Clio Health Champions 2025

Elinor Beltrone of Ogilvy New York on Elevating Talent With Empathy and Purpose

And creating spaces for others to thrive

Elinor Beltrone | Photo illustration by Ashley Epping 

Elinor is currently a creative director at Ogilvy New York. With 17 years of experience at various agencies—including DeVito/Verdi, Grey, TBWA Chiat Day, McCann, Leo Burnett and Pereira O’Dell—her work has received numerous awards for both creativity and effectiveness.

We spent two minutes with Elinor to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired. 

Elinor, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I was born in Paris. I spent the first half of my childhood living in the heart of the city in Montmartre (just a few steps from where Amélie took place) and the second half in the suburbs, just a few steps from my pet rabbits and chickens. Today, I reside in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, with my husband, two kids and fluffy dog. 

How you first realized you were creative.

My dad was a children’s fashion photographer and my mom was his stylist. That made for childhood memories of traveling overseas for shoots, finishing my homework during casting calls, falling asleep in restaurants during client dinners and occasionally being cast as an extra because some kid called in sick. For a long time, I dreamed of following in my dad’s footsteps.

A person you idolize creatively early on.

My parents. They left the photography world and started a jewelry shop in Soho called Ermine New York, where they spend their days designing and creating together.

A moment from high school or college that changed your life.

“Intro to Advertising” with Sal Devito at the School of Visual Arts changed everything. It wasn’t just an advertising class. It was a weekly job interview. Having an idea he thought was good enough to pin on the wall became an obsession. That’s when my competitive side kicked in—just being creative wasn’t enough anymore.

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

Noah Verrier, Yoshitomo Nara and Takashi Murakami, to name a few.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things. I didn’t look at my phone once while watching, which is pretty impressive for me.

One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on. 

In the age of family planning, Visible by Verizon wanted to promote their single-line plan. So, we teamed up with Maren Morris as she was going through a divorce and created a music video cover of Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself.” This project went beyond advertising—it was pure entertainment. From start to finish, it was one of those rare, all-the-stars-aligned experiences.

A recent project you’re proud of. 

Our latest Ikea billboard made it to Times Square in 3D—a fun project that was creatively inspiring and educational. Seeing tourists pose with it and film it was great. Having my dad share it in our family WhatsApp group was a first. For once, my extended family understood my job. 

Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.

Erik Vervroegen, who is known for saying: “If your ad doesn’t make someone feel something, it’s a waste of space.”

Someone else’s work you admired lately. 

Rasmus Munk, chef at Alchemist in Copenhagen. He goes beyond traditional fine dining by integrating art, politics and environmental awareness into an immersive experience.

Your main strength as a creative person.

I try to elevate talent with empathy and purpose, creating spaces for others—especially women—to thrive in the industry.

Your biggest weakness.

Caring. Sometimes too much.

A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.

Karen Crane. Wonderful career coach and friend.

How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.

I participate in Talk to a Creative Director. Whether it’s reviewing portfolios, discussing career changes, brainstorming ideas or sharing advice, I’m here to help.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.

Therapist. I’ve always been fascinated by understanding the human mind. I’ve even taken a few classes, but decided to stick with this advertising thing. 

2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.

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