Deborah Stallings Stumm

Tell us about your career journey and how you ended up here.

Entrepreneurship is in my soul! My career has included executive roles in sales and marketing at toy and consumer products companies, and building multiple businesses and brands of my own in the family and lifestyle industries. FUNfluential (influencer campaign management software for the toy industry) was created based on a huge need I saw in the market.

Describe yourself in 5-7 words - have fun with it!

Scrapy, tenacious, determined. Perfected the art of the pivot!

Tell us about a time when you thrived at work, and what you learned about yourself from that experience.

After working for both Fortune 500 and start-up companies, I found my passion in entrepreneurship and small business. I love being able to find inspiration and be fluid and flexible enough to act quickly to address needs in the market.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Do I have to pick one? The excitement of building a business from concept to reality is hugely fulfilling. I also love introducing new products to potential customers (sales!) when I know it will bring them so much benefit.

And...my side hustle is being a toy and lifestyle TV/Media Correspondent. I love curating products, building segments, and being "live" with TV station anchors.

How about when you "turn off" and go home? Any hobbies or fun activities you are involved in?

You will find me on a spin bike, going for a run, or hanging with my friends in boot camp. I am also a huge dog lover and spend as much time as possible with my 2 adorable (aka troublemaker) rescue dogs.

Any must-read, must-watch or must-follow recomendations?

White Lotus, Paradise and Apple Cider Vinegar - must watch (binge!)

Anything else you want to share with the WiT Community?

Would love to connect with all of you who are looking to work with influencers in the toy and family markets. We've created something very special with FUNfluential!