Kelly Pyper, Founder & President Pyper, Inc. Branding & Marketing

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Q. What's a risk you took that paid off? (Or didn't, and what did you learn?)

A. In 2012, I decided to leave PP+K, an agency that I started eight years prior. It was incredibly difficult to walk away from the team I helped build and the clients I helped acquire—and I had a non-compete precluding me from working with any of them for two years. That could have been career ending. But I focused on what I had learned during that time, and put principles in place to create a better work environment, not only for myself, but for my team. ‍

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Q. Who championed you early in your career, and how did they change your trajectory?

A. This huge shoutout goes to my husband, Bill. Early in our marriage, we jockeyed for who had the more demanding job. But once we had our son, Paul, he gave me the grace and space to fly in my career. It was long hours and a decent amount of travel for me at that time, but I have no regrets because he held down the fort, helping me be able to harmonize all aspects of my life. He can be honest with me in a way that others may not be, for both the highs and lows that I’ve encountered in my career. 

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Q. Who is a woman who inspires you?

A. My mom has always been my biggest role model. She had an incredibly strong work ethic and natural leadership ability—she gave the orders and didn’t take crap from anyone—at home or at work. And at the same time, she was so genuinely caring with a witty sense of humor (who knew snarkiness was hereditary). I admired her for all of the roles she had in her life - head nurse, mom, wife, family member, and friend. 

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Q. What's a stereotype about women in your industry that isn’t true?

A. That women are weak. If anyone has ever witnessed a child being born, they know a woman’s strength. If a woman is weak, it’s probably someone else who has put her in the position for their own selfish gain. Never underestimate a woman’s strength. 

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Q. What's the single decision that had the greatest impact on your professional success?

A. I’m going with two decisions here! 

At the onset of my career, it was to accept a job at an advertising agency. All of my internships were in corporate communications, so that was my pursuit upon graduation from Syracuse University. But there was a recession, and entry level jobs were difficult to find, more so for women unless I wanted to settle for a secretary position. But a temp agency placed me at my first agency, and I absolutely fell in love with this side of the business. There, I honed my skills in media planning and buying—which had been a mere mention in my Marketing 505 class. I was also afforded the opportunity to work on the agency’s new business team, gaining knowledge that would eventually lead to success at my own agency. The firm was also woman-led and dominated by strong, smart women in all departments. It’s where I learned that women make really great marketers due to their natural tendencies to listen, juggle, pivot, and communicate well. 

More recently, it was to promote Lindsay to be a Partner at our agency. She is incredible at her job and an even stronger leader. She’s an integral part of our success and growth plan. 

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Q. What did you have to unlearn in order to grow?

A. That’s easy to answer - to not be a control freak, especially when deadlines are looming. In order for me to grow as an owner, I’ve had to learn to delegate and trust, but at the same time, mentor to help others grow. 

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Q. Do you have any advice for emerging female professionals early in their careers?

A. Surround yourself with people that challenge you, can be honest with you, and will help you grow—this means bosses and co-workers but also significant others and friends. Find a career you truly enjoy and fulfills you and the right employer for each stage of your life. Two skills that will always stand out to me are a strong work ethic and critical thinking—it’s the perfect balance between brains and brawn. 

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