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Meghan Mullen of Zulu Alpha Kilo NYC on Being Open-Minded
And the 'Book Whoever You Want to Be' campaign
As managing director, Meghan oversees all aspects of the Zulu Alpha Kilo New York business. Before joining in December 2022 to launch the office, she spent more than a decade at Wieden+Kennedy, leading teams on brands such such as Delta Air Lines, Target and Duracell. Meghan also had a stint at Goodby Silverstein & Partners in business development.
We spent two minutes with Meghan to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired.
Meghan, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I grew up in the D.C. suburbs, and currently reside in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
How you first realized you were creative.
When my mom deemed my elementary school artwork worthy of professional framing.
A person you idolized creatively early on.
Henri Matisse. Still do.
A moment from high school or college that changed your life.
My first trip to Europe, with my high school Spanish class. Sadly, I got sick by the time we made it to Portugal, so I went back as an adult—and serendipitously met my now husband.
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
Hilma af Klint. I’m still in awe of the size and scale of her work on display at the Guggenheim a few years ago. We also share the same birthday and Swedish roots (don’t let my Irish-sounding name fool you).
A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.
Book: Like many in the industry, I picked up Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being. It’s the best philosophy text I’ve ever read. TV: Omnivore on Apple+ is beautifully filmed. I’ll never look at my morning cup of coffee the same.
One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.
The Delta Air Lines “Same Flight” film. Sadly, the media flight behind this was pulled at the start of Covid. It’s a beautiful story under the “Keep Climbing” platform. It’s about how our human similarities are just as remarkable as our differences, and how travel allows us to understand that.
A recent project you’re proud of.
Booking.com’s “Book Whoever You Want to Be.” The insight is just too relatable—the fun of booking your next vacation is getting to choose the person you could become on that trip.
Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.
The power of the NYT’s “The Truth Is Hard”—a simple yet incredibly powerful message with so much cultural context. I now get to partner with Tim Gordon, the creative brain behind that work.
Someone else’s work you admired lately.
Bobbie (baby brand). They consistently dive into their purpose. Most recently, they took on the ridiculous rumor that paid parental leave is a luxe, all-expenses paid vacation. They pushed for dads to have the right to stay home for a bit, too. Research proves better outcomes for parent and baby. It’s an incredibly important conversation and we need to see more of it.
Your main strength as a creative person.
Being open-minded.
A mentor that helped you navigate the industry.
A big thank you to Liz Taylor and Casey Jennings for everything.
How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.
Making time for the coffee, the Zoom or the email reply.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.
I’d own a small hotel in some lovely, remote area. I’d design the place, curate a cute shop, and let my husband run the food and beverage program. Or I’d be a dermatologist.
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.
