Paige Arnof-Fenn – 58

About me

Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder and CEO of global marketing and branding firm Mavens & Moguls, based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups, and non-profit organizations. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School.

Paige serves on several Boards, is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes.

What do you do and why do you do it?

We are storytellers and content creators who help our clients in compelling ways by finding the right words and pictures to create interest for their products and services. My company does anything a marketing department, ad agency, market research shop or PR agency does on an as needed outsourced basis. My company’s mission is to bring world class marketing talent and expertise to organizations that want to make a difference in the world regardless of size or budget. We believe every organization deserves the right words and pictures to tell their story in compelling ways.

What changed for you after age 50?

After losing so many of my loved ones (7 people in 6 years) I learned firsthand no one on their deathbed wishes they worked more/made more money/won more awards. They just want to be with the ones they love most to tell them they mattered. I think of those people often and the roles they played in my life. I want to be remembered for passing along the very best in me to others so their lives are better and happier in some way because I was part of it. That’s pretty much it. I try not to sweat the small stuff anymore, it’s just a distraction.

What would you tell the 20 or 30-year-old YOU?

So many things…

Patience—It really is a marathon, not a sprint, so do not set arbitrary goals like being named 30 under 30 or 40 under 40. It may take you longer than Mark Zuckerberg to hit your stride, and that’s okay. Most people take many detours on their career path before finding their true calling. Don’t be disappointed if you get to 40 and are still exploring because the journey really is a great adventure, so enjoy it!

Fail fast—Don’t be scared to fail. Just learn from every bump in the road so you make better mistakes next time. That is where you learn the most! You learn to do by doing. Course correct and pivot along the way. It makes for a fun career path.

Keep learning—Finishing school is not the end of your education. You will be a student for the rest of your life, so never stop learning new things. Your education is just starting to get really interesting, and the grades don’t matter anymore. Be a sponge for knowledge and enjoy the learning process.

Success is personal, and your definition will change over time. That is normal and shows maturity. Find what matters to you, and don’t worry about anyone else.

I am a big fan of networking and finding mentors. I have had great mentors and champions throughout my career. In my corporate life I had bosses, senior women or alums from my alma maters who took me under their wings to help me advance and show me the ropes.

What do you think you’ll tell yourself in retrospect at the end of your life?

You done good 😉

What impact do you think increased visibility can have on your business?

Hopefully, it will inspire and motivate other like-minded people to reach out, connect, and keep the conversation going.

Who or what inspires you and why?

Nature and my nieces/nephews/godkids bring hope for future joy and good things ahead.