How Amanda Russell of Cream Studios, Owns It
Hi and welcome to the OWN IT podcast, where we celebrate the growing number of (women and non-binary) ad agency owners and talk about buying out of the boys’ club of advertising, one agency at a time.
Today, we’re talking to Amanda Russell of Cream Studio. Her firm is based in Richmond, Virginia, and is a fantastic creative shop with specialties in 2D and 3D animation, illustration and design. They make magic come alive on screen for clients.
It’s not a surprising leap, then, to know that Amanda enjoys gaming. She plays Fortnite with her two children and husband. We actually connect that activity with some creative wisdom in our conversation.
While we talk about the gender gap in advertising agency ownership here on own it, Amanda has a double whammy. She is a female owner in the animation studio space. My guess is the gender gap may be more pronounced there.
Her ideas about how to handle that rare air and solve the gender gap are certainly valuable to consider. I so enjoyed talking with Amanda. You will enjoy listening.
The two books Amanda referenced in the conversation were:
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Key Takeaways
EPISODE: Amanda Russell of Cream Studio
1. The Value of Diverse Perspectives in Gaming and Beyond | 00:05:31
The speaker notes the surprising number of female characters in Fortnite and how many boys choose to play as them without bias. This observation highlights a potential shift in gender perception, suggesting that younger generations might be more fluid in their identification with characters, regardless of gender, fostering a more neutral and inclusive environment. This principle can be extended to real-world interactions and professional settings, where valuing diverse perspectives can lead to more equitable and innovative outcomes.
2. Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success | 00:25:43
Many women avoid pursuing leadership roles due to a fear of failure. However, failure should not be viewed as an end but rather as a crucial learning opportunity and a necessary step toward growth and ultimate success. Embracing failure as part of the journey allows for learning and adaptation, transforming what might seem like a closed door into an open one with new insights and options.
3. The Power of Empathy and Relationship-Building in Business | 00:30:51
Women often possess a natural sense of empathy, which can be a significant advantage in business. By focusing on building genuine relationships with clients rather than transactional exchanges, businesses can foster trust and loyalty, leading to organic growth through referrals. This approach prioritizes understanding and meeting client needs, turning them into advocates for the business.
4. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Asserting Expertise | 00:33:14
Imposter syndrome is prevalent among women in creative fields, causing them to doubt their capabilities and shy away from leadership roles. It's crucial to recognize one's expertise and value in any given situation. By confidently asserting one's knowledge and providing direct, respectful guidance, even when it differs from a client's initial ideas, professionals can build trust and reinforce their position as an expert. If genuine confidence is lacking, adopting an "alter ego" or role-playing a confident persona can help internalize these traits over time.
5. The Importance of Mentorship and Giving Back | 00:35:45
There's a significant knowledge gap and labor shortage in specialized fields, partly due to a lack of formal mentorship for newer generations. Established professionals have a responsibility to mentor and guide aspiring individuals, even through small gestures like a 30-minute phone call. These acts of generosity not only help the younger generation navigate their careers but also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment to the mentor.
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