Q&A with Carolyn Cavalcante
Director, Strategic Planning
What is the key to maintaining long client relationships?
I think it’s about a level of mutual respect and the willingness for an open exchange of ideas. Our clients know their business the best, and we know ours. We like to think of our client relationships as partnerships. We’re on the same side, working together to help our clients achieve their goals. When they do, it’s just as rewarding to us as it is for them.
What is your earliest Austin & Williams memory?
On my first day (always a little nerve-wracking), I walked into the art department (all men, by the way) and Rick said, straight-faced and in a very serious voice, “We all have a very important question to ask you” (long pause, tension building), “Are you a Yankee fan or a Met fan?” Thanks to my grandma, I grew up watching the Yankees, so I was safe. But I did take a deep breath before I answered. And right before I did, I noticed the shrine to Derek Jeter on the back wall.
How would you describe the Austin & Williams’ team?
We’re a family… that doesn’t quit. I know it may sound cliché, but there’s no other way to describe the people here. We’re all friends who genuinely care about one another. We know each other’s birthdays, children’s birthdays, favorite flavor of coffee, pet peeves, idiosyncrasies… I could go on and on. Anyone here would do anything to help you out, solve a problem, meet a deadline, cover for you, anything. The team here goes above and beyond – it’s what we do. And, when I say “family”, I mean it in the true sense of the word. I met my husband here.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I love camping. Now, I don’t mean camping in a log cabin with electricity – that’s cheating. I love my comfort zone with my hairdryer and lipstick, don’t get me wrong. But I do love to pitch a tent, sit by the campfire with a chill in the air and wake up in the middle of nature.
What movie can you recite the words to?
“Grease”!
If you could live any celebrity’s life, whose would it be?
Sarah Jessica Parker. “Sex and the City” … come on!
