10 Questions for Emily Woolf
Emily Woolf
Senior Strategist, Syrup NYC
Where are you right now?
The Syrup NYC office in Tribeca.
Where is your favorite place for a breakfast meeting?
Pastis. It’s bright, open and never too crowded on a weekday morning.
What was your first job?
When I was 14 I taught 3-5 year olds how to ski…translation I picked up toppled over children that were stuffed into snowsuits and skis that were too big for them. So nothings really changed.
How do we keep the best talent motivated?
At Syrup we begin to think about ideas we keep in mind the Chinese proverb Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand. I believe it’s about giving people ownership and allowing them to learn by doing.
What motivates you?
Seemingly unconquerable problems, playing in the deep-end, being up the river sans paddle…you get the idea. I like to be scared, nervous and unsure. These are great ingredients for the best kind of adventures.
What excites you about this next decade?
The industry seems to be moving back towards genuine client- agency partnerships. The age of utilizing the agency as simply a communications vending machine is long past it’s use-by-date, in my opinion.. This dynamic is opening up how we identify the business problems, opportunities, but more importantly how both collaborate to solve problems with innovation and creativity. These types of relationships should continue to be cultivated. And with any luck, we’ll see solutions meaningful solution that have value and don’t just create noise.
What is on your bedside table?
I need a bedside table.
What is your dream job?
As long as it’s creative and mentally challenging – and has a culture of diverse, interesting and social people- I know I’ll be happy.
Who would you most like to meet for a drink?
Jerry Weintraub. After reading When I stop talking you’ll know I’m dead I’ve been in complete and utter awe of him.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Dinners and drinks. If it’s between taking the time to shop for a bedside table or going for an amazing oyster, steak and proseco dinner…
Loved your interview. you’re a wonderful writer.Part of a talented family. Keep up the good work. Enjoy! Love, Grandma