Sharon Napier

Executive Chair and Founder, Partners + Napier

Years in current role: 18

What was your biggest success in 2021?

I’m really proud of how our team supported each other in 2021. Everyone endured a lot. Through that, I saw people approach each other with a new kind of kindness. We really had each other’s backs, on a different level. I saw it with our client relationships too – just a different level of partnership. That was a success, because we all went through something together, learned from it, and came out stronger.

What are your expectations for 2022?

I hope to laugh more, enjoy life more, enjoy work more, enjoy my family more, enjoy my hobbies more, travel more, and to always be a better mom, sister and friend. Now’s the time to start putting our best intentions into action.

What is your biggest takeaway from dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?

In advertising, we sometimes think that we’ve captured the market on creative thinking. But the pandemic really showed me how creative thinking helped business move from decline, to stabilization, to growth. I especially have a lot of respect for how restaurants and universities pivoted so quickly to find new solutions to deliver for their customers and students. As I have heard, growth does not live in the confines of the past. This could not be a truer statement and the silver lining of COVID (for sure).

What is your favorite thing about the Rochester community?

Rochester is a Real community with deep roots and an abundance of pride. I love the arts, the restaurant scene, parks, rivers, lakes – we are a city of abundance. Rochester is a city with a history of invention and moxy. I love watching my daughters move back to Rochester from NYC to rediscover Rochester with their husbands. They are rejoining their friends and family and seeing the beauty of Rochester in a whole new light.

If time were no issue, what would you do to help the community that you aren’t already doing?

I have always believed in the “power of creativity to change the world.” I had more time in the last two years to run many city neighborhoods and experience the beautiful street art with its powerful images and messages. So if time were no issue, I would join a street art team and do whatever they needed. The power of starting something and seeing it through to completion would be gratifying. I have been inspired by @lewismillerdesign @bansky.official @shawndunwoody

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2022. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.