Detailed Summary of "Summer Story Series - The Simple Pin Team"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Simple Pin Podcast: Simple ways to boost your business using Pinterest
- Host: Kate Ahl
- Episode: Summer Story Series - The Simple Pin Team
- Release Date: July 23, 2025
I. Episode Overview
In the episode titled "Summer Story Series - The Simple Pin Team," host Kate Ahl delves deep into the backbone of Simple Pin Media—the dedicated team of women who drive the company's success. This third installment of the story series shifts the spotlight from Kate's entrepreneurial journey to the individuals who manage accounts, lead teams, and innovate Pinterest marketing strategies.
II. The Heart of Simple Pin: The All-Women Team
Kate emphasizes the unique composition of her team, highlighting that it consists exclusively of women. This was an organic development rather than a deliberate strategy. She states, "The Simplepen team is made up of all women. Now, I didn't set out to design it this way, but it kind of just happened" [04:30]. The team is diverse in age and experience, ranging from 25 to 64 years old, with the longest-tenured member having been with the company for a decade.
The majority reside in the Pacific Northwest, fostering a close-knit work environment. Kate underscores the team's flexibility, allowing members to work unconventional hours to balance personal commitments, which has been crucial especially during challenging times over the past three years.
III. Company Culture and Core Values
Kate elaborates on the resilient and adaptive culture at Simple Pin Media. She introduces two key phrases that embody their approach:
-
"Fail Forward": "Each failure is an opportunity for growth. That each moment has learning and value for us to better ourselves" [25:45]. This mindset encourages the team to view mistakes as stepping stones rather than setbacks.
-
"Build the Plane as We Fly It": Reflecting their dynamic growth and constant innovation, Kate explains, "Four years, new services, new memberships, new systems, we would feel like we were building the plane as we flew it midair" [29:10]. This adaptability has become less frequent but remains a foundational aspect of their operations.
Kate also discusses the importance of their unique system—the "Simple Pin way"—which allows for creativity and flexibility while maintaining effective structures. Over time, their core values have been distilled for clarity and easier recall, with a strong emphasis on communication, initiative, and uplifting interactions within the team.
IV. Meet the Team
Kate takes listeners on an introduction to each team member, showcasing their roles, backgrounds, and contributions:
A. Leslie - Chief Operating Officer and Integrator
Leslie serves as Kate's sounding board and gatekeeper. With nearly a decade at the company, she provides stability and invaluable insights.
"She is the person that can read me, understand me the most. And it has been a gift that is not lost on me that she is able to do that." [11:30]
B. Risa - Director of Services
Risa oversees the services division, coaching the discovery call team, and ensuring client progress.
"She assesses the situation. She keeps track of progress. She works with the discovery call team to coach them on having better calls." [14:50]
C. Erin - Director of Pinterest Advertising and Design
Erin specializes in Pinterest ads and creative pin design, ensuring clients' advertising strategies are both effective and visually appealing.
"Her favorite abbreviation is ROAS—Return On Ad Spend. We like to do a lot of creative things to really succeed on the ad side." [18:15]
D. Sarah - Team Manager
Sarah manages the inner circle, oversees client work, and tests new tools and strategies.
"She is the catcher of a lot of my crazy ideas for things I want to try. She's a willing and helpful participant who can also be really honest." [21:10]
E. Other Team Members
- Becky: Team lead on the image team, specializes in e-commerce Pinterest strategies.
- Rosanna: Dedicated account specialist handling challenging accounts.
- Megan: Manages vacation floaters to ensure seamless client support during team member absences.
- Jolene: Multifaceted role covering analytics, account specialization, and supporting the ADS team.
- Carrie: Account specialist known for excellent client feedback.
- Jenny: Long-standing account specialist passionate about client engagement.
- Amy - Operations Specialist: Manages client onboarding, payroll assistance, and handles intricate operational tasks.
"Amy has the dedication to go the distance here, which is just incredible." [38:40]
- Emily: Manages the discovery call team and balances work with her new role as a mother.
"She's our latest baby here at Simple Pen Media for sure." [41:55]
- Grace and Nikki: Frontline discover call specialists who greet potential clients and assess their needs.
- Amanda and Daphne - Marketing Team: Drive the marketing strategies, manage the Simple Pin shop, and ensure efficient customer support.
"This team is the lifeblood of Simplepen Media." [50:20]
V. Overcoming Challenges and Innovation
Reflecting on the past three challenging years, Kate highlights the team's unwavering commitment to client success. When faced with stagnant Pinterest traffic, the team remains resilient:
"We don't give up at this point. We keep digging, we keep trying. Even sometimes long after the client has given up themselves." [09:15]
Their relentless pursuit of effective strategies leads to both big and small victories, all of which are celebrated to foster a sense of achievement and motivation within the team.
VI. Building a Positive Work Environment
Recognition and support are pivotal in Simple Pin's work culture. The team engages in various initiatives to uplift each other:
- Employee of the Month: Regular nominations highlight individual achievements.
- Frog Fridays: A tradition of recognizing and celebrating team members' contributions.
"We sometimes get so busy that we forget to do shout outs... But we have Frog Fridays where we forever recognize other people's greatness." [32:50]
Kate underscores the importance of these practices in maintaining a supportive and motivated team environment.
VII. Leadership Insights and Recommendations
Towards the episode's conclusion, Kate shares valuable resources and philosophies that have shaped their team-building approach:
- Books:
- "The Ideal Team Player" by Patrick Lencioni: Revolutionized their hiring and evaluation processes.
- "Traction" and "Rocket Fuel" by Gino Wickman: Helped implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) for structure and accountability.
"These two books have been essential... Hands down, best book I've ever read." [54:30]
- Team Management Philosophy:
- Emphasis on allowing team members to make mistakes and learn from them.
- Fostering an environment where honesty, creativity, and continuous improvement are encouraged.
"You have to be willing to allow people to make mistakes. If you are somebody that is hyper controlling... this will not work for you." [45:10]
Kate concludes by expressing her commitment to remaining teachable and kind, ensuring that the team's culture remains strong and supportive regardless of the company's future trajectory.
VIII. Final Reflections
In her closing remarks, Kate thanks the team for their relentless efforts and dedication. She encourages listeners to appreciate the people behind the services and education Simple Pin Media offers, emphasizing that the company's success is a collective achievement.
"Thank you for allowing me to share their story, to share who they are. So when you listen to this podcast in the future, think about all the people that are in this, that make this company run..." [58:20]
Kate's heartfelt acknowledgment serves as a testament to the power of a cohesive and passionate team in driving business success.
Conclusion
This episode of the Simple Pin Podcast offers an intimate look into the foundational team behind Simple Pin Media. Through Kate Ahl's detailed narration, listeners gain an appreciation for the diverse talents, unwavering dedication, and collaborative spirit that propel the company forward in the competitive landscape of Pinterest marketing.