MadWoman of the Month: Erin Simle
First, tell us a little about yourself: Name, Title, Company, how you got there. We want to know your story.
Erin Simle, Executive Producer at Fallon.
After graduating from college, I moved back home to the Twin Cities and I got a job as an office manager/account manager/producer at a small five-person web design shop called U4EA Design. In 2008, the economy took its toll on the tiny shop, so I moved over to OLSON as an interactive project manager and gobbled up everything in my path.
About six and a half years ago, I came to Fallon to help restart "digital" as an integrated producer. I love the energy and the bloodline of great creative work. I was inspired and knew that at Fallon I would produce the best work of my career.
In recent years, I’ve produced some amazing broadcast and digital videos. Partnering with world-class directors and production partners, as well as managing bananas budgets and schedules. Having a blast all the while.
What is your favorite aspect of "agency life" and how has it evolved over time?
I love the intense feeling of family that comes about in agency life. You work so hard and so closely with your colleagues, and the bond that forms is incredible. Being on the road and working long hours creates a unique vortex where friendships are formed and tested. Those relationships create a sense of community that pushes us all to be better as a team then we could be as individuals. A shared goal of great work brings us together and drives us forward.
In your career, what do you do to maintain both your passion and drive? How do you keep it fresh and meaningful?
It's important to push out of my comfort zone. Taking on new challenges and finding projects that scare me. As a producer, there is always a new challenge to navigate. It is never boring or routine. I also find meaning in mentorship. Helping younger producers find their voice is incredible.
Mpls MadWomen is about lifting each other up and helping other women reach their full potential. I'm a big fan of Shine Theory. When you lift someone up, it lifts you up. I'm a very competitive person, so reframing success to include the success of people I've helped along the way has been empowering.
And with your experience on the board and your personal definition on what it takes, how does that translate for you how in both your professional and personal life as a wife and mother?
I want to share my true self with the people in my life — that means working hard, being good at my job and creating a loving environment for my family.
I could not do any of this with out the strength and support of my husband, Gordon. Agency life can be demanding and schedules can be really rough. Having Gordon by my side makes it all possible.
How do you think being a working parent has affected your agency career and parenting style or approach?
It takes a village. Bottom line. Personally, I could not what I do with out my husband, my family and my tribe. It's about accepting help and lifting each other up. The same can be said for working at an agency. It's the ultimate team sport. You need to lift each other up and push each other everyday to bring the best work in to the world.
What advice would you give to those just starting off in their careers at an agency?
Stay hungry. Never be bored. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Lift each other up. Fight for a place at the table, and be generous when you are there. Listen! Work hard! Have fun! Take feedback to heart. It's ok to make a mistake once, but never make the same mistake twice.