An award-winning filmmaker (Versailles ’73: American Runway Revolution) and advertising agency account leader (BBDO), Deborah Riley-Draper has navigated blue-chip client relationships while also honing extensive experience in managing broadcast, print, digital, social media and experiential programs from ideation to production to measurement.
Here, she shares why she’s inspired, if bucket lists really matter and how to mine data.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
The opportunity to be creative and tell compelling stories for both my brand clients and through my film projects.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Music, entertainment and sports.
Describe the future skill sets that are essential to future business leader and innovators.
Understanding how to mine consumer data, what drives consumer behavior and applying it in marketing is incredibly important. We have more access to CRM and analytics than ever before and this will allow us to have more relevant and resonate communicates with our audiences.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries?
Judy Smith a crisis management expert, entrepreneur-[and] TV producer and I will add Shonda Rhimes as a pair right now. The second role model would be Richard Branson.
Names three books that changed how you saw life and you recommend to others?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad; Nella Larsen’s Quicksand; and Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man.
Please share why lifelong learning is important to you.
I love learning and growing. Life-long learning allows me to reach the goals on my bucket list, change the bucket list and realize that I don’t have to have one at all.
Technology plays what role in your daily life? What software and tool of technology apps include has made the biggest difference in you life?
Myfitnesspa, shopify, freshboooks and my iPhone are my daily go-tos.
What role do music and cultural events play in your self-identity?
Music and events that celebrate cultural diversity have been a staple since childhood. … I recently attended the Women With Purpose Global Summit in St. Martin and it was inspiring and informative and an excellent example of how powerful women and collaborate and create opportunities for one another.
Define your personal culture.
Learning and traveling are a big part of my personal culture and that manifests itself in a heavy-duty appetite for films and film festivals from around the world. As a visual person, I am drawn to images and regard lots of things as art — shoes included.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
South of France
