October 28, 2013
2013 Outstanding Women In Business
Christine Tieri: President smith&jones Idea Agency, Sturbridge
Photo/MATT VOLPINI
Christine Tieri
Who is your most influential role model, and why?
I am most influenced by entrepreneurs, people who are willing to assume risk when building something they believe in. My grandfather, Henry Madore, was a huge role model. He started his own engineering and construction company in his 20s and by the time I came on the scene he was building college dorms, stadiums, and commercial buildings throughout New England. I loved hanging around his office poring over the architectural plans, going on job sites, watching his projects take shape. It's very similar to the process that takes place at smith&jones. The three top things I learned from him: If it's worth doing, it's worth doing 110 percent; you can be whatever you want to be (don't believe in limitations); and it's only money.
While this last phrase pertained mainly to the ups and downs of business, it is what my grandfather told me when I smashed my dad's car in high school. He comforted me with, “Don't worry about the car, it's only money.” Not sure my father felt the same.
What has helped you achieve success in your career?
Tenacity. I was trying to get an interview at a creative boutique in Manhattan, but was only in the city for one day. My friend worked in the agency, but couldn't get access to the high-level creative director whom I wanted to work for. I stood in a phone booth on the corner while rain was pelting down, pumping in quarters to stay connected with my friend. Finally, he spotted the creative director entering his office, and immediately transferred me. Miraculously, the guy picked me up that same week.
Also, surrounding myself with talented people. The most important thing I've learned about hiring great talent, though, is to get out their way.
What's your primary motivator; or if there is one thing that makes you tick or ignites a passion within you, what is it?
I have been energized by Simon Sinek's philosophy, “Start with why.” The reason “why” I get up every morning is because I'm driven to uncover all the possibilities within the people, places and the things around me, and unlock their greatest potential to build something amazing. This really exemplifies what motivates me in everything I do. I love tapping in to innermost potential and bringing it to the forefront.
How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?
For 10 years, we have taken part in CreateAthon, a 24-hour creative blitz where we concept and produce marketing materials for nonprofits that could otherwise not afford it. Most recently, we customized this event and called it “Extreme Brand Makeover” which the national CreateAthon loved so much, they adopted it for themselves. I'm on the board of the Central Mass. South chamber, as well as Ted., the Tantasqua Education Foundation.
When the stress level gets too high, how do you ease the pressure?
I rely either on a creative outlet or physical outlet. From a creative standpoint, I like to draw plans. Actually, to confess, I'm a serial renovator. Whether it's an addition, or a room that needs an update, I love changing the scenery. I've designed every office we've ever been in, I've redone clients' waiting rooms, VIP lounges, and conference rooms, and every single room in my own house. From a physical fitness standpoint, I tend to get bored easily, but right now my activity du jour is running.
How have you tried to balance your career and your personal life? Please give an example or two.
I'm not sure I'm the best example of having a balanced life. Because so much of my job is idea generation, my work tends to follow me wherever I go. I have to give a huge amount of credit to my husband Dennis Antonopoulos. It's not easy being a spouse of an entrepreneur, he knows the importance of ensuring we have strong family time with our three teenage boys, Oscar, Dillon and Brady.
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013 Women In Business Awards - Christine Tieri, smith & jones Idea Agency
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