Uncommon Person: Evencia Leite

Evencia Leite is driven by her passion for helping brands realize their fullest potential. The breadth of her business development, marketing and consulting work covers guiding and growing brands within a variety of industries, including retail, fashion, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, healthcare and technology. She leads Bulldog Drummond’s effort to partner with brands that are striving to deliver an amazing experience, capture share of heart and make a positive impact. Evencia joined the Bulldog team as Vice President of Partnerships a few weeks ago, and we found it proper to welcome her with the obligatory series of getting-acquainted questions.

GET TO KNOW EVENCIA

Bulldog Drummond: What value, phrase or uncommon truth do you live by?
Evencia Leite: It is a cliché, but I believe the golden rule is the foundation of all things good—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Those were the words repeated over and over to me as a child. Although they were sometimes lost on my adolescent self, they are now key to doing the right thing, large or small.

BD: What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
EL: That is a tricky one. I see my accomplishments/goals as continuously evolving. They are like a house—is it ever quite finished? That said, one of my most important accomplishments is crisscrossing the country (AZ to NYC to CA) on my own in pursuit of how I wanted to live my life and who I wanted to be. I was able to untangle professional and personal happiness to create a foundation from which both could be realized. 

UNCOMMON IDEAS 

BD: What gets you out of bed in the morning? What’s your purpose?
EL: My routine is pretty simple. I go to bed each night with an optimistic realization that tomorrow is another day—a clean slate to do better than I did today. I wake up and give thanks for all that I have been blessed with while listening to those sharing my nest snore in unison. It is with that joy that I get out of bed each morning to do better and make a difference.

BD: What’s the most useful question you ask often? Why?
EL: Why? It’s short, to the point and yields immediate clarity. Depending on the inflection, it can deliver a dose of humor as well.

BD: What makes you uncommon? 
EL: When adversity ensues, I widen the lens until the fundamental primary driver of the adverse action or actions is in focus. It is a good starting point when solving a complex problem or reaching a mutual understanding.

BD: Can you tell us about an experience that made you who you are?
EL: In sixth grade, I was given an assignment to construct a castle out of sugar cubes. Like most kiddos, I glued the last cube in place the night before it was due around 8pm. I was displeased with the results to the point that turning it in “as is” would result in shame. Frustrated, I took a large serving spoon and destroyed the structure. I collected my composure, sat back down at the kitchen table and started again. It was my first all-nighter. 

1. Never miss a deadline
2. Measure twice, cut once
3. Trial and error is the best education 

UNCOMMON ACTIONS 

BD: What is the most important decision you made in the last 12 months?
EL: Even though the timing was challenging due to work and life, we decided to take a nice long break in Europe to visit family and friends (pre-pandemic). Our relationships and the experiences we share are paramount to personal fulfillment and happiness. 

BD: Tell us about a positive daily habit that you have.
EL: Exercise. It keeps me healthy and my mind clear to make way for positivity and productivity.

UNCOMMON WORLD

BD: Considering the state of the world as a result of the pandemic, what is your biggest observation about humanity/society?
EL: That question could fuel a doctoral thesis. In short, the pandemic has amplified what we see repeatedly in times of crisis or prolonged hardship. Our species is capable of tremendous beauty and generosity as well as extreme ugliness. This is not a new observation. What is a bit more interesting is that we are the only species intellectually capable of manipulating its environment and behavior in such a way that best ensures its survival. Yet, we cannot come together collectively in pursuit of that primary objective—therefore, we suffer the consequences of failure. It is counterintuitive. This is true not only for the pandemic but for additional challenges we are facing. The fix? Fuel for another thesis. 

BD: Have you learned anything new about yourself during the pandemic? 
EL: Like most of us, I am a social creature. I didn’t realize how dependent I am on in-person interaction to keep me buoyant.