Wendy Blattner
Principal
What do you like best about your job?
The total experience. Getting to know the client’s business. Leading a great creative team. It means I’m a detective, collaborator, liaison and, more often than not, a catalyst. I’m always pushing for a new angle on the issues.
Do clients appreciate that?
Sure, because they may be too close — they may need a fresh perspective. As an outsider, I can take a holistic view of their brand and business. I can see what’s happening, what’s not, and recognize the missed opportunities. The truth is, most companies don’t fully leverage their brands as business assets. So when you help the client seize opportunities, it can be a revelation.
What about the creative teams?
It’s very similar — I help them find their way. Because I understand the client’s business, that really helps the process. I also like to believe I inspire creative thinking in our people, and that results in better, harder working, more innovative solutions.
What do you think is your greatest strength?
Fluency, above all. I’m completely fluent discussing branding and design within a business context. On top of that, I believe I’m a good communicator — talking to people trips my trigger. So I can always draw out the underlying business issues, and that’s fundamental to generating ideas that really make a difference.
Position: Principal
Background: Two decades of experience working with major clients, including global financial services and consumer products companies.
Previous Jobs: Senior vice president and managing director, Red Sky Interactive; principal, Belk Mignogna & Associates.
Reputation: Never, ever loses the thread.
