This week on Own It, we’re talking to Laura Jordan Bambach from Uncharted. Laura is not only the founder and chief creative officer of Uncharted but also the co-founder of SheSays, an organization that educates, promotes and inspires women to take up digital creative careers.
As you can tell, she is a perfect guest for Own It! We had a great conversation about her path through the industry which included stops at Grey, D&AD and an independent firm in the UK called Mr. President. She’s very active in the industry and organizations that lift up and celebrate others. It’s high time we lift up and celebrate her.
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Early in her career, the guest recognized the potential of digital platforms (like the nascent internet) not just for artistic expression but also for delivering impactful messages to a global audience. This led her to delve into learning web design and coding, seeing it as a powerful tool to disseminate her politically charged art and eventually realizing its commercial potential in a burgeoning industry.
Despite being initially told she wasn't skilled enough as a designer, Laura Bambach's persistence and the consistent feedback and support from a mentor ultimately opened doors for her first agency job. This highlights the value of seeking out mentors and not giving up on career aspirations, even when facing initial rejection.
The guest criticizes the traditional "time and materials" business model of large agencies, arguing that it incentivizes maximizing hours rather than client value. She advocates for a new approach based on output and outcome, leveraging technology for effectiveness rather than just efficiency, and preserving human talent in strategic and creative roles.
Laura Bambach emphasizes that bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences in a supportive environment fosters great ideas. Through her work with SheSays, she actively promotes women in creative roles, highlighting the continued underrepresentation of women in creative departments and leadership positions despite women making a significant portion of purchase decisions. This underscores diversity as not just a social good but a strategic advantage.
The guest advises focusing on what brings joy, challenges, and opportunities for learning, rather than solely pursuing career titles or financial gain. She also shares advice to concentrate on one's strengths and "make them shine like the sun," recognizing that others excel in different areas and that collaboration can fill gaps, fostering a less anxious and more fulfilling professional life.
