Adriann Fonstein, VP, Strategy Director at Havas Media Boston, reflects upon her career, what she envisions for her daughter, and "the power of 'why'?"

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The Power of “Why?”
My daughter Raychel is a gem. Take it how you will, but the term perfectly
describes her. She’s passionate about friends, lit up by fashion, always deep in
a book, and loves pop icons. She lives moment-to-moment, unafraid of
consequence. When she was born I was excited by, and scared of, this little
girl – her personality, appearance, teenage years, and who she’d become.
Maybe I was thinking too far ahead, but I had a new reason for being and I
couldn’t help but think of the reasons why.
Part of what it means to be great in my career as a Strategist at Havas Media is
to ask, “Why?” Even at three years old, Raychel seemed to have acquired an
appreciation for the question too. Like other toddlers, she would chant,
“Why??” after every sentence I spoke. Innately, she was driven to understand
every aspect of every situation, every person, and every thing she
encountered. I hope she’s always that way. What I want most for her is to
never stop asking, “Why?”
At six years old, Raychel is too young to understand the ‘why’ in every
situation. Nor does she understand the importance of it in her life. Asking
“Why?” will shape her understanding of life and the answers will define her.
Asking “Why” will give her clarity, help her make thoughtful decisions, and
empower confidence. Asking “Why” she should look beyond appearances will
prevent prejudice. Asking “Why” will help her keep the right people close.
When she is lost, ‘why’ will help her find herself. When she fails, asking “Why”
will give her insight to live without regret.
To evolve, we need experiences that give insight into our success and failure –
experiences where we ask ourselves why we’re the empowered women we
are. I hope Raychel sees me as an empowered woman and is inspired by me to
ask, “Why?” I hope she values the ‘whys’ I’ve shared with her and hope she
becomes an empowered woman who inspires others. I hope she acts like I do
as a Strategist and never stops asking, “Why?”
The important thing is not to stop questioning; curiosity has its own reason for
existing – Albert Einstein
Havas Media is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of the 2015 Ad Club
Women's Leadership Forum. Please connect with us in the lobby at Havas
Village and on Twitter @HavasMediaUSA, #AdClubWomen, & #HavasVillage to
share your story, engage with our team (including Adriann), and get inspired
to ask “Why?”
Adriann Fonstein is VP, Strategy Director at Havas Media Boston. Her varied
experience in digital consumer experience, retail fashion planning and buying,
and brand strategy has given her the foundation to lead media strategy on the
Havas Media McDonald’s account, as the brand takes on a new consumer
target and digital approach. Adriann also runs strategy for the Rémy Martin
portfolio of brands, driving consumers in store through omnichannel media
strategies aiming to reinvigorate the established brands.
She specializes in marketing to Millennials, Moms, and General Market
consumers. She led research, consumer insights, and marketing strategy for
brands such as Levi’s, Macy’s, American Eagle, Baby Gourmet, Warner Bros.,
and Subway in her previous experience at AMP Agency.