OWNED Member Spotlight: Honor Society
OWNED is a global coalition of women-owned creator companies operating in the advertising production industry working together to help women thrive. We are an initiative of global inclusion, supporting, championing and mentoring women in commercial production. A platform where owners can come together to support, share, collaborate and promote each other, leading the way for the next generation of women owners.
We want a body of WOMEN who OWN a piece of this world to join our initiative.
In this interview series, we showcase companies in our coalition.
It’s time to feature Megan Kelly of Honor Society, a driving force as company founder, managing partner and executive producer.
Megan has long been a strong proponent and champion of diversity and representation within the industry. As an active advocate and mentor for change, Megan is the co-founder of OWNED.
Megan brings over two decades of experience on both the agency and production sides of the business. While honing her skills for every facet of production and cultivating strong and enduring relationships, she has also earned a special reputation for curating and developing talent. Prior to founding Honor Society, she led production teams for such top industry shops as Savage, Shilo, The Sweet Shop, Public Domain, Czar and Click 3X.
The passion and dedication Megan infuses into her own teams and beyond towards egality is inspirational - it’s an “honor” to share her story with you.
LBB> As a creator company in our industry, what is the value of a female-owned perspective?
Megan> In my experience, the female-owned perspective tends to be a bit more “big picture”. I think we want our companies to be about something bigger. We tend to want a deeper connection to our teams and the work. I think this is evident in the way people are treated and how talent is developed. I’ve witnessed more of this culture when women are in charge from the top down as they seem to organically ensure that all women thrive.
LBB> Part of OWNED's role is to shape a more equitable and balanced industry, how would you like to see this happening?
Megan> Opportunity. We need to be giving real opportunities to underrepresented companies and talent. Tokenism does not lead to change. True opportunities need to be created which outweigh the risks. Giving opportunities only when it’s safe isn’t creating balance. Brands and agencies need to be committing to equity by giving opportunities when the risks are greater and they need to be giving more of them. We have made a lot of progress as an industry, but we haven’t yet reached equity or balance.
LBB> Are there learnings from your own journey that have bettered your leadership?
Megan> One of my leadership cornerstones is that my team always feels like they are learning and growing. In my journey, the jobs I had where someone taught me a new skill or gave me the confidence to push myself forward were the ones I enjoyed the most and I was most loyal to. I like to think about how I can further someone’s career goals, knowing that may mean, at some point, they will leave the nest and use that skill elsewhere.
LBB> What obstacles have you experienced that inhibit your company's opportunities and visibility in the industry?
Megan> This is not an easy business and there are always obstacles. Running a business is a constant dance between just keeping your head down and moving things forward and being able to look out at the horizon and the big picture to make sure you are growing and trying to anticipate what the next obstacle will be. Not all obstacles are bad things, but they require thoughtfulness and often a little courage.
LBB> Do you have any landmark moments as a female business owner that you'd like to share?
Megan> I am so proud of the “family” we have created at Honor Society and the talent we are fostering. Having developed one of the largest rosters of female directors in the business is also incredibly meaningful to me.
LBB> What has your professional journey been like?
Megan> I have been extremely fortunate to have worked at many wonderful companies and for people who nurtured me and gave me room to grow. However, when I found myself at a moment in my career where I had been disrespected, it was obvious that I need to create my own company and culture where myself and like minded people can thrive.
LBB> What inspires you?
Megan> I have always been inspired by creative ideas. I love when a director has a brilliant approach to a spot or when we see a project from an agency that is truly unique. I’m fortunate to work with an amazing roster of talented directors who inspire me daily with their passion, bravery and creativity.
LBB> What advice do you wish you were given / best advice you could give?
Megan> I wish I had been taught to be a better listener. I have spent a lot of time learning to listen and truly hear someone. Listening is imperative for making good work and building strong partnerships. It also forces me to slow down and be more thoughtful.
