Representing Diversity with Pamela Zapata

When Pamela Zapata was hiring social media influencers and content creators, she noticed a lack of diverse representation. As a first-generation American and woman of color, she wanted to help people that looked like her build sustainable businesses and get paid fairly. 

Zapata went from working 12 to 14 hours a day at an unfulfilling job to founding Society 18, a woman-run influencer management agency focusing on multicultural and multiethnic talent. She talks with In the Details host Karen Allen about dealing with perfectionism as a founder and CEO, knowing your worth, taking risks, empowering your team and the importance of pay transparency.

Much of Zapata’s professional career paved the way for the founding of Society 18 and the knowledge she is able to share with the clients she represents. Although the journey has been mired by stress, overwork and uncertainty, it is work that not only fulfills Zapata, but allows her to solve a problem she noticed while working at marketing agencies in New York. Now, she and Allen discuss how she learned the necessity of delegation and taking time in your “genius zone,” the concerning lack of transparency amongst creators and why influencers need to create a community outside of social media. 

Follow Pamela Zapata on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

In the Details is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.