Rachel Paeper 
Director at Tapjoy
"Be bold. If there is a project you’d like to work on or a person you’d like to meet, let it be known!"
Rachel Paeper, Director at Tapjoy, has been with the company for almost 8 years. She reflects back on the first year of her career and shares with us the importance of making your voice heard and surrounding yourself with people that inspire you.
Rachel also shines a light on the value of building a community of support for women and why everyone should be committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Read her article to get some valuable advice.
Q: You have an extensive career in marketing. How different is your experience in the world of programmatic compared to the other areas of the field?
I absolutely love working in the programmatic world. Everything moves quickly and the feedback loop is very short. It’s been really fun to be able to work alongside partners to find opportunities for growth and see the immediate impact on their business.
Q: What do you love most about your current role?
My team and our partners. I feel very lucky to work with companies like Aarki and Skillz that are true partners and are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve. I’m also grateful to work with a tight-knit, cross-functional group here at Tapjoy; everyone is engaged, knowledgeable, and invested in our partners’ success as well as the growth of the industry overall.
Q: What have been the biggest hurdles climbing up the corporate ladder, and how did you overcome them?
"Give yourself grace as you practice!"
My biggest personal hurdle was that I was very quiet for the first part of my career. I was hesitant to speak up, to ask hard questions, and to reach out to people I didn’t know to make new connections. I was too timid! I’ve found two things to be really helpful for overcoming that challenge. One, surround yourself with people that have the skills/behaviors you admire and try to emulate and learn as much as you can from them. Then secondly, just expect and accept that as you’re developing this new skill, it may feel strange and uncomfortable at first. Give yourself grace as you practice!
Q: If you could give one piece of advice for aspiring leaders, what do you want to share with them?
Be bold. If there is a project you’d like to work on, a role you’d like to learn more about, or a person you’d like to be connected to, let it be known!
Q: How important is it for women to have a community of support in our industry?
"Support from other women is important - especially from women in leadership roles - but support from men is just as crucial."
It is crucial for women to have a community of support - from all genders. The reality is the highest-ranking positions in our industry are still largely held by men. Support from other women is important - especially from women in leadership roles - but support from men is just as crucial. I’ve been very fortunate in my tech career to work amongst both men and women that are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Q: If you could take 3 things to a deserted island, what would they be?
A water purifier, a Swiss Army knife, and a waterproof lighter. Is that too literal?
Q: Where is your favorite place in the entire world and why?
My house on a Saturday morning, having coffee and pancakes with my family.
Q: What is your most favorite food?
Girl Scout Cookies - peanut butter patties!
Q: If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Maya Angelou because her writing and poetry inspired so many people and had such an enormous cultural impact.
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