Insights

What is the number one quality you look for in talent?  Taste. Amongst other things of course, but for a creative person it’s taste. It’s one of those things you can’t teach. It’s such an amazing thing when you find someone that can process the world in their own unique way and then creatively articulate that point of view with a level of clarity and panache. Particularly within the confines of an ad brief because brands are typically unimaginative and conservative. So yeah, taste coupled with a little grit, kindness, and a sense of responsibility is the kind of talent…

What is the number one quality you look for in talent? It’s hard to single out just one quality, but if I had to choose, I’d say interest—interest in world events, in learning, in the profession, and in becoming better. To me, interest combines curiosity with the energy to pursue and fulfil that curiosity. What is the very best career advice you’ve ever received? From incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with— Dr.Stephan Vogel, Liz Taylor, Juggi Ramakrishnan, Monica Moro, and many others — the advice has always been the same: never lose focus on the work, on…

Based on the current climate, here’s what to expect in the advertising and marketing industry for the fall and winter of 2025. The industry is navigating three simultaneous and significant changes: the evolving business environment, the fragmentation of traditional agency structures, and the impact of AI. Adapting to a New Business Climate The current business climate is forcing brands to adjust on the fly. This shift has led to an increased demand for real-time responsiveness from advertising and marketing agencies. The most successful agencies and brands are those that can insert themselves into the cultural conversation, generating significant earned media…

What is something the industry isn’t paying attention to that they should? The industry is so busy debating what AI means for creativity that we’re ignoring the bigger question: what does it mean for talent? Advertising is a people industry, and AI is quietly erasing the rungs of the ladder. The early roles (with the hands-on experiences that trained generations of strategists, creatives, and account leaders) are increasingly being automated by AI. If AI is doing the work, who’s doing the learning? Where will the next generation of advertising leaders come from if they never get to sharpen their teeth…

What is the number one quality you look for in talent? Passion. Sure, everyone’s got some talent. But what separates the good from the great? It’s that unquenchable passion to learn, to push limits, and to keep wrestling with a problem until something amazing pops out. I’ve seen countless creatives with less natural “gifts,” but their unyielding passion will outwork, outthink, and outperform talented people who don’t have that real drive. They are open to criticism, soak up feedback like a sponge, and always hunt for that never-been-done-before idea. When people genuinely care, they dive deeper, ask smarter questions, and…

If you could attribute one other person or life event to your success, who or what would it be and why? Tara LaWall Straight was one of my first mentors in advertising. She is an incredible creative leader who I’ve known for 10+ years. I started my career at Droga5 where Tara was my copywriting mentor (and life coach). Tara pushed me to believe in creativity, to take risks, and always encouraged us to have fun at the office. Both a jokester and confidante, she always pushed us to make funnier, quirkier, and more truthful work; and she believed in…

If you could attribute one other person or life event to your success, who or what would it be and why? Without question, my dad, Frank DeMiero, who passed away on February 19th. His influence on my life and leadership philosophy has been profound. As a renowned music educator, he didn’t just teach music — he built communities, nurtured talent, and created spaces where people felt seen and valued. My dad showed me the power of leadership that’s rooted in authenticity, passion, and an unwavering belief in people. His ability to elevate others and create opportunities where none existed has…

If you could attribute one life event to your success, what would it be and why? Moving to New York has completely transformed my perspective on life, career, and personal growth. As a refugee, I spent much of my life searching for a place where I could truly belong—a country or city to call home. Today, New York is that home. The opportunities it has given me for my career growth, and the incredible people I’ve met along the way, have far exceeded anything I could have imagined. It’s also where I met my husband and started a family. What…

What is the very best career advice you’ve ever received? When one of my first CD’s left the agency, he left me a little card that said: “stay who you are, and no one can really be mad at you”. That quote really stayed with me. If you stay true to yourself, you’ll get surrounded with people like you. And as you grow, your personality will also shine through in your work, making it more authentic.  What part of your role as a leader do you find most rewarding? I’ve always felt that the most talented people in an agency are not…