Notable Young Professional Erica Fox Shares Her Organizational Tricks

Erica Fox is the CEO of Foxtrot Digital Communications in downtown Toronto and a killer example of a #notablewoman. Fox is inspired by her mother, energized by her friends and far more organized than the average young professional.

Do you know where you got your drive from?
I got my drive from my mother, who is my inspiration and my role model. By being a smart, risk taker, she has achieved all that she has set out to do.

How do you stay self-motivated?
I surround myself with a strong team of friends and colleagues who are on a similar path as mine. When I feel my motivation slipping, I look to my “tribe” and motivate myself with their example.

What would you say is your preferred way to network?
I love to give away information for free. I meet with people all the time to have coffee and discuss digital marketing and business success strategies. I like having coffee with people because it gives me a chance to have a real conversation with people and get to know them better rather than at fashion shows or galas.

How would you describe your process for deepening relationships?

Relationships are built on small moments of trust and subtle moments of openness. I believe that connecting with people in an open and receptive way, leaving judgement and opinions at the door, is essential for building strong and lasting relationships. Taking the time to ask the right questions, engage friends in meaningful conversations, and being deeply interested in the people in my life is how I have developed the closest bonds in my life.

What are your preferred tools for keeping organized?
I use a lot of apps to keep myself organized. My secret weapon is followup.cc, which schedules my emails and follow-ups, keeping my inbox free for short-term tasks and new messages. I also use the Pomodoro method when I need to knock main tasks off of my to-do list. As I manage several clients and multiple projects under each project at the same time, I use Trello to stay on task, and I use Slack to communicate with my team.

What is your favourite way to market your product or services?

My favourite phrase is, “knowledge is the only thing you can give away and never lose.” I believe that with all of my heart. I market my service by giving away my knowledge, whether I’m giving guest lecture at Centennial College, or giving a free consultation to a business owner, I freely share my knowledge with others so they understand what goes into our work.

Who has been your mentor in helping you find success?

I’ve been lucky to have many wonderful mentors at each stage of my business. I’m very thankful to my previous managers at the companies I’ve worked at, who have pushed me out of my comfort zone so I can be a better professional.

What social issue does your organization raise funds and/or awareness for?

We sponsor an organization called free them that works to end human trafficking here in Canada and globally.

How and where do you continue to learn?

Reading is fundamental. I read a little but everyday for both business and personal development. I am a huge supporter of continuing education. I have taken continuing education courses at the University of Toronto to support my work as a small business owner.

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Do you have a fitness ritual that you live by?

Yes! I love to work out in the mornings. It’s starts my day off with an accomplishment and get’s my body and my mind ready for a productive day. In the evenings, I like to complete my day with a run and meditation to relax myself. It’s a great way to begin and end my day.

How do you feed your soul?
I feed my soul with my loved ones. Spending quality time with my partner and my family makes me feel connected, whole and loved. I also love to read because it expands my imagination and opens me up to new ideas. Lastly, I always ensure my work environments are bright and filled with people I adore being around. This brings out the most productive attitude in me and makes me excited to sit down at my desk and get work done.

How would you describe the eating ritual that makes you feel most powerful?

I strongly believe that one must nourish both the body and the mind. Cooking is an activity I enjoy immensely. It makes me feel connected with the food that I am eating. I love simple food at home and try to use only whole ingredients without a label so I get the most out of my meals.



Who is your favourite personality to follow on YouTube?

My classic go-to favourites are Marie Forleo and Oprah for inspiration and motivation. However, I sometimes watch Lilly Singh when I need a daily dose of funny. Finally, I love to follow my friends, Dave and Deb, at the Planet D as they travel the world.

What type of content do you find most compelling on Instagram?
I love artistic content – photos that tell a story in just one shot. Photos with movement and colour always catch my eye. I follow a lot of travel instagrammers because I love exploration and adventure.

Who is your favourite artist?

Janelle Monae if definitely one of my top artists to watch. I love her personality and her zest for taking risks with her work. I also adore her personal sense of style.

What is your favourite sport to watch?

I don’t watch sports but I can be convinced into watching an American football game if the Seattle Seahawks are playing, or English football if Manchester United are playing.

Where is your favourite place to unwind?

Nothing beats Saturday morning yoga. It’s my Me Time where I get to refresh and replenish for another hectic week.