June 2014

Young Lion

What I Did Selected to participate in the first ever Young Lions Storytelling Academy at Cannes. Attended seminars, learned from industry leaders under the guidance of Advertising legend, Keith Reinhard. Met peers from around the world. Storytelling exercises. Partied my absolute face off with the most interesting people in the world. Was constantly inspired by the shortlisted work and the award shows. Helped coordinate the Interbrand / Microsoft Hole in the World exhibit. Challenged myself to merit a return.

What I Learned The best storytelling is grounded in emotion. Structure and Content. There's no better party in the world. Radio is a still a great medium for award-winning copy. If you're not talking to someone, you're doing it wrong. Great work is worth celebrating; Great work will inspire you. The best work will infuriate you (I wish I thought of that!!). Seizing opportunity often starts with an introduction. Gutter bar might be overrated? The Cannes rooftop bar is criminally underrated. Ambition follows inspiration and passion. Have a point of view.

July 2013 - March 2015

Associate Consultant Verbal Identity

What I Did Wrote brand stories, developed brand names and taglines, created brand voice and messaging platforms, created branded experiences and wrote all the copy in between. Worked on a whole slew of projects for different clients, primarily AT&T, the company's largest account.

What I've Learned So Far The importance of brand management. Start your work immediately after getting the brief. It can always be shorter. It can always be better. Creativity and collaboration comes easily when you're friends before co-workers. Let the client feel ownership of an idea. Prepare for a client meeting as if you are presenting, even when you're not. Holiday Parties are forever. Balance speed with patience. I have a knack for naming. Infuse your work with your specific talents and passions.

June 2012- Junes 2013

Assistant Account Executive

What I Did: Managed and supported key clients: Trojan, Simply Saline, Gold Bond, Selsun Blue, Tena and Nair. Helped identify, pursue and pitch New Business opportunities. Kept tabs on competitive brands. Wrote case studies for The Joey Company website.

What I Learned: Great creative comes from great relationships, and great relationships can be forged with great account management. You gotta hustle for the chances to show your muscle. ALL the acronyms- from FTP to RFP, AAE to ECD. Look closely and you'll see the big picture. DUMBO is DOPE (#DumboDays). Account Management is not for me.

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Spring 2012

Brand Management and New Business Intern

What I Did: Helped plan and lead various "Disruption Days" (essentially extreme brainstorming workshops for brands seeking to shake up their personality). Assisted in compiling TBWA Millennials findings talk at SXSW. Walked around wide-eyed and giddy. Took home the beautiful, giant painting of "John Jameson vs. The Octopus" that still hangs in my room.

What I Learned: My first foray into the industry, this was as much a crash course in advertising as it was an internship. The power of Disruption. The mystique of Lee Clow. Great creative stems from the deep inspection and understanding of a brand's foundation. Big ideas are often grounded in granular strategy. Ironically, there's a PR team to promote ads. Someone's gotta produce the damn thing. Advertising is an industry that plays to my strengths and inspires my imagination.

Summer 2011

Intern to Vice President of the Executive Office

What I Did: Compiled materials to prepare the Global CEO for his various meetings with the movers and shakers of the world. I also helped lead a study into the feasibility of an internal (or external, depending on our research) marketing program to highlight the amazing history and accomplishments of Reuters News. I also prepared materials for the annual board meeting.

What I Learned: Preparation is the key to any successful meeting. If you speak with confidence, your opinion will matter. Great leaders are great listeners. Don't say "you know" every third word. Executive offices have their own secret snack stash. How a Board of Directors works.

2008-2012

BA

Major: Anthropology; Concentration: History

Activities: "Chowdah" Columbia Sketch Comedy Team (Writer, Actor) / "Extension" - Columbia Journal of Anthropology (Editor, Contributor)