Hayley Anderson
Soona
Chief Creative Officer and Co-founder
What makes you happiest?
Transforming ugly things into beautiful ones. I love breaking all the rules and turning painful and conventional things into experiences that are absolutely and unexpectedly delightful!
Danielle Bender
Fusion Hill
Director, Research and Strategy
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I was one of those children that could never settle on just one thing. I loved helping others in classes so went through many phases where I thought I might teach. I loved baking so considered going to culinary school to become a professional chef or baker. I enjoyed drawing and painting so went through an artist phase, was the only girl in my friend group who could french braid so considered being a hairstylist, loved reading so tried to figure out if “professional reader” could be a real job. Even went through a stint where I thought I may run for President–and got a neighbor kid’s father to agree he’d vote for me if I ever ran. I’m glad I ended up in market research since I get exposed to so many people’s stories, get to hear all about their lives and their passions, and feel like I’m always learning about something new.
Ashley Berset
The Social Lights
Account Strategist
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
“Vulnerability is not a weakness” — This is by far the most important lesson I have learned, and the one I try to pass on to those I work with regularly. There is something amazing that happens when you are able to open up, speak honestly, and express your insecurities or shortcomings to your manager, your direct reports, and even your clients. Being human is very powerful and something that can get lost in a business environment where everyone is trying to be perfect.
Devon Block
Deluxe
Brand Manager – Small Business Revolution
What makes you happiest?
Creating off the computer screen; from watercolor to calligraphy and wood working to jewelry design.
Dan Branovan
Carmichael Lynch
Senior Content Specialist
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
“Don’t worry about stuff” (from a fortune cookie fortune I still have today).
Lee Cerier
MONO
Strategist
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A drummer. Drums and music have alway been a huge part of my life and I went to school for music business thinking that industry was my path. Fate had other plans and promoting music ended up putting me on the path to discovering strategy and advertising.
Natalie Conrad
Minneapolis Northwest Tourism
Public Relations and Communications Manager
What makes you happiest?
It’s a tie! Running and volunteering, so really being a coach for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, which combines the two! I love getting to share and use my love of running to help young girls learn important life lessons like dealing with their emotions, making friends, combating negative self-talk and more, so they can achieve their limitless potential!
Emily Culp
Essence Global
Associate Media Director
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to find your specialty. Carve out an area of expertise that you’re extremely passionate about and apply it to your career wherever applicable. Whether tech, team leadership, or a unique hobby, it’s something that people would seek you out specifically for. Centering your work around something you love, but also carving out an area of expertise that makes you unique.
Holly Davies
Media Bridge Advertising
Director of New Media
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a forensic scientist AND a dolphin trainer, because I thought I could do one at night and one during the day, and I wasn’t taking no for an answer. I LOVE problem solving and understanding the ins and outs of something that doesn’t have a clear cut path to find an answer. I also love animals. Turns out, marketing and working with Secondhand Hounds satisfied both of the needs.
Greta Egge
Epsilon Agency (Publicis Groupe)
Account Director
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
“Always follow through” – from my first boss, at Dairy Queen
Taylor Friehl
Mortarr
Designer
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
Value the people you meet. You never know where it could lead. A good happy hour or your big break
Briana Gruenewald
Bellmont Partners
Senior Account Executive/Graphic Design Lead
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I recently found a coloring page I did when I was 6 years old. There’s a prompt that says, “When I Grow Up I Would Like To Be:” and I wrote “ardist” along with a drawing of me painting. I found it just weeks before I graduated with my masters in graphic design from MCAD in December 2019. Now, about four months post-grad, it’s reminding me to embrace the “ardist” I’ve always wanted to be as I explore who I am as a designer outside of school.
Evan Hanson
Rocket55
Art Director
If you could ask your pet 3 questions, what would they be?
To my beautiful, sweet, fluffy dog Mulberry (@mulbeawee on Instagram):
– Why do you insist on drinking water so fast that you throw up?
– When will you start paying rent around here? For real.
– Why do you stare into the abyss all the time? Does it stare back?
Katherine Hauser
Weber Shandwick
Manager
What makes you happiest?
I grew up going to summer camp, where I developed deep friendships and leadership skills against the backdrop of playing and learning in nature. The memories and experiences there cemented a love for being outside. I’m happiest now on a bike ride, hike or catching up with friends around a bonfire, and of course visiting camp.
Gretchen Kalthoff
BLM Technologies
Marketing Manager
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
Make every moment count!
