Caryn Mambro, 54, is the chief creative officer of the marketing firm Opus Agency and a member of CHIEF. She's based in Dedham, Mass.
How I got here:
I have always excelled at connecting with people and building relationships, both professionally and personally, so the experiential industry has always been an area of obsession.
My career began in graphic design at an advertising agency, where I focused my efforts on broader, overarching creative concepts. This experience forged the path for me to become a creative director. As such, I’ve created campaigns and executed all forms of media, working on national and international campaigns for nearly every industry.
Simply put, I love what I do. I love creating big, brave, bold ideas that resonate, touch attendees, and build immersive journeys that move people to action. From creative strategy to content and design, the heart of any experience is a concept, and at the heart of a concept is an attendee journey.
Greatest career accomplishment:
Through the height of the pandemic, my creative team grew in size, scope, and capabilities. When the odds were temporarily stacked against the live events industry, my team augmented its services to transition in-person experiences to fit virtual landscapes that exceeded clients’ expectations time and time again.
The virtual environment demands engagement-worthy experiences to move the needle. Carrying experiential into the virtual world has been challenging but very rewarding. Ultimately, we’ve evolved into a stronger team with the kind of expertise that changes brands.
At Opus Agency, our creative solutions turn moments into movements, creating something groundbreaking for our clients. I’m so proud of the work we deliver, and having the respect and trust of my team gives me a real sense of achievement.
A specific improvement I’ve made:
As a woman in the creative space, I take great pride in mentoring and leading other women in the industry. Strong women in creative have had to work harder and prove more over the past decades, despite being equally talented and qualified. The ability to share my knowledge and experience has helped transition entry-level designers and copywriters into more senior roles.
I have been fortunate to work with some of the best and brightest minds, and I continue to elevate other women to claim their spaces and amplify their voices. I encourage them to hold their heads high because the days of being under-represented are changing.
Today, I am committed to improving female mentorship and motherhood support and helping teach skills in negotiating well-deserved salaries.
The biggest change I’ve observed in the industry:
The presence of women in leadership roles has changed, albeit more slowly than I’d envisioned. For too many years at various agencies, I was the sole female creative on many accounts. I was determined to work my way to a leadership position, not only for myself but also for other young women in creative.
Today, companies continue to reference gender and other aspects of identity when discussing leadership and recognition. I anticipate the day when women are simply considered “leaders” and not “female leaders.” The tides are changing—and in the meantime, I am committed to doing my part.
What I do outside of work:
Family is a priority, and I try to soak up as much time with them as possible. Time is finite. My parents have passed, and my siblings and I remain incredibly close in their honor. We live in various states, but thanks to Zoom, Friday night happy hours are always on the calendar. Having four grown sons, I am technically an empty nester. I try to instill the importance of family with my kids, which has been effective because someone is always visiting (which I love!).
My other passion is spending time with my Saint Bernards, Lucy and Sophie, and the recent addition, Gracie, a seven-month-old corgi. Family and dogs pretty much sum up my free time, along with dedicating time to professional female-advocacy groups and industry mentorship.
My No. 1 piece of career advice I’d give my younger self:
There is inspiration all around you—find it. Be driven and bold, and never underestimate your worth. Don’t be timid or inclined to play it safe for fear of failure. Push beyond your comfort zone—and if someone hands you a karaoke mic, grab it and SING!
Connect with Mambro on LinkedIn.
Connect x BizBash 15 Over 50 is sponsored by Zoom Events, a comprehensive virtual event platform with the power to create hybrid and virtual event experiences attendees will love. Learn more at events.zoom.us.
