People First: RPA's Art Director, Adrianne Benzion

 


How would you describe the overall culture at your agency and would you say that there is a separate female culture?

The culture at RPA is very welcoming and inclusive. The “People First” motto really holds true and I’ve never felt more cared for as a human being while I’m doing my job and building my career.

There is a female culture at RPA and I believe it’s driven by the desire to lift each other up through programs and activities. The Women’s History Month committee was so chock-full of ideas that a few ladies started a monthly group that helps us build upon our professional skills. Last month we did an improv class, which was not only fun but very enlightening.

In your opinion, what do you see as being the biggest change in the advertising industry since women have begun to break the “glass ceiling”?    

At an industry level, women have banded together. With initiatives such as Free the Bid and See It Be It, women that have the power to give another woman an opportunity are doing it.

Outside the female race, it seems that #MeToo, #TimesUp, and especially Diet Madison Ave have grabbed the attention of the men of advertising. They appear to be more aware of themselves; what they say and do, and how they can help women feel safe at work.

What are some of the challenges that women still face in the industry?

Most of the people at the top, across the industry, are still men. So, while change is happening, it’s happening slowly. As women that are already here, I hope that we can have an impact on what happens next. So maybe it’s getting more women interns or giving more women a chance on a big project. Getting those different points of view in the door ensures the work is more diverse and, most importantly, less chauvinistic.

What steps do you take to ensure you achieve a healthy work-life balance?

Exercise is very important to me. Recently, I made the commitment to get up early every day and go before work. Sometimes it’s tough, but at the end of the day I’m too wiped, and starting my day with a workout makes me feel awesome. Thankfully, RPA is great about supporting life outside the office so it makes it easier to shut off my work brain and turn on my “werk” brain. Train your body, train your mind!       

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

The work I did on the “First Ever Pinterest Yard Sale” for Krylon has been my crowning achievement thus far. I worked with such talented people and other creative women that I truly respect and admire.

Tell us about a mentor who helped guide you in your career. What made them so special?                           

I met a friend of a friend, years ago, that worked in advertising and she offered to help me with my résumé. She’s been a part of my career and life ever since. Whenever I had questions about the industry, she always answered them with kindness and more questions. At one point, I was interviewing for a job and found out I didn’t get it. I remember asking her, “Do you think I’m in the wrong field? What can I do differently?” She had recently started at Deutsch NY and was building a team with a role she thought I’d be great for. She immediately contacted her boss and I had an offer two days later. She was also the one that gave me the opportunity to work on the Krylon “Pinterest Yard Sale.” She changed my life and I’m forever grateful.

How do you, as a successful woman, plan to inspire the next generation of women?

Right now, whenever a woman messages me on LinkedIn looking for advice or answers about how the industry works, I always take the time to write back, sometimes offering to jump on the phone or meet for coffee. I’ve had an untraditional career, so I like to share that there isn’t just one way to get your foot in the door. As I progress in my career, I want to get more involved in developing younger creatives day to day and bring the best up with me.