Jessica Krasin
Red Circle
Senior Digital Marketing Supervisor
If you could ask your pet 3 questions, what would they be?
“Is it even comfortable for you to sleep on top of my legs?” “Why don’t you sleep in on the weekends?” and, most importantly, “Why are you so perfect?”
Madi Kurvers
FLM Harvest
Art Director
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
Short but sweet… “Always trust your gut.” My dad has always told me this and it has helped me navigate through so many obstacles and decision making moments in life.
Carolyn Lane
Lift Brands
US Director of Marketing
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my recent promotion. 2019 was one of the most challenging years of my career – learning a brand new industry, honing my leadership skills, learning areas of marketing where I didn’t have much experience and so much more. I had to dig in every day to make it work and it paid off big time!
Joe Lane
Colle McVoy
Senior Strategist
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Back-to-back victories in the “Battle of the Brick”: the softball game played every summer between Carmichael Lynch and Colle McVoy. The Wyman Brick Trophy is resting safely at the Colle McVoy office right now.
Kate Moret
MONO
Business Development Director
What is one thing you HAVE to do every day to be successful?
Workout. I’m also trying to cultivate a daily meditation practice.
Annie Mullins
MONO
Connections Strategist
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
As a kid, I wanted to become an English teacher and/or write the next great American novel. Maybe I still will!
Tedi O'Brien
The Social Lights
Senior Social Media Strategist
If you could time travel, where would you go?
I would travel to the mid-1950s to spend time with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant on the set of To Catch a Thief.
Elleni Paulson
Exponent PR
Social Media Strategist
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Turning ramblings with nerds (myself included) into a full-blown podcast: www.nerdsniped.fm
Dick Polipnick
Online Growth Systems
Chief Growth Officer
Who would play you in a movie of your life?
Easy… Leonardo Dicaprio. We have an understanding that I’ll also play him in the movie about his life.
Amanda Renneke
Essence Global
Associate Media Director
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
“Always speak with authority.” It was something my mom used to say to my sister and I when we were growing up, as she definitely made a statement about anything and everything in our lives. While it was the butt of many jokes when we caught her making something up, in my career it has taught me how important it is to be confident in myself and my decisions. In advertising, there are rarely right and wrong answers and the ability to “speak with authority” when making a decision (and of courses some solid rationale) has helped me get to where I am today as a leader and manager.
Michael Sasorith
ArcStone
Lead Designer
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I took my first international trip to Laos. Growing up in poverty, I’ve always wanted to visit the country my family was from but never thought I would be able to. Fortunately, I took a Lao Language course and had a good job that allowed me to save for the trip. For one week I walked in Vientiane and Luang Prabang by myself, speaking to other Lao folks in my family’s mother tongue.
Travon Sellers
Hamline University + Travon Sellers Design Studio
Digital Marketing Specialist + Entrepreneur/Digital Designer
What is one thing you HAVE to do every day to be successful?
In order to be successful I MUST design daily (being a freelance designer means clients are constantly needing an update) This also keeps me creative and allows for self-expression.
Will Tjernlund
Goat Consulting
CMO
If you could time travel, where would you go?
Florence, Italy during the renaissance.
Julian Wagner
BI Worldwide
Senior Event Manager
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
When I was younger my grandfather told me, “Failure to prepare is preparing to fail”. This simple phrase alone has stuck with me throughout my entire life. I have been faced with many different levels of adversity, but waking up every day with gratitude, being fully present in the moment, gives me the courage and preparedness to go out and face whatever comes my way. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected, so sometimes being ‘prepared’ means preparing to be flexible and open to the lessons/challenges life presents you with. You always have choices and can change direction to make the most out of any situation you encounter.
Danny Walsh
Colle McVoy
Senior Copywriter
What makes you happiest?
I love being part of a team. Bringing people together brings me joy. I used to think awards and press were the only measure of success. But now I’ve realized that building camaraderie and making work enjoyable for others will bring me the most happiness in the long run. And when everyone’s having a good time, the work is typically better too.
Jayna Wilcox
Hubbard Broadcasting Corporate
Sr. Digital Sales Strategist
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
Everything in Sarah Knight’s Book, Get Your Sh*t Together!! Especially the advice on prioritizing your to-do’s to must-do’s. Game changer for me both professionally and personally!
Alexis Williams
3M
Global Marketing Communications Specialist, Segments
Who would play you in a movie of your life?
Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope as Alexis Williams. 🙂 A little bit sweet, likable and fun, a tad bit intimidating but always knows how to get the job done.
