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Stephanie Gutnik of Tuxedo Concepts on Asking Direct Questions
And a lifelong passion for reading
Stephanie is president of Tuxedo Concepts, providing management consulting and expert speakers to organizations across the world. She focuses on integrated marketing communications, business transformation and women in leadership.
Stephanie previously held key roles at Billups, Yahoo, OutFront Media, and Broadsign. She sits on the boards of the Canadian Association of New York and the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal.
We spent two minutes with Stephanie to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired.
Stephanie, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I grew up in Winnipeg, and currently live in Toronto.
How you first realized you were creative.
IWhen an elementary school teacher encouraged me to pen poetry and short stories, it unlocked a profound enjoyment of observing and contemplating the world.
A person you idolized creatively early on.
F. Scott Fitzgerald. I recall reading his books as a teenager at my family cottage on Lake Winnipeg and during my first trip to Europe. The meaning of his stories are clearer to me now, but his attention to detail was captivating from the start.
A moment from high school or college that changed your life.
Attending McGill University took me from the prairies to a buzzing world of academia and culture that altered the path of my life. My sister and parents followed me east soon after.
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
Kazuya Morimoto, for capturing my favorite spots in NYC and London, and Michel Lapensée for his perfect paintings of winter nostalgia in Montréal.
A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.
I read The Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andrić last summer while traveling in the Balkans. Its comments on the region and life are poignant and important.
A recent project you’re proud of.
I am proud of recent research demonstrating that traditional out-of-home media has lower carbon intensity than other channels. This makes it a prudent part of carbon reduction strategy in media plans.
Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.
This Australian DOOH campaign by J. Walter Thompson and JC Decaux generated awareness of how dancing can help ease symptoms of Parkinson’s. My grandfather suffered from Parkinson’s and I’d give a lot to dance with him one more time.
Someone else’s work you admired lately.
It’s a tie between two Wes Anderson and Montblanc…
…and Martha, Snoop and BIC.
Your main strength as a creative person.
Being curious, asking direct questions and synthesizing information.
Your biggest weakness.
Sugar.
A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.
My parents help me navigate the industry despite (or because of) never having worked in it.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.
News anchor or talk show host. I’d still be asking questions.
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.
