moving into a director role is Amanda’s next career goal. “I want to be where I can be even more involved in the strategy of not just our marketing and communications efforts but of the business itself,” she said. “Having worked on board presentations, acquisition communications, and our strategic plan, I’ve gotten a taste of how the business functions and I’m constantly looking for projects or opportunities to advance my experience and responsibilities in that area.”
She noted that adaptability has been key to her growth in the industry so far. “I believe it will be key to my continued success in the future,” she said. “The industry continues to evolve in every area—from technology to services to people to automation. Being open to new ideas, processes, and really any sort of change is important for anyone who wants to continue to climb to the top and make a difference.”
What would Amanda tell someone just entering the industry? “Be patient and ask a lot of questions,” she said. “There’s a lot to learn and much of it will just take time but look out for leaders and veterans of the industry who have ample knowledge and are happy to share it. Ask as many questions as you can and always keep an eye out for opportunities to learn more not just about your focus area, but also the business and the industry as a whole.”
When she’s not working, Amanda can be found cooking, antiquing, and vintage shopping. “I also love spending time at the beach, watching college football, and spending time with my fiancé and two dogs, Bowie and Vita,” she said.
Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tedmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2021 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
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