2. Jean Munn: Growth Through Mentorship

After I graduated from college, I landed my first job in marketing at the largest agency between Chicago and New York. It was there, in Cleveland, that I had the opportunity to learn from other smart, dynamic women — including Jean Munn.

Like Anita during my intern days, Jean put her trust in me to get things done, offering guidance but not necessarily dictating direction.

Working on an account with Jean was a full immersion into advertising. She found ways to give me a role in every possible aspect of marketing communications. From writing briefs to presenting measurement reports and leading client presentations, Jean routinely put me in positions that allowed me to sharpen my skills and discover new strengths. During my time working for her, Jean taught me the importance of mentorship and the impact a great mentor can have on a person’s confidence to reach for more.

I still talk with Jean regularly. She continues to inspire me to lead with that same willingness to put our people at Wray Ward in positions that challenge them, stretch them and help them learn and unlock new skills.

3. Jennifer Appleby: Witnessing a Visionary

Anita and Jean made indelible stamps on my career in its early stages. But working alongside Jennifer Appleby for roughly two decades profoundly impacted who I am as a leader.

Jennifer is one of Charlotte’s and our industry’s most admired executives, and for good reason. She has always focused on the future. She weighs decisions differently, considering not just the immediate ROI but also the importance of making investments for the long-term good of our clients and our agency. She always considers the agency’s best opportunities to invest resources now for future success.

Jennifer showed me how to be fearless when embracing new opportunities and to have the courage to ask, “What if?”

Big decisions come with risks because while we may believe, we certainly don’t know what the future holds. But calculated risks supported by a thorough analysis of the facts at hand prove their worth more often than not. Consider, for example, the decisions to bring our insights and motion offerings in-house — bold moves that enabled us to better serve our clients and helped position Wray Ward as an industry leader.

Jennifer led the charge to establish and sustain our leadership in the home and building markets, delivering better-performing work across our disciplines for incredible clients. It was a courageous decision that made Wray Ward an industry leader. We continue to nourish that leadership role in a dynamic, ever-changing marketplace. That expertise, in turn, extends to how we build a brand strategically, methodically and holistically for our clients in other categories.

So when I think about how these three women have impacted my approach to running an agency, I think it’s best reflected in my commitment to serving in leadership: I am here to help and support — while guiding our agency toward what’s next.

Wray Ward’s people are immensely talented and incredibly passionate about the work they do. If I’m able to lead them in a way that champions trust and collaboration, I believe that’s how we will continue to create that extraordinary synergy of art and science that builds brands and moves their audiences to take action.

That’s how we take a spark from the next big idea, add to it, build on it and bring it to life.