Family First: Carrie Drinkwater, MullenLowe Mediahub US

Carrie Drinkwater
Executive Director Investment Activation MullenLowe Mediahub
 

Tell us about yourself and your current role.

I currently oversee all video investment strategies for MullenLowe Mediahub in the U.S.

What is the culture like at your agency?

Our culture is one that promotes curiosity, camaraderie, and creativity.

How does that culture mesh with the juggling act that is being a working mother?

There are sacrifices made by working parents. Those sacrifices become easier to accept when you are part of something that you believe in and that inspires you.

In what ways has being a mother changed how you approach certain aspects of your job?

I get sh*t done! You learn time is a resource, and we become master jugglers—managing and achieving many things at once.

What would you say are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a working mother?

The admiration, respect, and pride my children have for my career. It took a while for them to get there, but boy, was it worth it!

What are the biggest challenges that you’ve dealt with?

Sacrifices. All working parents sacrifice. Whether it’s missing a performance, a doctor appointment, or a milestone, it SUCKS. The constant pang of never enough— never enough at home, and never enough at work.

What steps do you take to ensure you achieve a healthy work-life balance?

Family first. At the end of the day, the gravestones we leave behind are about who we are, not what we did.

What professional achievement are you most proud of? Tell us a bit about it.

Being part of the growth of this Mediahub family that has achieved Media Agency of the Year. When I started, I had eight people on my team. Now, it’s almost 50.

Where do you see the possibility for change for future working parents?

Support each other. Encourage each other and stand together.

Who are some working mothers that you admire/look up to? Lynn Lewis (UM) and Carrie Stimmel(NBCUniversal).

What is your favorite Mother’s Day campaign of all time?

American Greetings’ “World’s Toughest Job.”