ThinkNW Marketing All-Star Profile: Vanessa Miller, Group Brand Director, Wieden + Kennedy
We’re pleased to announce our first class of ThinkNW Marketing All-Stars. Chosen by the ThinkNW board and executive team, this program kicks off a tradition of recognizing the unique marketing talent that drives our industry and region forward.
We asked our honorees to share a bit about their work, lives and what the Pacific Northwest means to them.
Here’s what Vanessa Miller, group brand director at Wieden + Kennedy, had to say.
How long have you been in your current role?
About three years and a total of 14+ at the agency.
What do you value most in your work in this role, and what do you consider your biggest accomplishment in your current role?
I’m torn. At Wieden + Kennedy, one of our mantras is “the work comes first.” But we also can’t get to great work without extraordinary talent and being surrounded by great people. So I think I equally value the people I work with—the best team in the world, frankly—and the work that we get to do together.
I’m especially proud of the work we’ve done with our Fisher-Price clients. In 2019, we partnered with them to help relaunch their 90-year-old brand and working with them has been the most rewarding few years of my career. From creating a fully functional Chatter Phone to launching a virtual Toy Museum during the pandemic to reminding us all of the magic of childhood daily. (Also, selfishly, we get to ride Power Wheels around the office.)
What do you like to do outside of your work?
Outside of work, I’m currently training for a marathon. I had run the Boston Marathon in 2013, which was the year of the bombing and obviously very tragic, so I’ve always wanted to go back and have another opportunity to run it. My aim is to qualify here in a couple of weeks (fingers crossed). Other than that, I’m really into food and wine (I was SO excited by the Portland Top Chef season!) and spending time with my little terrier mutt, Freddie Mercury. #AdoptDontShop
What impact does the Pacific Northwest have on your work?
I honestly struggle to imagine working (and living!) anywhere else. For starters, it’s so important to me to be able to wear sneakers to work. Check. I also appreciate a relaxed yet progressive environment, work or otherwise. Check. And the ability to make it to an amazing restaurant all the way across town in 15 minutes flat really seals the deal for me.
How would you characterize the Pacific Northwest marketing/creative community? In your mind, what makes it unique?
Although I’ve learned that advertising really is a small world—it seems like far fewer than six degrees of separation between any two of us, doesn’t it? The Pacific NW and Portland, in particular, feel even more closely knit and closely tied, perhaps as a function of how small our mighty city is? Generally, we’re all quite supportive of one another as well, which is a definite Northwest vibe. I have so many friends sprinkled across this town, and I’m rooting for them all!
