Melissa Andraos of Exverus Steps Outside Her Comfort Zone

Facing challenges with a new perspective

Melissa is the senior vice president of strategy for Exverus Media. A 20-year industry veteran, she guides Exverus’ performance marketing and media planning teams, building data-driven campaigns for growth-stage brands. Melissa previously directed media strategy for Lexus, Honda and Cedars Sinai. 

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

Melissa, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey, and now live my dream by the ocean in the South Bay of Los Angeles.

How you first realized you were creative.

When my senior-year high school English teacher told me that I ought to be a writer. 

A person you idolized creatively early on.

Oprah has always been an incredible source of inspiration. I idolized her early on for her amazing ability to connect with people by helping them share their compelling life stories. For decades, she has used her platform to motivate others to find deeper meaning and purpose in their lives and to change the world for the better.  

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

When I was selected to be the coordinator for my university’s peer academic advising program, I had a lot of leeway to be creative with how to market the initiative on campus to students. It was an exciting, empowering experience for me. 

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

I have loved Bruce Springsteen since I was a young girl. I’ve always found him to be an amazing storyteller who can evoke a multitude of different emotions. 

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

I love the podcast How I Built This. It features stories from entrepreneurs about how they persevered through challenges. Listening to it makes me think my dreams are reachable, no matter how big they seem. 

A recent project you’re proud of. 

I’ve been working with multi-platform streaming TV show The Chosen. We helped them successfully premiere their fourth season in theaters. We launched their streaming app and reached multicultural audiences through our partnership with My Code. 

Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago. 

Like so many other kids, Nike’s “Just Do It” resonated powerfully with me, because it encouraged us to push our limits beyond what we thought was imaginable. These were the first ads that made me think about going into advertising as a career. 

Someone else’s work you admired lately. 

I love the work Apple did with their “Shot on iPhone” campaign. The simple idea of having consumers showcase the capabilities of the product and exhibit their own creativity was a great opportunity to highlight the quality of the iPhone and develop a deeper sense of community. 

Your main strength as a creative person.

I’m open to exploring new ideas and ways of thinking. It allows me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and gives me a willingness to step out of my comfort zone to take risks. I also value the input and ideas of others. I believe that collaboration is the key to making impactful work and creating endless possibilities. 

Your biggest weakness.

At times I can be too self-critical. I set high standards for myself and take pride in creating the best work I possibly can. Throughout my career, however, I have learned to celebrate my successes no matter how small they may seem and to embrace the journey by striving for continuous improvement rather than perfection.

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

I do my best every day to inspire and empower others to find their own voice and give them space for expression and growth. I encourage them to collaborate with others, reward them for their unique ideas and challenge them to step out of their comfort zone. 

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

I’d be the editor of a travel magazine, because I want to continue to see the world, experience new places and open the minds of readers.