Karen Pugliese
Karen is the strategic proxy, partner and advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team on key issues and initiatives, contributing to the growth and reputation of the firm.
Always do what is right. It will gratify some people and astound the rest.
Question and Answer
When did you start working at Weber Shandwick?
Unofficially, 1999. Officially, 2009. There’s a back story. Obviously.
What’s the coolest (or weirdest) place a project has taken you?
Besides New Jersey? Definitely Cannes.
If you weren’t working in this industry, what would you want to do?
Getting to see (and sometimes be a part) of the incredible creative work we do at Weber Shandwick is my favorite part of the job. So if I wasn’t doing this, I’d look for a totally different way to indulge my creative side – maybe signing on as an apprentice with a landscape design or architecture firm so I could take my amateur gardening skills to the next level!
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?
There are two pieces of career advice I have always tried to follow. One, get comfortable being uncomfortable, and two, do the stuff no one else wants to do. Heeding both (as much as possible) has helped to build resilience, competency and humility.
What’s something surprising people might not know about you?
I’m surprisingly good at ping pong.
Who is someone that inspires you right now?
I’ve always been inspired by my Dad. He was the perfect blend of kindness, intellect and extra dry wit. And the best editor ever!
What’s your favorite thing about NYC?
As a native New Yorker, the best thing about NYC besides everything, is the energy and diversity of the people who live and work there. And it’s where I met my husband.
What’s your favorite restaurant in NYC?
Russ and Daughters (not technically a restaurant – just the best smoked fish in NYC.)
What is your most-used app on your phone?
I just checked. I’m embarrassed to admit, it’s WAZE.