Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilarie Viener

Hi Hilarie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Well… when I think back, it almost seems like a dream…

I began my career at the iconic Wells, Rich, Greene advertising agency in Manhattan (New York) after graduating from American University in Washington, DC.

Starting my career at “Wells” literally all happened in one day in late May (about a minute after graduation), after cleverly making my way through the “recruiter” process and scoring an interview (story for another day).

Having no real idea about…well… really anything… at that point in my life – certainly not knowing much about Manhattan – I arrived at the absolutely stunning 9 West 57 building right in the heart of Midtown, situated just south of Central Park off 5th Avenue overlooking Bergdorf Goodman and The Plaza Hotel. The building itself is a New York landmark – a 50-story modern marvel marking the New York skyline – uniquely composed of gray-tinted glass, encased in travertine stone.

I headed into the building, gazed up and around (and probably said “WOW” – and yes, probably out loud), the interior lobby was equally as impressive. I was greeted and then guided to the elevator and off to a meeting with a very put together, no nonsense woman in HR. Almost immediately, after getting the head-to-toe once-over inspection, I was asked three truly remarkable questions, first being, “Do you cry easily?” (not kidding) – which I thought was hilarious given that I had 3 older brothers (code: was teased and tortured) and was pretty much battled tested. I must have said whatever it was I was supposed to – because – it worked! I was greenlit to go forward.

On that very special day in May, I was passed along to be introduced to the magnificent person who would become my boss and mentor (the late, great Phyllis Cerf Wagner – seriously, look her up!). After sitting and talking with her for 3 hours, she asked if I could come back tomorrow – of course, without hesitation I said YES! And – just like that – my new life started! (Yes, of course, there is ALOT more to it, but that truly is the gist of it.)

I was absolutely captivated by my new surroundings – the atmosphere, the brilliant people, the style and the energy – not to mention that the whole point was to create magic designed to inspire and influence. I could not wait to get to work every day, I just wanted to be there – where I felt connected, plugged-in, purposeful and motivated.
I have never forgotten – nor let myself get too far away from – that feeling. Knowing that I can be truly engaged with something and from that, along with others focused on the same thing, make a difference and create impact – is what I’ve strived to do every day since – and hope to continue to do every day.

I went on to work in global advertising agencies on “Madison Avenue” – as well as taking a little foray into Middle East foreign policy. After about a decade working at the world’s largest agency groups (Omnicom and IPG), I launched my first business venture – and then went back and forth, in and out of agency management roles culminating in becoming President of a boutique NY agency then EVP, North America of a global branding agency prior to taking a next-level leap into launching a boutique branding agency of my own, which is in operation now. In late 2020, I accepted the CEO role of a global social impact focused non-profit, which I have added into the mix.

To date, I have contributed to the success of over 100 brands in markets around the globe and continue to gain extensive experience in working collaboratively with start-up founders, global C-suite, world leaders, market movers, and non-profit boards – which has taught me how to be fairly fluent in impact communications, technology and human connectivity.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Oh, of course not – firstly – a smooth road would be…well, terribly boring. One of the first things I learned, literally on my very first morning at very first job at Wells, was that there is always drama going on behind the scenes that has to be “handled” and that the show must go on. I “got” it.

From that moment on, I understood that sometimes you just have to take it in, assess the situation, stay calm and focus on the outcome. I also grew to understand that it’s never really going to be “smooth” or easy, but it’s guaranteed to be an adventure.

At this point, I’ve experienced almost every type of truly horrific human behavior, catastrophic “fails” and tremendous successes. I’ve wound up in situations I would have never dreamed of…and continue to face new challenges daily, ranging from minor to “game-changer” significant. It’s overcoming the challenges, not having them, that matters. I feel unbelievably fortunate, every single day and to this day.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I am known for being curious, energetic and committed. I truly enjoy my work, not just for the creativity and impact I hope to achieve – but also for the extraordinary people I have had the good fortune to meet and be around. This type of work is not a “solo” mission, it takes real collaboration, the ability to see the “unseen” and the integration of many moving parts.

I have extensive global experience collaborating with start-up founders, global C-suite, world leaders, market movers, and non-profit boards – fluent in highly impactful communications, technology, and human connectivity.

As an entrepreneur, C-suite executive and leader, I am a dedicated mentor, peer and team collaborator, community builder and partner – adept at working with those that have a variety of talents, skills, backgrounds, cultures, and levels of knowledge. I strive to garner the best from each complex personality. Based on the combination of my experiences, I am able to be quite versatile as a Non-Profit Leader (CEO); Agency Executive (President and EVP, North America) and Start-Up Entrepreneur.

I truly enjoy “Development” and having the ability and capacity to leverage a multi-disciplinary background. I have honed a unique talent (again I must thank Phyllis Cerf Wagner for laying the foundation for me) for creating relationships and solidifying agreements with key decision-makers. I instinctively understand who should be in the room, when and how – that’s where the magic happens – ideas come to life, deals come to the table – and business gets done.

And I love creating, I am known as a Growth Marketer specializing in breakthrough Branding and Communications and Go-To-Market strategies. With well over 0.1 billion in sales, I’ve contributed to the success of over 100 organizations and brands in markets around the globe.

My most recent adventure (2023) was creating Black Paw Memorial Pin (www.blackpawmemorialpin.com) – out of the insight that losing a pet is just really, really hard. The pin was created to be worn by anyone who has lost their beloved, faithful pet. As a way to honor their memory, and to let everyone know that they are in mourning and perhaps could use a little extra kindness in their time of sorrow.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Yes, it’s important to make time for family, friends, traveling and being engaged in “life”. When you are very passionate about the work you do, it doesn’t feel like work – it feels like exactly what you should be doing – and you give it your all – all the time. That being said and as the old saying goes, “time flies when you are having fun…” and that is TRUE. However, while it IS fun – it is not infinite – so remember to be kind, curious and grateful.