In Conversation with Laura Stillo
Tell us about your background:
Laura Stillo is a creative video lead who has developed and produced award-winning content across the entertainment and digital media landscape. She has worked for companies such as Dotdash Meredith, HBO Max, Hello Sunshine, The New York Times, Condé Nast Entertainment and BuzzFeed. She serves as the communication liaison between A-List talent, high-level advertising clients and creative production teams.
Her work includes video for brands such as Vogue, Glamour, Allure, Bon Appétit, Wired, Teen Vogue, Byrdie, People, InStyle, Food & Wine and Entertainment Weekly. Her clients include advertisers such as Starbucks, Diageo, Johnson & Johnson, Neutrogena and Clinique. She’s an original producer for the acclaimed Vogue series 73 Questions.
She is based in New York, NY.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
Creative positions are often non-linear. Comparing your career path to those in finance, etc, isn't worth it. You will have your success in your own time.
Best career advice you've ever received?
I have a few quotes saved in my notes app that I always come back to. One of my favorites is from Julie Zhuo, author and businesswoman: "Your career is defined by your skills and how you've used them, not by any external measure of your progress."
What leadership qualities are important to you?
The leadership qualities most important to me are foresight, clear communication, and compassion. I appreciate leaders who are simultaneously able to look at the road ahead while staying present, clearly outline their expectations, and understand that underneath every successful employee is a human who is doing their best in their role while fulfilling the other roles in their life: daughter, friend, sister, mother, and so on.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
A few years ago, I landed my dream job, then was laid off during the pandemic. I'd been lucky to have a stable career with full time positions, so dealing with job loss was a difficult hill to climb, especially in NYC where your career is often your identity. I was able to find a few freelance roles that kept me on my career path while I continued to apply for full time roles. All told, it took 9 months to find a new full time position. This was a difficult setback but it taught me to be flexible and adaptive to new ways of working.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
Last season, I purchased a black Marge Sherwood bag from SSENSE. It's chic and timeless - I'm a bit of a minimalist and like to make sure my bigger purchases can get a lot of mileage!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurastillo/
Website: https://www.laurastillo.com/
Instagram: @laurastillo
