Our SMS professionals serve as ambassadors for our certification program here at NISM. Not only are they knowledgeable about our curriculum, but they also share our passion for social media. Best of all, their stories help shape our organization and the work that we do here.

We are bringing back our series “Meet and Greet,” which introduces you to one of our SMS professionals and shares their story. It is our hope that by sharing these stories, not only will you learn more about others who share your passion for being an SMS professional, but you will also want to connect with them further. We encourage you to “meet” this featured individual by connecting with them through your favorite social media platform or comment at the section below this article.

And with that, we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Constans and her story.

Leslie, tell us a little about yourself and the work you do.

Hi, my name is Leslie Constans. I live in Portland, Oregon, and work for Cambia Health Solutions, a company that is transforming the way people experience health care. I lead brand and digital communications for Cambia, and one of the most impactful ways we’ve integrated our brand and digital strategy is to use a brand journalism approach to telling stories across a variety of mediums, from social to podcasts to video to blogs.

Can you share what you love most about your job?

I have to say it’s the people I work with who inspire me and make my job so enjoyable. Both the team I lead and my peers and partners in the organization are smart, strategic and creative, committed to the work we are doing and genuinely fun to be around.

Connecting with your co-workers can make all the difference! Now, What prompted you to explore certification as a social media strategist?

About three years ago, I took on responsibility for social media as one of the critical ways to engage our target audiences, build trust and credibility with them and enhance our corporate reputation. I had been working on social media channels since about 2008 but wanted to take my experience to the next level by pursuing certification.

We’re so glad you took that next step. The SMS exam is focused on 6 different content domains. Which is your favorite and why?

Can I have two favorites? Strategic Planning is on the top of my list because it’s the most important component of any strategic communications and social media initiative. I’m someone who loves to explore the “why” we are doing something as well as the “what” and “how” we are going to achieve our goals. Compliance and Governance and thinking about designing best practices and processes is also one of my favorite areas, especially at a company with multiple brands, solutions and people who touch social media. It’s energizing to be at the center of that hub and helping our organization be its best on social media while engaging effectively with our audiences.

What advice would you give someone thinking about certification?

Don’t be afraid to invest the time in your certification. NISM is a great organization to be affiliated with and the certification offers valuable recognition for your professional development and personal brand. It’s also a new certification for a medium that has become incredibly important to managing a brand’s reputation, and it sets you apart from some of the other marketing and PR accreditations out there.

We really appreciate you letting us get to know you, can you tell us something about you that not everyone would know? Something unique about yourself.

I am a voracious reader, and I read about a book a week. I joined Good Reads in the past year, and it’s been fun to connect with some of my friends and co-workers and share good books!

Leslie, thank you for your willingness to share your story with us. Keep up the excellent work! Connect with Leslie through her social media accounts below:

Twitter: @lconstans

LinkedIn: Leslie Constans