At the North America Virtual Marketo User Group on September 12, Andy Mullings, Marketo Engage Champion and Marketing Technology specialist joined us to talk about his experiences with mental health, resilience and dealing with anxiety. Andy is not a professional motivational speaker, however over the course of his life has had many experiences overcoming life’s challenges. A lot of Andy’s experiences have come from competing in sports, being a father and a husband, traveling the world and managing and building teams. Andy will share with you how he uses those experiences to deal with the pressures of work and how he applies his skills in the workplace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k10aMOXZ4kA

1. Creating a culture of excellence
MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
WHILE WORKING IN MARKETING
OPERATIONS

2. H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C O A C H I N G
THE CHALLENGES
Challenges Faced in Marketing Operations Roles:
1. Rapidly Evolving Landscape
2. Data-Driven Complexity
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration
4. Resource Management
5. Compliance and Regulations
6. Scalability Challenges
7. Unrealistic Timelines, Expectations and Error Rates
These challenges often result in a high turnover of staff within Marketing Operations teams, primarily due to the stress
and pressure team members experience, as well as a lack of appreciation for their contributions.

3. BUILDING MENTAL
RESILIENCE
H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C O A C H I N G

4. ‘WE AREN’T BORN WITH A MINDSET PERFECT FOR EVERY
SITUATION AND THE ABILITY TO OVERCOME EVERY CHALLENGE
WE FACE’
H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C O A C H I N G

5. WHEN I GET ANXIOUS OR STRESSED, I TEND TO DO TWO THINGS
2
1 OVERTHINK A SITUATION THAT’S ALREADY HAPPENED
OVERTHINK A SITUATION THAT HASN’T HAPPENED YET

6. “
”Remember why you do these things. It's
because you care and want things to go
well. These are normal reactions, and
they reflect positive traits. It's certainly
better than not caring at all."

7. H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C O A C H I N G
OVERTHINKING A SITUATION THAT’S
ALREADY HAPPENED
Examples: Presentation at work, chat with manager, integration project, incorrect email, someone cut you
up in the car, disagreement with colleague.
You need to do something between these situations and normal life to help you switch off. I call them
Switch Activities.
I prefer something that engages me mentally and physically, but the mental engagement is the key.
If I don’t have a way to switch off, I’ll often find myself talking to family or watching a movie and I’m not
there in the moment. Instead, my mind is over thinking.

8. OVERTHINKING A SITUATION THAT’S ALREADY
HAPPENED
Physical Exercise
Cooking or
Baking
Laughter /
Friendships
Puzzles Walking in Nature
Examples of Switch Activities
Switch activities can also become a regular hobby that you build into your routine. Another key aspect to
these activities such as Yoga or Jiujitsu is that you're often around like-minded positive people.

9. H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C O A C H I N G
OVERTHINKING A SITUATION HASN’T
HAPPENED YET
Examples: 1-2-1 with your manager, work presentation, pre-project workshop, buying a house, a sporting
event, or upcoming bills.
The desire for these events to go well can cause anxiety.
My approach is to create a plan, writing down all the necessary steps. What's your approach? How do you
prepare? I close my notebook, knowing the plan is ready to pick up again.
Having a clear plan reduces anxiety and boosts confidence.

10. OVERTHINKING A SITUATION HASN’T HAPPENED
YET
On the day of the event, allocate time to get into the right mindset. I typically spend an hour preparing
for a one-hour meeting or 30 minutes for a half-hour meeting.
Read through your plan
Switch off technology
Go for a walk
Listen to a playlist

11. ‘WE ARE WHAT WE REPEATEDLY DO. EXCELLENCE THEREFORE
IS NOT AN ACT BUT A HABIT’
ARISTOTLE
H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C O A C H I N G

12. NAVIGATING
CHALLENGES AND
FOSTERING GROWTH
H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C O A C H I N G

13. H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C O A C H I N G
• Working with someone you've clashed with - "It's time to sort it out." Initiate a conversation with the person,
express how you feel, and aim to restart on a positive note. Addressing the issue can relieve a significant burden
from your shoulders.
• Working outside your comfort zone - "Step up the effort and embrace it." Instead of complaining, put in the extra
effort and embrace the opportunity to learn and grow. Acquiring new skills is not an everyday occurrence, so make
the most of it.
• Working on something you dislike - "Be mature, it's a part of life." Accept that not every task will be enjoyable.
Approach it with maturity and professionalism, understanding that you can't have your favorite dessert every day.
SITUATIONS YOU CAN INFLUENCE

14. H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C O A C H I N G
• Frustrating situations - "Take a moment before acting." When faced with frustration, close your eyes, take a deep
breath, and consider sleeping on it. Alternatively, remove yourself from the situation temporarily to gain clarity before
responding.
• Helping people and giving back - "Make small acts of kindness." Whether it's providing food for the homeless,
praising a teammate, or sending a heartfelt message to loved ones, engaging in acts of kindness instantly rewards
you and fosters a positive attitude.
• Communication - "Choose personal interactions when possible." Opt for calls or face-to-face meetings over emails
or texts whenever feasible. Misinterpreting tones in written communication can cause unnecessary anxiety, so
prioritize direct communication methods.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and individual situations may vary. Adapt these suggestions based on your
specific circumstances and the people involved.
SITUATIONS YOU CAN INFLUENCE

15. H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C O A C H I N G
• Talking about others' negativity - "What comes around goes around." Encourage constructive conversations and
provide feedback that is balanced, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects. Respect the fact that people
can have different views and opinions.
• Social media and TV - "The gift and the curse." Use these platforms with a purpose, avoiding aimless browsing
that can waste precious time. Be mindful of how you engage with social media and television, ensuring it adds value
to your life.
• Not putting in the effort - "If you don't put in the effort, it will eat away at you." Give your best and avoid cutting
corners. Losing becomes easier to accept when you know you gave it your all. Losing without trying will be harder to
handle.
SITUATIONS TO AVOID

16. H I G H P E R F O R A M N C E C O A C H I N G
THANKS
LinkedIn: @MarketoSolutionsArchitect
Twitter: @Martech_Mindset
Instagram: @MartechMindset

17. Stay focused with motivational
books and movies
17
Nimsdai Purja – Beyond Possible (Book & Documentary), Amy Cuddy (Ted Talk), King Richard (Movie)

18. No easy way out – Robert Tepper
Who you are – Jessie J
I was here – Beyonce
The best – Tina Turner
In the air tonight – Phil Colins
Try again – Aaliyah
Impossible – James Arthur
My Playlist