Gabrielle Heyman of Zynga on Being a 'Natural Born Creative Salesperson'

And paying it forward for women in advertising over age 50

Gabrielle is vice president of global brand sales and partnerships at Zynga. 

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

Gabrielle, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

Born and bred in Los Angeles. And after living in New York, Boston and Paris I returned home. I currently live in Culver City, which has a small neighborhood vibe in the heart of L.A.

How you first realized you were creative.

I had a big imagination as a kid. And even though I have half siblings, I was raised as an only child. So, I spent a lot of time alone, making up complex stories for my Barbie collection. I also did a lot of dance and choreography using my mom’s record collection: The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Queen.

A person you idolized creatively early on.

I loved Hollywood classic movies as a kid, so Katherine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Grace Kelly were early obsessions. I loved the glamour, the clothing, the art deco sets. My first job was at a Hollywood memorabilia shop on the top floor of the Beverly Center. 

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

Moving from L.A. to Boston for college was a culture shock. New England is different in so many ways. It opened my curiosity to explore other cultures, and during college I spent extended time in Tel Aviv and Paris. But Egypt was the biggest eye opener—it felt truly different from the West. 

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

I’m into political art and propaganda art from the old Soviet Union. I have a signed copy of Obey from Shepard Fairey.  

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

I’m fascinated by podcasts that review pre-2000s culture from the lens of Me Too and Time’s Up. A recent favorite was America’s Girls, about the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. 

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

One of the earliest integrations I sold as a young AE in 2003 was the Honda Element in SSX Tricky from EA. I actually found a Reddit post on it.

A recent project you’re proud of. 

I was recently honored with the IAB Service of Excellence Award, which honors my contributions to the digital advertising industry. I’ve been advocating gaming as a key marketing channel for brand advertisers for years, and recently collaborated on the IAB Causal Gaming Buyers Guide.

Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago. 

Sahara Lotti, the founder of Lashify. The way she engages with her consumers is so personalized. I don’t wear fake eyelashes, but during the pandemic, I was fascinated by her Instagram Lives. She would chat away, drink some wine and put on her fake lashes. She is the epitome of the badass female executive, dropping wisdom on the cutthroat world of beauty.  

Someone else’s work you admired lately. 

I love the Marc Jacobs guest editorial in December’s Vogue.  

Your main strength as a creative person.

I am a natural born creative salesperson. I love identifying the perfect fit for a brand to integrate seamlessly into one of our games. Once I have an idea I go after the client until I get a yes.  

Your biggest weakness.

I’m not very organized.

A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.

Carol Terakawa, who was my first boss at Yahoo!, taught me a lot about sales management. Julie Shumaker recruited me to Zynga and fostered my growth.

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

I love hiring 50+ smart women to be part of my team. They have huge amounts of wisdom and experience. 

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

Own a jewelry store and work with craftsmen to bring my ideas to life.