Editor’s Note: Five years ago we had an idea. Being a woman-owned publication, it made sense to us to celebrate women who were making a difference in the industries we cover. So, we started a “little” feature for Women’s History Month called “Reel Women.” To say it blossomed into something special would be a vast understatement. It exploded. Over the last four years, we have gotten to know leaders, mentors and visionaries from a variety of creative industries. We have learned about their ups. And how they get back up after being down. This is our 5th Annual REEL WOMEN. For the month of March, let us introduce you to some very special women like Group VP, Client Services Caroline Kirsh.
Caroline is GVP of Client Services at Elephant and has spent her career managing large, multi-layered client engagements across all aspects of brand and consumer marketing, platform development and digital solutions. At Elephant, Caroline works across Apple, Chevron, Comcast, and FX Networks.
Throughout her career, she has worked on clients such as BMW North America, Allstate, Citibank, Kia Motor Corporation, McCormick & Company, St. Vincent Health Network, and Stanley Black & Decker. Caroline has been with Elephant for 5.5 years. Caroline lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons.
Let’s meet Caroline!
What’s your origin story?
Born and raised in the midwest; Indianapolis, Indiana, a middle child with a vision and will to succeed. I got my first job at a candy store called Sweet Things in middle school and haven’t stopped since. My mom said I was always one to speak my mind growing up, never taking no for an answer.
How did you get into advertising?
I majored in French at Indiana University – Bloomington, and minored in business. I was looking for something that tied those two categories together, and Advertising was the perfect mix. A family friend put me in touch with Publicis – Indianapolis, I got the job and, as they say, ‘the rest was history.’
Who were your mentors?
At the start of my career, Laurie Kowalevsky, ran client services for Publicis – Indianapolis. She was a force – strong, motivated, and taught me the art of client service. Katie Klumper hired me to run BMW Digital at KBS in 2014. Katie taught me if you treat people with kindness and respect, they will always want to work with you. And that women belong at the top.
While there will be others, what do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
My two little boys. They are my greatest accomplishment. Closely followed by running the New York City Marathon.
What drives you to create?
Amazing people. I love my job and the work I do. Not only do we work with incredible clients, but the team at Elephant is magic. Different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives create incredible outcomes.
Award you crave, but haven’t won.
Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. To be part of a company that is recognized for transforming an industry or shaping society is something I aspire to.
REELated:
What shows/movies/songs are doing the best job of portraying strong women on TV?
Mariska Hargitay (Oliva Benson) from Law & Order: SVU and Claire Danes (Carrie Mathison) from Homeland. Both are wildly successful women, at the top of their respective industries, which happen to be male-dominated and incredibly harsh. They are both relentless, confident, and unwavering.
Is there still a boys club in your?
What boys club? Have you seen the leadership team at Elephant? It’s 70% female! In all seriousness, there still is, but women have recently made greater strides and broken down more barriers than ever before. Continuing to demand pay equality, transparent reporting, and equal opportunity makes progress.
Coffee, Lunch or Happy Hour. Name a famous woman (living or dead) you would like to attend each function with.
Coffee with Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, an organization that is working to close the gender gap in tech. Not only did Reshma challenge a male-dominated industry, but she has also commanded change in addressing corporate burnout and inequity with working women in America.
Lunch with Dr. Iman Abuzeid, Founder and CEO of Incredible Health. Using algorithmic technology, Incredible Health matches the needs of hospitals with the right nurses, combating nurse turnover during one of the worst healthcare crises in modern history.
Happy Hour with my grandmother, Evelyn. She was a wild one. She passed when I was young and I can only imagine the ball we’d have together if she could see me now.
Last year, the Supreme Court ruled against Roe v Wade. What can women in your industry do to defend a woman’s rights?
Demand change and be relentless. Everyone wins when we support women, especially mothers. Taking a step backward is terrifying and disappointing. We have to push harder than ever before.
What keeps you up at night?
Worrying about how to do it all. I’ve always struggled to balance my career with being a wife and mother. I had my second son nine months ago and nothing could have prepared me for the amount of pull between work and home.
What’s up with Beyoncé being nominated for 4 Best Albums of the year but never winning?
It’s ludicrous. Best Album win or not, she’ll always be the ultimate performer, singer, songwriter, mother, wife, and businesswoman. Who run(s) the world?
Nominate Someone You know For Reel Women
