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 Ruth Bernstein of Yard NYC. Ruth came from the brand side of the business before landing one of the most interesting and exciting jobs I can think of … she was the brand guardian for Sundance, working for Robert Redford, who she calls “Bob.” She told us that story and explained how her experiences led to starting Yard NYC with her husband.
Right off the bat, I knew Ruth and I were soul sisters. She’s not only an agency owner who works with her husband. She is a mom and a sister and a soul searcher. As we dove into the issue of the gender gap in agency ownership, she shared some really sound advice for when you take that leap and how to model yourself to ensure others are inspired to.
I’m so excited to share this with you.
Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Ruth Bernstein of Yard NYC. Learn more about the agency at yardnyc.com. Be sure to connect with Ruth on LinkedIn as well.
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Ruth shared her personal journey through fertility challenges, highlighting that persistence and determination are crucial when pursuing deeply desired goals. This experience taught her to always find a way to achieve what she truly wants, despite obstacles.
Clients play a crucial role in promoting diversity within the advertising industry by actively seeking out agencies with female leadership. Ruth, from her experience on the client side at Sundance, emphasized the need for allies who understand the challenges of being a woman in leadership and can advocate for agencies that don't conform to the status quo.
As a leader, it's essential to embody a supportive role model that empowers team members, especially women, to find their voice and confidence. Ruth prioritizes creating an environment where everyone, particularly those who might have been told their opinions don't matter in past roles, feels comfortable sharing their perspectives and driving ideas forward.
Effective leadership in an agency requires continuous personal growth and a willingness to evolve. A leader doesn't need to have all the answers but rather should collaborate, empower their team, and adapt flexibly to changing circumstances.
This philosophy, learned from business coach Shriekamoor Rao, suggests that perceived good or bad news is often uncertain in its ultimate outcome. It encourages agency owners to maintain an even keel, acknowledging that setbacks can lead to triumphs and successes might have unforeseen challenges, promoting resilience and adaptability in an unpredictable industry.
