Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hastings.
Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my career, over 20 years ago, with a deep passion for storytelling as a beat writer that predominantly covered sports. Nothing sets you up for translating the human experience to an audience quite like sports does. My degree – which is in cultural anthropology – taught me how to observe, listen, and understand what drives people. That love of anthropology, coupled with the ability to tell stories, led me into marketing and communications where I found a perfect intersection between strategy, creativity, and human behavior. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead brand, PR, and digital efforts across several markets in the consumer packaged goods world – from wellness to agriculture – always keeping a focus on building authentic connections and driving growth. Today, I serve as the Director of Marketing for Aurora Pharmaceutical – a veterinary pharmaceutical company in Minnesota. Here I have a great opportunity to continue to grow this purpose-driven brand, develop impactful campaigns, mentor teams, and – yes – use my journalistic and ethnographic eye to find the patterns and stories to translate.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think that anyone who has followed a path through levels of a career can say it was a “smooth” road. I will say it was purposeful, and moments of challenge were opportunities to learn and get better. I think that the ability to face those challenges along the way, and push on with those experiences, is what made me the leader that I am today.
When it comes to a marketing career, there can be many common issues faced in that path. Balancing strategic vision with day-to-day execution can be tough. At my career level, I’m expected to lead with big-picture thinking while also being able to roll up my sleeves and be in the day-to-day. That tug-of-war can be draining if the team or resources are not aligned so, thankfully, I have an amazing team who are all equally excited for what we’re doing. Another frequent struggle for those in marketing is keeping up with the pace of change. Whether that is with platform algorithms and consumer behavior to emerging tech like large language models, we must always be sure to keep our brand consistent while being open to these evolutions in the world around us. There’s also constant pressure to prove ROI, especially in communications or brand roles where impact isn’t always immediately quantifiable. Throw on navigating leadership expectations and cross-functional collaboration, it can get rather complex. I will say that. in spite of all of the moving parts that we juggle, people like me stay in it because we genuinely love the madness – the pace, the pressure, the problem-solving. The wins may not always come easy, but when they do, they’re incredibly rewarding and a reminder of why we chose this path in the first place.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Aurora Pharmaceutical, we’re focused on delivering high-quality, dependable animal health solutions for both livestock and companion animals. Our portfolio spans a range of trusted, veterinarian-approved products that support the wellbeing of animals while also considering the bottom-line needs of farmers, ranchers, and pet owners who care for them. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality, our Midwest-made roots, and our focus on building authentic, long-term relationships with our customers.
We specialize in providing generic equivalents to the brand-name animal health products – bioequivalent choices that don’t compromise on safety or efficacy. That means our customers get real value, backed by science, and supported by a knowledgeable team that truly understands the industry. I’m especially proud of the work we’ve done to elevate our brand voice in a space that often overlooks the power of strong storytelling and emotional connection. Whether we are launching a campaign for a new equine product or showcasing the hard work of local farmers, we aim to meet our customers where they are – with honesty, integrity, and a little bit of heart.
Ultimately, our brand is about trust. We want readers to know that when they choose Aurora, they’re not just getting a product – they’re getting a partner who’s invested in the health of their animals and the success of their operation.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Supporting us can be as simple as choosing our products, sharing our story, or reaching out with opportunities that align with our mission. We believe in the power of community and conversation and I’m always open to a meaningful collaboration. Whether that is through strategic partnerships, co-branded campaigns, or storytelling opportunities that align with our values, I’m forever curious.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AuroraPharmaceutical.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aurorapharmaceuticalinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorapharmaceuticalinc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurora-pharmaceutical
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuroraPharmaceuticalInc
