What’s the difference between advertising today and when you started your career?
Okay, so it wasn’t quite the Mad Men era… but when I started, the only MacIntosh in the office was the juicy red kind, “social media” referred to a three-martini lunch with your magazine and TV reps; and being hired as a Gal Friday (which I was) was perfectly – and politically – acceptable.
Other than that, we’re still working hard to persuade people, to influence buying decisions and create brand preference. There’s just many more ways to do it, and more quickly – but not necessarily more better.
What makes a great brand?
A smart, creative and memorable advertising campaign. Not to sound so self-serving, but really, what are great brands without the campaigns behind them? We are introduced to brands through advertising, persuaded to choose a brand because of advertising and reminded to stay loyal through… well you get the picture. It is pretty incredible that we creative/strategic/marketing folks have this kind of life-changing influence within the campaigns and programs we create. That’s something I never take lightly.
What is your favorite Austin & Williams memory?
Our first Margarita Monday. And not because anyone got out of hand or it was crazy, but because doing this kind of fun, camaraderie-building activity was something I always wanted to do and the agency we were building had the perfect ingredients for a good time: people you really want to hang with, lots of laughs, guacamole cook-offs and a Creative Director who makes killer margaritas. Every once in awhile, when we all get cranky, we know it’s time for a Margarita Monday. It cures all.
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Describe your perfect day.
It’s summer – a crystal clear day, low humidity, bright sunshine. I’m at Coopers Beach in Southampton with my family. My husband is surf casting; the girls are getting tossed about in the waves, I’m indulging in a “not-have-to-think-about-it-too-much” novel after an invigorating jog. The breeze is warm, the mimosas are cold, and we’re in no rush to leave.
Who is the person who makes you laugh the hardest?
My husband, hands down. His sense of humor is what first attracted me to him and what keeps us connected, especially when times are challenging. I have come to appreciate what an important quality it is to make people laugh, particularly in our professional lives, and how it can really help build rapport and chemistry.
What is your all-time favorite song?
This is the toughest question. I have different favorite songs depending on my mood. But the one commonality: I play them all very loud. But I’d have to say: “It’s a Beautiful Life” by Ace of Base – for energy – I can dance forever to that song; Josh Groban’s “The Prayer” – for when I want to be contemplative; Billy Joel’s “I am the Entertainer” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder Road.” Oh, to be a teen again!
