In Conversation with Mallory Jones

Integrated strategy director Mallory Jones shares what inspires her and her biggest career accomplishment to date which has creatively empowered children across the world.  

Q> Tell us your career path. Where did you start vs. where you are now? 

Mallory> I started off my career as an account associate at pre-Wunderman JWT working on the Newell Brands account. After about a year and a half in that role, I realised that my passion lay in strategy, so I quit my job so that I could focus 100% on trying to find the right role. After a lot of faith and a little luck, I started my first day at mcgarrybowen as an associate strategist roughly three months later. Now, just over four years after that first day, I am a strategy director and leading a team that works across several accounts.    

Q> How would you explain your job to a small child?  

Mallory> When someone has a problem, it’s my job to figure out the best way to help them fix it. So, it’s almost like a handy man, but for business. But really, I get paid to think all day – and that’s pretty cool.  

Q> What is your biggest career accomplishment thus far? 

Mallory> I helped lead the team that created the Crayola Colours of the World campaign that ended up winning the agency’s first gold Effie last year and being a contender for a Grand Effie. But regardless of the accolades, it was amazing to work on something that was so important and very personal: Helping to give every child the power to colour themselves into the world. 

Q> What is something that inspires you? 

Mallory> Right now, my biggest source of inspiration at work is watching the team that I hired come into themselves as humans and strategists. They’re great people, so it’s just really fun to see them progress every single day with every challenge thrown our way.  

Q> What is your secret power? 

Mallory> My three-point game. Many who know me, know I played Division I basketball in college, but most don’t realise just how good my jump shot is…until it’s too late. 🙃 

Q> One thing that makes you happy? 

Mallory> The home my girlfriend and I are creating together – with the little yard in the back that will let me pretend I’m home in Virginia when I cut the grass.  

Q> What was your dream job when you were younger? 

Mallory> First WNBA player, then spy 👀. Whether or not my dream came true is classified. 😐  

Q> Bucket list item? 

Mallory> Write a *GOOD* prequel to the Harry Potter series. I have never met anyone who has read the books or listened to the audio books (#JimDale) as much as I have, so I know I would do it justice.