This week on Own It, we’re talking to Mary Lou Bunn from Flower Shop. She came to ownership after many years at some top agencies, but had two other careers prior to advertising. She also pulls experiences from work in the hotel industry and architecture.
She’s spent the lion’s share of her work in business development and strategy, but started off as a communications specialist.
We talked about her journey, what she learned from the diverse experiences she’s had through the years and, of course, the challenges of closing the gender gap in agency ownership today.
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Mary Lou explains that if you feel you have the skills, talent, and wisdom, you should step up and do it, because no one is going to invite you or tell you it's time, especially not if you're a woman. It's about taking the initiative and believing in your own capabilities.
Mary Lou states that women are excellent at execution, and because of this, they are great at solving problems and pushing things forward. She states that women often face barriers, and they learn how to navigate those to get results. This drive for execution is crucial for getting "good work" out into the world, which is a primary motivator for her agency.
Mary Lou emphasizes that "you are not alone" and encourages women stepping into ownership to leverage their networks. She suggests reaching out to successful individuals, both men and women, who have come before them for advice and support. The generosity of others, she notes, can be a significant asset, especially in the early stages of building a business.
Mary Lou highlights how, in her smaller agency, she naturally communicates openly about challenges and concerns with her team. While this transparency ensures everyone is aware of what's happening and eliminates the need for constant "catch-ups," she acknowledges the need to evolve this practice. She wants her team to feel secure and realizes that some conversations might need a more private approach to avoid causing undue stress.
Mary Lou stresses that her agency's definition of success is centered around creating actual work for brands that gets communicated to the world, rather than just producing presentations. While decks are a part of the process, the ultimate goal is to help brands create engaging and impactful communications that people want to interact with. She believes that the best business development comes from producing excellent work that makes a real impact.
