Ayesha Coker brings the Porsche brand to life as the Director of Experiential Marketing for Porsche Cars North America, Inc. She leads a high-performing team focused on experiential brand marketing, strategic partnerships, driving programs, and the Porsche Club of America. In the midst of our new reality, strong leaders like Ayesha stand out by innovating, adapting, and fostering connection in new and even unconventional ways.

As an entrepreneur, Mattie James is a total BOSS in the truest sense of the word and she really does walk the talk. Not only has she successfully turned her passion project into a thriving business but she’s bringing the rest of us along with her thanks to her online courses and downloads that teach us how to build a multi-figure business, too.

In this episode of WorkParty, host Jaclyn Johnson sits down with both of these ladies to discuss how to turn your ambition into a booming business, and level up your leadership skills. If there’s one message they want you to take away from the conversation, it’s to dream big and believe in yourself. 

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On pursuing your passion full time...

“It was really easy for me because I was fired. When you get fired you have to figure things out rather quickly.” – Mattie James

“Take action – it's hard to stop momentum.” – Mattie James

“You cannot manufacture momentum.” – Jaclyn Johnson

On the challenges…

“2020 was definitely a year to remember, but I loved watching how my team came together to create unique brand experiences for our customers.” – Ayesha Coker

“We listened to our customer and really took it to heart, banding together as a team to create unique experiences during such a challenging time.” – Ayesha Coker

On ditching the perfectionist trope…

“Being present is way more is way more important than being perfect.” – Mattie James

“There is no way to be a perfect mother, but there's a million ways to be a good one.” – Mattie James

“I like to call it life-work balance, because those are my priorities. When you honor life, you honor work and vice versa.” – Mattie James

On pivoting experiential Porsche events…

We quickly realized that nothing replaced human connection. Nothing replaced that one-on-one experience that people were longing for.” – Ayesha Coker

“Our customers are an extension of us – they're like an extended family, as we would say.” – Ayesha Coker

“We had to create our own space, so that's what we did. We called it ‘Stay Driven’ because we wanted people to stay driven during the pandemic, not to forget that we will get through it.” – Ayesha Coker

On leadership learnings...

“Having a following as an influencer is one thing, but having a community that really believes in the value of your offering is another thing.” – Mattie James

“In a position of leadership, you must learn how to listen to your team.” – Ayesha Coker

“Sometimes leaders are expected to know everything, but I find what the team needs the most is support, honesty and a clear vision.” – Ayesha Coker

“As a leader, you have to make quick decisions and then you have to stand by them.” – Jaclyn Johnson

“I tell my team that we may have different titles, but at the same time, we have the same goals.” – Ayesha Coker

On pursuing your dreams…

“Find that uncomfortable middle – you don't want to be comfortable, but you do want to make sure you're taking a calculated risk.” – Mattie James

“Get clear on what it is that you want to do, get clear on what it is that you're trying to accomplish, and when do you want to accomplish it.” – Mattie James

“We love to overwhelm ourselves with big audacious dreams. Take a deep breath, and break it down into digestible pieces.” – Mattie James

On building your dream career…

“Go with your gut. Never second guess yourself. Show confidence at all times. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Live your most authentic self.” – Ayesha Coker

“Self-leadership is so important. It’s plays into the trifecta self-awareness, self-confidence and self-care.” – Mattie James

“Be intentional about self-care.” – Ayesha Coker

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