Naomi Baria
Vice President, Strategy
Anthology FINN Partners
Naomi Baria is a Mentor Hawaii Cohort 10 mentor. Learn more about the program here.
About Naomi
Naomi is a human-centric strategist adept in engaging and galvanizing audiences with passion, truth, and purpose.
Born and raised in Honolulu, she spent 15 years in New York City working with global brands including adidas, Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, Converse, Google Maps, and Google Play. Since joining Anthology, she has worked on almost every client touched by the Honolulu office including the Halekulani and Halepuna hotels, Foodland, Hawaiian Telcom, Central Pacific Bank, and Locals slippers.
Ever curious and collaborative, Naomi focuses on getting to the heart of the issues affecting our clients. From there, she digs for intersections between audience needs and brand truths to forge creative solutions. She is a lifelong student with a high school diploma from Punahou School, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Carleton College, a master’s degree in strategic communications from Columbia University, and certificates in life coaching and cardio dance.
Question and Answer with Naomi
What is your preferred communication style when mentoring (in-person, video conference, phone, informal check-ins, structured meetings, etc.).
Video-Conference, Phone, Informal Check-In, Meal, In-Person Meeting, Activity, Structured Meeting
Why do you want to become a mentor in this program?
I know firsthand the benefits of a mentorship, both as a former mentor and mentee. It can be disorienting and lonely as you emerge from the cocoon of college or grad school, and having another person there as a coach, resource, sounding board, and cheerleader makes the journey so much more fulfilling and less daunting. I believe we are only as successful as those we lift up along the way. And as an added bonus, I have previous training as a life coach.
What specific skills, knowledge or experience can you share with your mentee?
- How to navigate different careers and roles in the communications field which is so vast and diverse
- How to better recognize, amplify, and communicate your strengths and passions
- How to hold yourself accountable as you search for a new job
- How to start from scratch when you’re unsure about what kind of career in communications you want
- Understanding the various pros and cons in a communications career
- Thoughts on training and education options that are available
What are your expectations for a mentor-mentee relationship?
- A more casual, authentic relationship where we can be candid and open
- Regular meetings either in person or over Zoom where the mentee can set some short-term goals that can be addressed in between sessions (e.g. researching, reaching out to network, etc.).
- As a mentor I hope to be a sounding board and a cheerleader, but I also hope to hold my mentee accountable for reaching their objectives
How do you approach problem-solving and conflict resolution?
I aim to approach conflicts with compassion and an open heart and open mind, where we can find common ground and recognize the needs and intentions of the other party.
How do you envision success for your mentee, and how will you measure it during the program?
Well that all depends on the mentee and their goals! I hope they are able to squeeze as much information and positive vibes from our meetings as they can!
