Media guru Erica believes every problem has a solution, talented people make great collaborators, and the best fruit is served in wine.
When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A famous dancer and a babysitter.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
My first boss in advertising told me once, “We aren’t performing surgery or saving anyone’s life here. This is advertising.” This has stuck with me all through my career. Whenever I feel very overwhelmed or am dealing with a difficult situation at work, I try to remember this. Whatever the challenge or issue is, we can work out a solution. We are creative, strategic and analytical minds. We can do anything… except for open heart surgery.
What aspect of your job are people always surprised to find out?
How much math I have to do. Sometimes I feel like I followed in my accountant dad and brother’s footsteps. Math has always been one of my strong suits—it’s genetic. I don’t think I even realized when I got into media that a good chunk of what I would be doing is math. It is a lot of money to manage and I need to make the right decisions on where to spend our clients’ marketing dollars.
What inspires you?
The talent of the people we have at the agency. Everyone here has their own strengths and skill sets, and when we collaborate and come together great work gets produced. I think we all help motivate each other to come up with fresh ideas and put our best foot forward.
What’s your go-to Happy Hour order?
Sangria