Curator of the Week: Kim Lewis
1. How did you get started in Advertising? What's been your career road map?
I was a communications major at UC Berkeley with an emphasis on media and advertising. I began seeking internships so that I could learn more about this career. During my last two years at Berkeley, I worked in the Sales Department at KTVU, a Fox affiliate in Oakland and it was at that point I knew I wanted to continue in Advertising Sales. After graduation, I moved back to LA to begin my career as an Account Executive for BET.
I opened the Los Angeles office for BET’s publication division and became the West Coast AE for YSB magazine for 5 years. After the company sold the Publication division, I was promoted to Director of Corporate Media Sales for BET and then I was later promoted to Vice President Western Regional Sales and then in 2005 I was promoted to my current role as Senior Vice President, Midwest and West Coast Integrated Sales.
2. What has been an important, perhaps the most important, lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
There are two lessons that I have learned in my career that are very important. First, building strong relationships rooted in the right values of honesty, trustworthy and integrity. Second, having emotional intelligence and not being too quick to react.
3. What inspires your creativity? What is your creative process like?
My ambition, willingness and determination to find a way to execute ideas fuels my creativity. It ignites a spark in me that triggers the belief that the impossible is possible. I have established a mindset with no boundaries or limitations to unlock and embrace creativity. Ultimately my focus is to explore new paths, non-traditional spaces, genres while seeking knowledge and having the vision to connect the creative dots.
4. If you could go back in time, what would you have told your younger self?
It is never too early to start creating your brand. Define yourself instead of letting others define you. You are a walking billboard that everyone is watching so be mindful of what you do, what you say and how you present yourself at all times. Do not forget that you are always on stage and being judged at every level.
5. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?
I just read an interesting article in Ad Age that Horizon Media and Nielsen are set to launch a Multi-Cultural planning platform. It is a new in-house media planning platform that will help develop more thorough, inclusive strategies to better engage diverse audiences. I thought it was very interesting coming from a diverse space and background myself. As the U.S. becomes increasingly diverse, this will ultimately bring an equitable lens to media planning by leveraging a more balanced and robust data sample and in turn will allow buyers to allocate investments and partnerships across minority-owned and minority-targeted media. I definitely will watch closely to see how this platform continues to develop.
6. Any closing thoughts you want to share with the ThinkLA Members?
I would like to applaud ThinkLA members' commitment to the organization as well as your resilience for being able to thrive over the last two-and-a-half years during the pandemic. It is so amazing how agile we have all been to adjust to our surroundings and conditions during these unprecedented times. Continue to shine and be resourceful, follow the trends and be a student of continuous learning as you strive for excellence. Wishing all ThinkLA Members much success on your future endeavors. All the best to you and your families. Stay safe and be healthy!
Want to know where you can follow Kim on social media?
Instagram: @kimlewis__
LinkedIn: Kim Lewis on LinkedIn