Join host Brooke Skinner Ricketts in a compelling conversation with Laura Desmond, CEO of Smartly and a powerhouse in the world of advertising and media. Laura has built her career on a foundation of bold leadership and transformative thinking, taking on roles that have shaped the future of global brands like Samsung, Coca-Cola, and Spotify.
In this episode, Laura delves into the three key bets that have defined her leadership journey: betting on yourself, betting on your team, and betting on your mission. She shares how her experiences, from leading Starcom Mediavest Group to becoming the CEO of Smartly, have taught her the importance of clarity and resilience in leadership.
Laura also reveals the strategies she used to overcome obstacles, adapt to new challenges, and lead with purpose in an ever-changing industry. Whether you’re just starting out or are well into your career, Laura’s wisdom offers a powerful reminder that true leadership requires courage, intentionality, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers
[00:31] The Power of Sports in Leadership
[01:05] Meet Laura Desmond: A Trailblazer in Advertising
[02:18] Laura's Leadership Journey and Lessons
[05:06] The Importance of Clarity and Intention
[08:28] Navigating Career Challenges and Mentorship
[19:30] Daily Habits and Staying Grounded
[21:54] The Impact of Sports on Career
[24:29] Building Strategic Relationships
[31:40] Lightning Round -
Lightning Round
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by John Krakauer and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.Q: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: There are only two things, desire and ability. And over time desire matters more.Q: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: DrivenQ: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: In the last couple of years, I've just decided to eat differently, and I think it's unleashed a new kind of energy. It wasn't a huge change—just minor modifications that have made a big difference.Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: It's a Beautiful Day by U2.Q: What do you want your legacy to be?
A: I've helped people see what's possible. -
Quotes
Business is a contact sport. Get ready and let's go have some fun.
Laura Desmond
You don't have to keep repeating the same playbook. You can be a different version of yourself, bring different sides of yourself to the work, and still be successful.
Laura Desmond
Success was never about power; it was about leading with intention.
Laura Desmond
When you do those three things—bet on yourself, bet on your team, and bet on the mission—you might not end up where you thought, but you’ll come out better.
Laura Desmond
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About
Laura Desmond is the CEO at Smartly an AI-powered advertising technology company, transforming ad experiences for brands and their consumers.
Prior to Smartly, Desmond was Chief Revenue Officer of Publicis Groupe and Chief Executive Officer of Starcom Mediavest Group, the #1 media and marketing services agency brand globally for five straight years under her leadership. Desmond has worked with some of the biggest and most successful marketers worldwide, including Samsung, Spotify, Coca-Cola, Visa, Bank of America, and P&G.
During her career in Advertising, Desmond has been awarded many honors including: AAF Hall of Achievement, Ad Age “Woman to Watch”, WSJ Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Business, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women and Chairwoman of the Advertising Council. Today, Laura serves on the boards of Adobe, DoubleVerify, as well as Smartly.
Additionally, Desmond is a champion of the advancement of women’s sports serving as an early investor in Chicago women’s sports franchises, including the Chicago Sky and the Chicago Red Stars.