All In: Tara Reid

Tara Reid left coastal living in sunny California for the chill of the Midwest to open the Havas Formula Chicago office back in 2016. Tara is still a beach bum at heart, but she has learned to embrace the cold weather, cheers on her beloved Chicago Cubs every spring, and appreciates the kindness Midwesteners show daily.?

After 15 years of hard work and utmost dedication, Reid landed a promotion as CEO of Havas Formula in January 2023.

One of Tara’s many strengths lies in developing and executing successful PR programs for clients across B2C and B2C landscapes—including verticals like CPG, lifestyle, technology, financial services and more. As CEO, she plans to use her expertise and management skills to not only grow the agency’s PR offerings, but also commit to building a culture of transparency, openness and collaboration.?

Over the past 15 years, Tara has helped win and grow some of Havas Formula’s top clients. She has also played a key role on both the agency’s and Havas Chicago’s leadership teams, and in mentoring and supporting the professional development of her team while contributing to continued double-digit agency growth.

We’ve asked Tara a few questions to learn more about her background, inspirations, and the creative work that she is most proud of.

Q&A:

Where did you grow up and how has that shaped the person you are today?

• I grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida, in a city called Wellington. I had a great childhood and was lucky to have access to so much, but I craved the culture and hustle and bustle of a big city from an early age. That craving never left, contributing to my independence, confidence and creative spirit. Still, I have never lost sight of where I came from and even miss it—especially in the winter.

When did you first realize you were creative?

• I have always loved reading and writing, and English was my favorite subject in school. I began writing short fictional stories in elementary school and pretty much knew then I wanted a job that leveraged these passions. When I joined my high school yearbook staff and became editor my senior year, that solidified both my interest in a creative career and holding a leadership position.??

Who is your idol (creative or general)?

• We have very strong women in my family, with my mom and aunt being two guiding lights in my life over the years. As a journalism major, I looked up to industry pioneers like Katharine Graham and Christiane Amanpour, as well as Barbara Walters, Katie Couric and sportscaster Linda Cohn. And now as a female leader who is also a wife and mom, I look to other females who have excelled to get to where they are today—inspiring women like Sheryl Sandberg, Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, and Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder and CEO of Bumble.?

Is there a moment from college or your early career that changed your life?

• Not necessarily a moment but a boss. My first job out of college was as an editorial assistant at a magazine in New York City, and my boss—the editor and now editorial director—was a young, super chic and sophisticated woman who I greatly admired and (not so secretly) wanted to be. From her intelligence and confidence to her impeccable style and take no BS attitude, I looked up to her from day one and really saw her as a role model for what and who I knew I could become.??

What advice would you give yourself at the beginning of your career?

• I have always been someone who takes risks outside my comfort zone and have never been afraid to speak up or say yes to something that even seems a little scary. But what I wish I knew earlier on and would impress upon myself at the beginning of my career is the value of mentorship and sponsorship, and the importance to not only find an advocate for yourself but also be an advocate for yourself.?

What was your favorite project you’ve ever worked on?

• I have been lucky to have worked on some incredible brands, fun campaigns and even groundbreaking initiatives. When I worked on Kashi, I organized and managed one of the very first mommy blogger immersions in the industry. I also got to attend an intimate concert at CES with John Legend when he was a spokesperson for Sound United brand Definitive Technology. I oversaw some very buzzworthy stunts for Mike’s Hard Lemonade, including a NYC adventure with Lil Dicky, and I helped Sun-Maid become relevant again, leading to a multipage CEO profile in The New York Times.?