Tamalyn Powell
SVP Education
What role do you play as part of BVK Leadership?
First and foremost, my role with BVK is to be a key thought leader and subject matter expert in our higher education practice. Staying abreast of the latest industry trends so that our internal teams as well as clients are aware of both short-term and long-term shifts allows us to do the smartest, most strategic work possible.
What do you think makes BVK unique as an agency/why do you choose to work at BVK?
All agencies want to be known for their amazing creative and BVK is no different. But, to me, there are a couple other things that separate us from other great agencies. First, it’s how smart and strategic our people are at every touchpoint. Everything we do is based on a solid, differentiating strategy. Second, the categories in which we choose to focus are all “life changing” and that makes coming to work every day very inspirational to us all.
What unique perspective or talent or interest or experience do you bring to the agency and how does it add value to your leadership and client work?
I think my background in healthcare marketing on the provider and client side before coming to BVK in 1997 gives a client-based perspective that not all account types have. That experience has been very helpful in both my healthcare and higher education work at BVK. But probably the most influential key in shaping who I am as a person and as a leader is being raised in a military family. That has given me the passion, determination and integrity to always strive to do the right thing for my clients and my colleagues. It has provided me with a unique perspective on life that has served me well. Growing up with an Air Force father, followed by a brother and now a son teaches one to have an appreciation for hard work and sacrifice, and the freedom to become what you set out to be.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to any client?
Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to achieve the best results for your brand. That is not always easy to do. But trust yourself. Trust your gut. And trust your agency. It’s the only way to stand out from the clutter and differentiate your brand.