An Interview With Karen Mangia
Post frequently
This one’s simple but essential. The more consistently you show up, the more opportunities you have to connect. For us, that means daily content across multiple accounts.
We often use the term “Influencers” to describe people with significant social media followings on platforms like Instagram, Twitter TikTok, Youtube, Linkedin and Facebook. Influencers have become today’s media titans, sought after for everything from product placements to timely trends. What’s the difference between influence and impact? Fans and followers? Sizzle versus staying power?
In this interview series, called, “How To Cultivate Community In A Click to Connect World” we are talking to influencers about how they define success and what we all need to discover about the true nature of influence. As a part of this series I had the pleasure of interviewing Justyna Gawlik.
Since 2018, Justyna has played a key role in growing Overheard from a viral quote page into a multifaceted brand. As VP, she oversees content development, brand presence, and strategic partnerships, helping to expand the platform’s reach and build a loyal, engaged audience both online and IRL. She’s passionate about building brands that foster connection and conversation.
Thank you for making time to visit with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. How did you discover your career path and what got you to where you are today?
Thank you for having me! I joined Overheard at a time when I was ready for a career change and exploring new opportunities. During that process, I reconnected with someone from a previous role who was working at Overheard. As a longtime fan constantly sharing posts with friends, it felt like the perfect fit. Over the past seven years, I’ve worn many hats, learned every part of the business, and grown alongside the brand.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along the way that influences how you operate now?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there is always more to do. Early in my career, I thought I had to do everything all at once. Over time, I’ve realized that making space for rest and creativity often leads to better results than constantly pushing. Slowing down can actually move things forward.
We’re all searching for some good news. How are you using your platform to make a positive social impact?
With over 5 million followers across our brand, we know we have a responsibility to use our reach for more than just content. Since our flagship accounts, @overheardla and @overheardnewyork, are rooted in specific cities, we focus on collaborations that directly impact those communities. Earlier this year, we hosted a comedy show fundraiser with proceeds going to GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund to support those affected by the LA wildfires. Most importantly, we’re always listening to our audience and letting their voices help shape how we show up in moments that matter.
Success is often a matter of perspective. I’ve always resonated with Henry David Thoreau’s quote, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” How do you see success — or define success — for yourself now?
At this point in my career, I define success as ending each day knowing my team and I showed up fully, did our best, made some people laugh, and took meaningful steps toward the goals we’ve set. Consistency begets progress.
What are your strategies to make room for who and what matters most?
Inevitably we prioritize the things that matter most to us. That goes for both personal and professional. In a work setting I believe in creating a list of priorities at the top of the year, and revisit it monthly to make sure they still feel in alignment with our long term goals.
How do you reduce or mitigate stress?
I strive for a morning routine that starts my day with reading and coffee before I pick up my phone. I find that giving myself 30 minutes at the start of the day helps me feel grounded. I say strive because I’m definitely not perfect, but working towards it!
I spend a ton of time outdoors. I have a weekly schedule of walks with friends that help me stay consistent.
I’ve learned that most problems have a solution. I don’t need to stress over every mishap throughout the day. You will always run into problems, it’s how you react to them that matters.
I’m going to try a few of your tips, and I’m hopeful our readers will, too. Now it’s time for the big reveal — the moment our readers have been anticipating. What are your “five strategies to cultivate a large & engaged social media community?’ Please share a story or example for each.
1. Post frequently
This one’s simple but essential. The more consistently you show up, the more opportunities you have to connect. For us, that means daily content across multiple accounts.
2. Share timely, relevant content
You have to meet the moment, but only when it makes sense for your brand. We stay plugged into what’s happening culturally and tailor content to each page’s unique audience.
3. Maintain an authentic voice
People can tell when you’re chasing a trend versus when you’re speaking in your true tone. We’ve learned that if a moment doesn’t fit naturally with our brand, it’s better to skip it.
4. Interact often
Social media should be a two-way conversation. We’re constantly in the comments and DMs, and a lot of our content comes directly from the audience, whether it’s submitted quotes or responses to questions in our story series.
5. Give back to your community
People want to feel seen and appreciated. We partner with brands throughout the year for giveaways and surprise-and-delight moments that show our audience we’re grateful to have them along for the ride. It’s fun, it builds goodwill, and it often brings new people into the fold.
What do you do to create a greater sense of connection and community among your fans?
We’re in constant conversation with our audience through comments and DMs. Over time, we’ve built inside jokes that followers reference whenever we post certain series. Engaging directly is key, it’s about creating a dialogue, not just posting content.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world with whom you’d like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He, she or they might just see this. 🙂
Oh wow, great question! Bozoma Saint John is at the top of my list. She’s an incredible marketer with a track record of bold, culture-shaping work, but what I admire most is how unapologetically authentic she is in every space she enters. Her ability to lead with both creativity and confidence is something I deeply respect.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
Follow the Overheard pages: @overheard, @overheardla and @overheardnewyork. We also recently launched @overheardbookclub, come read with us!
Thank you for these thought provoking insights. Here’s to your continued success!
Appreciate you having me!
Justyna Gawlik Of Overheard On How To Build A Large, Loyal, & Engaged Social Media Community was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.