Editor’s Note: Supporting women should not be limited to a month. So, at Reel Chicago, we have decided to amplify and promote dynamic women’s voices all year long. Today, let us introduce you to Laughlin Constable’s EVP, Head of Data Analytics, Vanessa Watts.
Vanessa has over 25 years of media experience working within high-profile agencies (both integrated and media independent) and on the client side. Prior to LC, she was at Havas Media for over 16 years, driving performance and Effie-award-winning work across half the agency’s portfolio, including some of the world’s most renowned CPG and retail brands, like Reynolds, Hefty, Valspar, and Sears.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Illinois, with minors in Advertising and Marketing. She loves to travel far and wide, and lived in Sydney, Australia for seven years, where she began her career in Media.
Let’s meet Vanessa!
What’s your Chicago story?
I’m a tried and true Southwest-sider – born in Blue Island, spent time in the suburbs, lived abroad – and moved back to the city in my 30s.
How did you break into advertising?
I was an English major at UIUC with a minor in advertising. My last semester I took a newly offered class called “Media Planning 101”. I was hooked. That one class was the spark that ignited my career in Media.
How has Chicago influenced your creative journey?
Chicago has such a large advertising community – it’s hard not to be influenced by the amazing people that I’ve worked with and agencies I’ve worked for while I’ve been here.
Chicago is known for its grind and resilience.
Not surprising that I identify with Chicago as much as I do – because “grind” and “resilience” are in my DNA. My friends would tell you that if you need to get something done – come and see me. I keep pushing….
Chicago has given us Michelle Obama, Oprah, Joan Cusack Shonda Rhimes, Linda Kaplan Thaler, Barbara Proctor, Lena Waithe, and so many powerhouse women. What’s it going to take to create even more opportunities for Chicago women?
Women need to support other women – plain and simple. Some of my biggest opportunities happened because women I’ve worked with recognized and rewarded my hard work – ensuring I have been able to get to the role I am in now.
Name a creative risk you took that paid off.
I left the agency world to explore life on the client side. It taught me how to influence and align stakeholders, not by force, but by guiding them to see the value in my perspective. And it also made me realize that I missed agency life – which led to my current role at Laughlin Constable.
What’s your take on the rise of AI?
Limitless possibilities. Those who learn to embrace AI – and learn how to unlock the potential that AI can deliver – will be able to stay ahead of the curve in their careers.
Are you bringing back Soul Train or American Bandstand?
That’s like Sophie’s Choice. I grew up watching both. I mean – it’s got a good beat, and you can dance to it…I’ll give it a 92. Now let’s start the Soul Train Line!
How do you balance ambition with self-care?
It’s about setting boundaries and making sure you stick to those boundaries. It’s a challenging thing to do – especially as you advance in your career and expectations are greater. But you have to be clear about the lines you draw and which you’re ok for others to step over and which you’re not.
You’re writing a memoir. What’s the title?
Tougher than a Chicago Winter
Go to Karaoke song.
Boots by Nancy Sinatra
Vanessa Watts’ Socials:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-watts-100648/
To see who else is a REEL WOMAN click here.
ALSO READ:
REEL WOMEN Celebrates: Katy Gajewicz, Chief Strategy Officer
