Influential Woman · Advertising

Lydia Duran

Senior Project Manager, Ogilvy

Chicago, IL

Her Story

About Lydia

Chicago-based advertising and marketing professional at Ogilvy, currently serving as a Senior Project Manager after progressing through Account Executive and Account Supervisor roles. She leads cross-functional work across B2B and creative strategy, and also works as a freelance graphic designer creating books, websites, event posters, branding, and merchandise. Earlier, she supported marketing and design at Washington University in St. Louis and gained agency experience at Optum Marketing Group. She holds a BSBA from Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School in marketing, operations and supply chain management, and design.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Lydia

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would say attention to detail, always keeping sight on my career advancement and growth. Making sure that's my top priority, and advocating for myself has definitely gotten me to where I am today.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

With AI coming in, it's hard to say exactly how to prepare for that. I think coming with a point of view on working with AI and using it in their own day-to-day lives would be appreciated when coming into this industry, just to have a fresh take. As far as skills and preparation, I would say just always be proactive and put your name out there, put yourself out there. You never know what connection is going to get you the in that you needed to break into the ad world.

03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I think one to start with would be curiosity, you know, always kind of digging into the why behind things, how a certain process or task gets done, and seeking to improve that growth mindset. And then compassion. I'm really big on respecting personal boundaries, making sure people are able to maintain a good work-life balance, whether it's those that I'm mentoring or overseeing or supervising. I try and keep in mind that we're all human, and this is a job, and making sure that my team feels supported in that when they are feeling that balance starting to tip, that I'm able to offer and help.

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