Marnie Kain Cacossa, EVP at Grey Advertising, University of Florida Alum & Advocate for Teenage Girls in NYC  

Marnie Kain Cacossa has the sort of professional New York City life to which many young women aspire, which seems appropriate: in addition to her job as an Executive Vice President at the fabled firm of Grey Advertising, she chairs the NYC board of Step Up, the ultra-mentoring organization for teenage girls.

Now working at one of the most storied global advertising companies in the nation (its motto is “famously effective since 1917,” and one of the characters on Mad Men, Duck Phillips, joins Grey after being dumped by Sterling Cooper), Cacossa previously worked at Saatchi & Saatchi (equally renowned), and was the president of her own consulting company, Kain & Co.

She is a Brooklyn girl, attended the University of Florida, and recommends a unique book for working women: Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, which focuses on the theme of success and ambition.  She also likes HGTV, a nice, unpretentious cup of Folger’s coffee, Homeland, and The Skimm. However, while she has some very down-to-earth characteristics, her personal/professional C.V. also includes decidedly unique elements, like attending the London School of Business’ Hyper Island program while at Saatchi & Saatchi – and of course, she goes in every day to her high-powered firm, whose combined clients include one-fifth of the Fortune 500 (!), across ninety-six countries.

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?
I’m the proud mom of two amazing girls, Sienna (9) and Blake (18 months). I’m an EVP at the best ad agency on the planet, Grey Advertising, stewarding some of America’s most beloved brands (including Folgers, JIF, Smucker’s, T.J. Maxx, and Best Buy). And I chair the NY board of directors of Step Up, a non-profit that helps teen girls from under-resourced communities fulfill their potential.

What does a day in your shoes typically look like?
A big blur of family, clients, logistics, trains, planes, laptops, phones, coffee, conversation, collaboration, concentration, consternation, joy, guilt, laughs, homework, storytime and my daily dose of HGTV!

What 2-3 things do you do to prepare yourself before work and is there anything you try to accomplish everyday?
Every day before work I like to read The Skimm, get caught up on email, and scan social media. And I try to spend quality time with my family every day, even if it’s just a group snuggle in the morning or a Facetime call when I’m traveling.

What is your breakfast of choice?
Noosa Yogurt, a banana and Folgers coffee.

What are your rituals or tips for staying energized and motivated? 
I am a natural optimist, but getting outside for fresh air invigorates me. Staying connected with friends motivates me (even if just through Facebook and texts when my schedule is crazy). As for little rituals, I love to sip pomegranate iced tea in the summer and to lose myself in a good book (Gillian Flynn is my current fave author).

What is your favorite part about your job?
It’s never the same day twice. 

What and who inspires you at work?
What: The ability to influence culture; Who:  Anyone who rolls up their sleeves and owns it with me. 

How does your culture/background influence your work?
I grew up without a lot of money or connections and used my passion, grit and determination to get to where I am. In the advertising business where things change constantly, these traits have served me well. 

What was your very first job?
First $: Penny saver paper route at 12.  First W-2: McDonald’s drive-thru at 14 (they didn’t allow you to work the grill before 16!).

How many times have you changed your career direction?
None!  

What has been your biggest obstacle in your career and how did you overcome it?
A boss gave me career guidance that went against my better judgment. I overcame it by trusting my instincts and charting a course that worked for me and the company.

What is your favorite leisure activity after a stressful work week?
A nice dinner with my husband, a good glass of wine and if I can stay awake, an episode (or two) of Homeland.

What are your most steadfast ‘don’ts’ rules regarding work and the workplace, and what are your most cherished ‘do’s’? 

Don’t’s:

• • • Don’t underestimate the power of making the small things great.
    • Don’t cry in your soup.

Do’s:

• • • Do pick up the chalk.
    • Do write a thank you note less than 24 hours after an interview.
    • Do deliver the message to Garcia. 

What are the most important qualities of a good leader?
Passion, integrity, energy, thoughtfulness, decisiveness, and action.

What are the unforgettable traits of role models who have inspired you most?
Having a generous spirit, and being a strategic relationship builder and clear communicator. 

How have mentors impacted your personal and professional development?
When I spot traits in others whom I admire, I get to know them and shamelessly adopt their “tricks.” It’s more “subliminal mentorship” than a designation, but these people have been invaluable to me. There are a few people who saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself (Julie Palmer!). They have triggered defining shifts in my personal journey. 

What are three questions you like to ask during an interview to know if the candidate (or job) is the right fit? 

• • • “What type of environment brings out the best in you?”
    • “What would your current team miss the most about you?”
    • “What was your biggest failure, and how did you recover?”  

Do you have a ‘Power Outfit’ that you wear for a big meeting or important work event?
I have a few go-to outfits that make me feel powerful. Lately I like outfits with a backstory, like the newsprint dress I bought from Nic + Zoe at a Step Up event.

What advice would you give to women starting their careers?
Your “work experience” is everything you’ve done leading up to now, so don’t underestimate what you bring to the table.

What book would you recommend for women just starting their career?
Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers.

What is your favorite quote you try to live by?
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”