Young Pros Spotlight
Vanessa Gershbein
What is your role / current company?
Consultant, Brand Guidance and Strategy/Kantar
If you could give one piece of advice to other Young Pros, what would it be?
My advice to YoungPros is simple: seize every mentorship opportunity that comes your way. Mentor relationships are not just about receiving guidance; they’re about forging meaningful connections with individuals who genuinely want to see you succeed. So, don’t be afraid to reach out, to ask for advice, and to learn from those who have walked the path before you.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
Being chosen from a pool of over 500 applicants for Kantar’s renowned international career acceleration initiative, the Goldstar Achiever Scheme, stands out as my most notable professional accomplishment. Throughout the program, I engaged in a variety of challenges and in-depth projects spanning across all of Kantar’s divisions, ranging from sustainability to UX research. During the Goldstar Achiever Scheme, I also had the opportunity to collaborate closely with colleagues from various corners of the globe, enriching my professional experience through international teamwork and cultural exchange. At the end of the program, I earned recognition as one of the top five graduates, receiving an honorable mention in front of the global CEO.
What is your proudest professional challenge?
Introducing a new product suite at the startup where I worked was quite a challenge, as it involved managing both our internal teams and external clients’ expectations. Working closely with different departments, particularly in product development, we had to take large raw data sets and turn them into insights using a brand-new platform, all the while ensuring our efforts truly hit home with our clients.
How has being an ARF Young Pro member impacted your career?
ARF Young Pro has been a meaningful experience as a professional seeking to build leadership skills, gain inspiration, and learn from diverse backgrounds. It’s provided me with the opportunity to connect with other ambitious young professionals. ARF Young Pro events like “AI Unveiled: The Future of Advertising” have been instrumental in expanding my skill set, staying on top of trends, and building my knowledge base, empowering me to advance confidently in my career journey.
Has mentorship played a role in your career journey? Anyone you want to give a shoutout to? Include their name if you’re comfortable sharing!
Mentorship has played a crucial role in my career journey. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors at Colgate, Verizon, The Trade Desk, and internally at Kantar etc. Each mentor has provided invaluable guidance and support, and I am deeply grateful for their wisdom. Their insights have been pivotal in molding my professional development, and I am immensely grateful for their role in my achievements.
What’s your dream job? (If money was no object, what would you do?)
If finances were not a concern, I’d would love to open and run a community arts gallery/café. As a passionate art enthusiast, the opportunity to create a space where creativity flourishes and diverse voices are celebrated would be a dream come true.
What’s an example of a company/ brand that you think is doing a great job?
One company that exemplifies excellence is Tony’s Chocolonely. They have a profound commitment to eradicating slavery and exploitation throughout the chocolate supply chain. Recently, they’ve ventured into advertising after initially prioritizing product quality and a strong mission. This strategic move aims to expand their business and raise awareness by utilizing marketing power to educate consumers about illegal labor practices in the chocolate industry. Like Ben and Jerry’s, Tony’s Chocolonely has become the leading socially conscious chocolate choice!
What is one thing you have seen on the internet recently that made you smile? Work-related or otherwise. (PG-13!)
One thing that brought a smile to my face recently was the “Michael CeraVe” Super Bowl commercial – absolutely hilarious!
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