Welcome to the Kaffeen Authority Builder podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Pearlstein Mills, a true left-and-right-brain thinker with over 15 years of international experience in brand strategy, marketing, and communications. Laura’s career has spanned industries from luxury fashion to tech, and she’s passionate about the power of purpose and creativity to drive change and engagement.

Below, I’ve distilled our lively conversation into a blog post, capturing Laura’s insights on career development, agency life, and the evolving world of brand strategy.

Reconnecting and Reflecting

Our chat began with a nostalgic look back at our time working together and a recent catch-up in London. Despite the years and continents between us, it was clear that the challenges of balancing work, life, and family are universal. Laura shared how 2024 had unfolded for her so far, highlighting the ever-present juggle of parenting and professional life.

The WPP Fellowship: A Launchpad for Creative Leaders

Laura’s career began with the prestigious WPP Fellowship, a three-year rotational scheme designed to develop future agency leaders. She described how the programme’s emphasis on exposure to different markets and disciplines shaped her perspective:

“It was central to both my entrée into this industry and my network within it. The breadth of experience gave me the confidence to flex across different areas of the creative services world.”

Laura’s journey took her from Ogilvy in New York to Landor and Brand Opus in London, and even into agency operations as chief of staff for Landor’s Global CEO. This multidisciplinary background, she explained, is key to understanding clients’ true needs and delivering tailored solutions—rather than defaulting to agency-centric recommendations.

The Power of Perspective and Craft

One of Laura’s defining qualities is her ability to keep the brand itself at the centre of her work, rather than focusing solely on agency or client interests. She credits her passion for brand and design to a family heritage of craftsmanship and storytelling:

“I really believe this stuff. There’s something magical and nuanced about defining the emotional story at the heart of a business. Brand is as much an internal tool as an external one—it’s foundational.”

Advice for Agencies: Cultivating Multidisciplinary Talent

Laura offered practical advice for small and medium-sized agencies looking to develop well-rounded talent:

• Embrace Multidisciplinary Mindsets: Don’t just hire for a narrow skill set. Look for people with diverse experiences who can bring fresh perspectives.
• Listen Actively:The best agencies are those that truly listen to their clients’ needs, rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all solution.
• Empower Junior Team Members: Give less experienced staff exposure to clients and real responsibility. Learning by osmosis and observation is invaluable, especially in a hybrid or remote world.

Navigating Change: Agency, Client, and Consultancy Roles

Laura’s consultancy, Cider, allows her to work flexibly across agency and client-side roles. She’s about to embark on a four-month contract in integrated marketing at a tech company—her first client-side role:

“I don’t make too much fuss about which side I sit on. Being open to both agency and client work increases opportunities and keeps things interesting.”

She emphasised the importance of adaptability and the value of a strong professional network, especially as more talent goes independent.

Trends and Reflections: The State of the Industry

Looking back at the past year, Laura noted the uncertainty and instability that characterised 2024, particularly in the US. Despite a strong start, many in the industry faced a challenging Q3 before things picked up again. She observed:

“Nothing’s felt like it’s been on solid footing. But I always say, buttressing your brand is what stays steady when everything else is swirling.”

Laura also sees a growing opportunity for brands to take on leadership roles in society, especially as traditional institutions face challenges.

Advice for Future Leaders

Laura’s key advice for the next generation of agency and client leaders:

– **Manage Your Network Strategically:** Your network is a strategic asset, not just a social one. Use it to bring in independent talent and extend your capabilities.
– **Stay Flexible:** The days of big agencies with only full-time staff are over. Embrace new ways of working and collaborating.
– **Keep Perspective:** With experience comes the realisation that most problems are solvable, and the world won’t end if you make a mistake.

### Final Thoughts

Laura’s optimism, candour, and passion for brand strategy shine through in everything she does. If you’re an ambitious brand leader facing a thorny challenge, Laura is always keen to chat and help you get unstuck.

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**Listen to the Full Episode**

For the full conversation and even more insights, listen to “Mastering Brand Strategy: How Creative Businesses Can Stand Out with Laura Pearlstein Mills” on [Buzzsprout](#).

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*Are you an ambitious brand leader with a tough problem to solve? Connect with Laura Pearlstein Mills and discover how a fresh perspective can help your brand stand out.*