It takes a team to create a campaign, and at the center of that team is someone who makes sure all of the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed. At an advertising agency, that someone can usually be found in the production department. Overseeing the process of the workflow, Vickie Palm, senior director of production at WONGDOODY knows all about what it takes to see an ad transform from an idea to a realized product. At the agency for more than nine years, Vickie has led the department since joining WONGDOODY. Since a lot of minds are often involved in one campaign, Vickie has the opportunity to work with nearly all facets of the agency, and she can tell you what it means to work as a team. When she isn’t working late nights at the office, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, catching up on TiVo and planning her next beach vacation.
I think women should be honest about what they want, and just go for it!
How did you discover your current job?
I was referred by a friend.
What has been your path so far to get you where you are today?
When I was in college I wanted to become an accountant. I got a job working for a CPA review firm, which was basically an intensive course to help accountants become CPAs. Then I realized I wanted more than to crunch numbers every day. So, my boss put me on a small project, and that was the start of my production career. I left that job and went to work for Transamerica’s marketing department, where I learned the fundamentals of production. After a few years of being on the corporate side at Transamerica I decided I wanted to try advertising. I got a job at TBWAChaitDay working on clients like ABC Television, Apple, Nissan, Earthlink and Kinko’s to name a few. After four and a half years of working at a massive agency, I was given an opportunity to join WONGDOODY. When I first started there was a studio person and me in the production department. Needless to say, we’ve grown quite a bit since I started nine years ago!
What is your typical day like? Does it ever change?
I spend a lot time problem solving and making sure things run smoothly from a production and financial standpoint. There are different scenarios everyday, but always the same goal.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Knowing I’ve contributed to the success of our company and helping people around me be better at what they do.
What is the most challenging part?
Personalities.
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?
Time. It takes a lot of commitment to succeed in our industry.
What is one lesson you’ve learned in your job that sticks with you?
There is a solution for every problem.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge for women today, particularly females in your industry?
There was a time when advertising was ruled by men, but I’m not seeing that so much anymore. I think women should be honest about what they want, and just go for it!
Who are your role models?
My mom and grandmother. Little Chinese women who are not afraid to take chances to make better lives for themselves and their families.
Is there a quote or mantra that you live by?
Be a good person.
What advice do you have for girls who want to be in your industry?
Surround yourself with people you admire. Don’t get caught up in drama or gossip. Be honest about what you want and work hard for it. And it never hurts to be nice. No one likes a biatch.